New Experiences and Goodbyes

My boy and I were busy bees today...

 We got to tag along with Kaz's BF, Griffin and his mommy for our first visit to music class at Gymboree!

Music was themed around the 80's - I couldn't think of a better time to begin:) Kaz got to try out lots of new, interesting instruments and soak up new surrounding and sounds. We plan to make it a weekly date over the next couple of months. I'm sure we will have a couple of Mozarts on our hands by the end of summer;)

Tonight we had a PF Chang's patio dinner and said goodbye to some wonderful friends. They aren't going too far, however won't be in a 30 mile radius of us for many years to come.... 

Wishing them the best and know God has wonderful things in store for their journey!

And so it begins...

 Summer break has been nothing but wonderful so far...and hot! Kaz and I have our schedules planned out for the most part and are really looking forward to our time together:)

We have managed to stay quite busy these first few days of break. Our first stop was the public library to grab a schedule with all the summer events to attend. We spent Thursday with Kaz's friend Griffin and his mommy Lori...hanging by their pools and cruising in their cool cars. We're going to tag along with them next week and try out a music class at Gymboree. We've always joked about them being the "freshest new boy band", so we're just trying to prepare them for what's to come;)

Friday we celebrated my mom's (Kaz's - Sha Sha) retirement. We are so thankful that she is going to be staying at home after the summer to keep up with our Kaz man for the next few years!

It's amazing the difference I have seen in my little man just the past few days! He is talking like crazy...getting closer to being mobile everyday...and just so fun and involved in what's going on. He definitely keeps me entertained! I have great expectations for all that's in store this summer. I am believing for big things and major catching up for my sweet boy.

Kites & Pinwheels: 1-year-old

A snapshot of a wonderful celebration....for one amazing boy!

3-year Anniversary:)

Friday night, Preston and I went out on a date to a wonderful restaurant in celebration of our 3rd year of marriage. We spent the night in Louisville, where Pops and Mimi kindly offered to take on "baby duty" so that we have a few hours for a dinner...just the two of us:)

We chose to dine at a restaurant in an old part of Louisville, called Jack Fry's....a well-known, use to be sports bar, now turned upscale restaurant. We had a wonderful meal (the filets are amazing!) and adult conversation with no interruptions from Mr. Kaz;)

So thankful to be celebrating 3 years with such a wonderful man. We look forward to many, many more celebrations in life to come....
Not to mention: I'm really looking forward to the 5 year - he's promised to take me to California;)

Life Lately - according to my Iphone

High fivin' Chapel girl...

Clapping with Trust:)

Sporting his tie-dyed in style;)

He scored a cookie from the deli during our morning Kroger trip

 A little wagon riding at the farm...

The day he started babbling...."ba bo ba bo"  - so cute! Mother's Day weekend, while shopping 

Cheering on the Legends! Kaz's 1st baseball game

Anticipating Summer!

With summer break in sight, I find myself beginning to fill the next 2 1/2 months with weddings, family reunions, vacation, birthdays, etc. Is this really a "break"??!!
I have vowed to myself that I will be conscious of making time for the important people in my life....ie: my husband, my son, and close friends/family. This will be my first real summer break, considering last year was spent mostly in the hospital with my "NICU baby". I'm looking forward to sharing lots of quality time with my boys and really being a 24/7 wife/mommy. I AM excited!

I am thankful to have consistent days with Kazer...working on "catching up" with his therapists and just times to snuggle. I can't wait for our annual trip to OBX with my mom's entire family...I'm excited to show Kaz the ocean...I know he will love it, considering how much he loves water:)

Here are just a few things on the top of my summer list...

Kaz's 1st trip to Orange Leaf - one of mommy's fav spots:)

ANTICIPATING SUMMER:
Early morning trips to Starbucks with PC
Cracker Barrel breakfast
Baseball/Softball games
Afternoon shopping
Visits to Orange Leaf
Beach Vacation
Tommy & Tootie's Wedding:)
Kaz's buddy - Griffin's bday celebration
Kaz crawling/walking?...he's quite heavy to carry around you know;)

This school year has been wonderful and I couldn't ask for a better group of individuals and students to be surrounded by. I know August will be here soon enough, so I'm going to do my best in soaking up the summer while I can!

1-Year Blessing

One year ago I remember waking up in the hospital and hearing the words..."You have a son, and he is alive". At that moment I never thought this day would come - the day we would celebrate my baby's 1st birthday. Thankfully, I have had the privilege of being a mommy to a wonderful little boy named Kaz for the past year and just this past weekend we got to celebrate his life and how good our God is!

Day 2 in the NICU

Considering all the challenges we have faced this first year...pyloric stenosis at 2 months, apnea/heart rate drops, monitors, helmets, you name it....our big guy has definitely overcome the odds in the preemie world.

At Kaz's 1-year checkup he weighed in at 27lbs. and measured 30 inches tall. He is off the charts for his gestational age and above the 70 percentile in both areas for his actual birth day. That is quite unheard of for most preemies, which take years to catch up to their peers in the size category.

Kaz continues to be a bit behind in the area of gross motor, however we have seen major improvements in his fine motor skills where he has closed the gap. He continues to work with the PT and OT on a weekly basis to enhance his motor skills. Kaz should now be performing in the 10 month range considering his due date...if we could just get him to crawl he would just about meet all suggested milestones:) He would much rather someone carry him or stroll him around. I am trying to soak up all of the "baby" that I have left and appreciate him "needing" me.

Our boy loves people! He would rather interact with someone than play with a toy any day. He now recognizes familiar faces...and not so familiar faces;) He has definitely started to become attached to his grandparents on all sides! I think he is too wise for his own good - he knows they will spoil him:)

 Accomplishments/Milestones/Favorites to date:

Fav Book: "I Love You Through and Through"

Sits independently

Waves hi and bye

Points

Rolls over both ways

Sings himself to sleep always

Signs "more" and "thank you"

Gives kisses

High fives

Loves playing the piano

Mastered the sippy cup

2 pearly whites on bottom

Loves anything edible and can feed himself with hands

Almost has the pincer grasp mastered

Favorite video: Baby Einstein Signs/Baby Signing Time

"Look to the Lord and His strength. Remember the wonders He has done and His miracles." - Psalm 105: 4 - 5

Check out Kaz's 1-year Review:

http://youtu.be/MydQ7_UkRQQ

 Happy 1st birthday sweet boy! More pictures to come from the bday celebration....