Oh what a year can bring

Dan and I have been busy getting ready for Colton's first birthday. Ok, who am I kidding, I have been busy and Dan has been a gracious husband who is supporting the big bash anyway he can (minus a few eye rolls, who can blame him).

As we have been trying to tackle a few projects (insert, way too many... what were we thinking!!!) at home, we were talking about what life was like last year. It's hard for me to remember what it was like. I had all this down time, what in the world did we do with it? We slept. Oh, how there are days where I miss sleep. I honestly have told Dan we should just get my parents to take him over night and come home and sleep. That would be a perfect date night. I digressed.  Despite missing sleep and being able to actually carry out a full conversation wtih Dan. There are few things that I truly miss prior to being a mom.

Last year around this week, we were in the midst of the adoption world with all the highs and lows a person could handle. I remember Dan and I talking about IF we would ever be parents and IF that nursery of ours would ever be used. It was a hard time in our marriage and personally for each of us. If you have ever gone through adoption you know. If you are currently waiting, my heart goes out to you. It is one of the most difficult things to endure, but at the end, when you are holding your son or daughter it is worth it. I promise, it is worth every heart ache, doctor appointment, test, procedure, home study, paper filling out date night, profile book editing into the wee hours of the night and hopeful match that didn't work out.

So, as we are busy getting ready for his 1st birthday and trying to recall where the last year went. I am enjoying all the invites, cupcake making, decorations and craziness that comes with throwing a party. Because, honestly, we were never sure we would have this honor.  We never knew if we would throw a party for our son, buy him presents or watch him take his first steps (which by the way he did!!).

We are so thankful for a special birth mom who changed our lives forever and gave us the most perfect gift!

Happy early birthday Colton and get ready for a fun party buddy!!!

Curly Cuts

My Mom and Dad thought it was time to get a haircut. I really like my curls and was a little nervous to have them trimmed. 

The night before the big cut!!!

Once I got the salon I was really excited. I sat very still and let Emily cut my hair. She was really fast and it didn't hurt at all!! I really liked getting my hair sprayed with water. 

MOM... What is she doing to me???

Mom and Dad let me have my first sucker!! 

If I can get a sucker, she can cut my hair all day

Puppy Love

Aunt Jessie brought over the newest member of the family for us to meet today. Welcome to the family Tank. Yep, you did read his name right and yes he's all of 3 lbs. Mr Colton was not sure what to do with him and was told MANY times to be gentle. 

Mom!! Seriously, he won't leave Elmo alone! 

I give up, lets just share the toy

At the end of the visit, they didn't mind that the other was there. Colton definitely needs to work on his sharing skills though. Aunt Jessie, you and Tank are welcome anytime. I just don't think that we will be getting a puppy anytime in the future :). 

Visiting Grandpa and Grandma Mach

Off we go to Grandpa and Grandma Mach's. 

**Warning, LOTS of pics below that have not been edited yet**

 Mom and Dad got me a new seat for the trip!! 

Hey Dad, are we there yet?? 

This is where Grandma aides to my love for water ...wait where is the water??

Hey Grandma!! What do you think about letting me swim later??

On our way to the graduation party, I found my tongue again.

 Colton LOVES to swim!!!

Thanks for letting me swim Grandpa & Grandma!! 

"SO BIG"

Relaxing

Fearless...puts face underwater

All done!

Love to hang with my daddy

 Grandpa and Grandma took me to this fun place that had a train, go karts, bumper cars and golf. This will be a fun place to visit as I get older. This time Grandpa took me on my first train ride.

Grandpa showed me how to "run" the train.

Next up... Grandpa shows Daddy how to REALLY drive!! 

Come on Daddy, you are going so slow 

That's my daddy!

Grandma and I cheered!! 

Grandpa sure drives like a pro!! 

Grandma teaching me to play and sing

my new cousin Harper. Mommy took this pic right when I woke up.
She was worried I might be too rough with Harper otherwise

 Great Grandma with her Great Grand kids
 We sure do love her!!!

getting some extra cuddle time in before we head home

The Mach's

 Thanks Grandpa and Grandma. We had such a fun visit. Look forward to seeing you again soon!!

Love,

Colton

p.s. I think I talked my parents into getting a cool pool like yours on the way home

My First...

Today was my first Mother's day. This was once a day I did not look forward to. It was a day to remind me of a dream that had not happened. This year was different. This year was such a gift. 

Yesterday, Colton and I spent time with the woman who has given me such a precious gift. We had a wonderful day at the zoo with his birth-mom and half brother (who we had never met before). It was a great day to celebrate Birth-mom's day.  It was amazing. It was a day that will be ingrained in my mind forever. I look forward to telling Colton all about it! 

Today I woke up to my son and husband wishing me a happy mother's day. Dan made the morning so special. They got me a very special mother's day gift... a new camera. Colton and I had fun the rest of the day trying it out. 

** WARNING LOTS OF PICS BELOW**

Ready to Play!

Uncle Jake, Aunt Jessie and Colton

Colton sure loves his Uncle!! 

Water table = hours of fun!!

Oh...did you want me to smile? 

Talking to daddy

I am honored to be a mother. 

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's. 

Kate