Our Time

My favorite time...our time at night - just Kaz and I. The simple time...when I rock him and sing his three night time songs. But, the best part are the kisses! I am smothered in open mouth kisses from my little man from the time I start singing until right before I lay him down:) That is our time...just him and I...and nothing else matters. Tonight when we said our prayers before I turned out his light we added in a special praise to God for his protection, healing, and most of all, peace.

I really do love this little boy with all of my heart. Sometimes I am reminded of my sweet little baby when looking at him, however amazed at how quickly he growing up into a little boy. I'm sure I am partial, I mean I am his mommy;) but he does have such a kind heart, the best smile, and already makes friends with everyone around him. I am so honored that God chose me to be his mother and each day when I wake up to his sweet sing song voice and every night when I lay him down and get a great big smile, I am instantly reminded what a gift he is...

15 months & Mobile :)

Mr. Kaz is on the move!

Each day that passes our little guy is getting a bit stronger. He has now mastered the "army crawl" and we couldn't be happier!

I know before long we are going to have a little toddler that's into anything and everything. Most parents dread the thought, but to be honest, I'm looking forward to him finding independence and simply having the ability to get around on his own:)

His vocabulary is also growing at a rapid pace. His responses seem to be right on cue and at times I find myself asking...."did he really just say that?". Sometimes it sounds like he is stringing a whole sentence together?? I'm sure it is just a coincidence, but it's quite entertaining to play along with his perfectly timed response.

My favorite time of the year is upon us and I'm so excited for fall, winter, and all the festive holidays to come! I'm looking forward to celebrating and truly being thankful for all the blessings our family has received when reflecting on this past year alone. 

Graduation - It's a Celebration!

Another chapter has come to a close! I graduated today:) with my Masters in Special Education. What a great feeling it was to have the hard work from the last two years of juggling a job, family, and school pay off with a teaching certificate as the end result.

Some friends and family joined together to help celebrate before the big day. We had a little Mexican Fiesta (basically because it happens to be my favorite food;).

I was blessed to be surrounded by the support of all of my family on this beautiful August day.

I can't imagine what all is in store for my career in the future...but I know there are big things ahead:) I can only hope to make a positive and lasting impact on my students along the way.

Another step closer!

Slowly but surely, Kaz continues to show us how he is growing...and reaching new milestones. Today, he took steps on his own (with help from his walker of course;). This goes down in my book as a very memorable day! Just another reminder of how far he has come, how quickly he is growing up, and how God continues to bless him with new gifts. With a humble heart and daily prayer, I am very hopeful for future progress and for Kaz to have the ability to be mobile!

Vacation 2012

Our summer vacation couldn't have been any better. Especially getting to share it with our happy little 1-year-old:) Kaz was such a good boy the entire trip! I was actually amazed at his ability to be so flexible and cooperative with all the new surroundings, especially being gone for over 10 days.

We made two stops during our time away. First, we made a visit to see my dad and the rest of the Dailey's in Gatlinburg at the resort where I grew up spending my summers as a little girl. Kaz was excited to spend time with his Pops and Mimi as well as his fun cousin Emil. We had a couple of days to relax, shop, and lay around the pool together. This also split our drive up a bit and made the long haul to the beach not quite as exhausting.

We decided to drive through the night to the beach in hopes that Kaz would sleep for the most part....and he did! As soon as we arrived to our beach house for the week the fun began.

Our house for the week

The girls...working on our beach craft:)

Days were spent on the sand and in the waves. Kaz enjoyed his pool and to my surprise didn't mind the sand - which made being a "beach bum" much easier;) We even managed to bring his red car for rides/walks along the sand.

We ate at all of our favorite spots for dinner and shopped around at the beach shacks nightly. Our nights ended with a stop for ice cream to cool off. 

It was nice showing both my boys the ropes of OBX...the place I have grown up knowing as the best summer getaway.

Dancing with my baby

My favorite picture from the trip:)

Time is dwindling down...there are just a few short weeks left until school starts back. I'm going to do my best to soak up the rest of the time we have left.

14 month old Kazer:)

I now have a blonde-headed boy! Never thought I would say that, considering his daddy and I both have super dark hair?? But Kaz has never been too predictable;) After our beach trip I do have a blonde babe.

Kaz has shown many developmental changes over the past month. Probably one department daddy would like to brag is the area of rhythm. Not sure if it's the Gymboree Music class that has paid off or what? But Kaz has started clapping, dancing, and finding joy in music and literally anything with a beat. He even shows interest in worship:) shaking his hands around to the music.

Next, another huge "Kaz milestone" recently is pulling forward from the sitting position to the crawling position. He has done this in the past before, but not as consistently as recently. Of course, I'm praying that is a sign for more progress to come:) Kaz is definitely getting stronger every day! There is nothing he can't get past in his walker. I'm actually in the process of shopping for baby gates believe it or not. He is so much stronger is his core and looking much more stable and confident when sitting.
Obvious improvements are happening with Kaz's muscle tone. He is much more controlled and effective when using his body. This is huge and a constant prayer of mine!

There are a few new obsessions in his life....
The most recent would be any remote he can get his hands on! He is "your average male", I guess you could say;)

Another steady favorite are his new Baby Signing Time DVDs & Laurie Berkner Band show (thanks Owen;)

This month has been a great one! I'm looking forward to the few weeks left to spend with my boys and whatever else we can get into before the real world starts back.

Birthday Celebration Weekend

We spent the weekend celebrating two wonderful birthdays....

Kaz was super excited to celebrate with his BF, Griffin this weekend. He turned the big 1 this Saturday and we were sure to be there from start to finish to celebrate his friends big day! The birthday was fun for all,     including lots of yummy treats and even a photo booth with mustaches and bow ties to "strike a pose" in celebration of the special little man Griff.

Sunday, we celebrated with a very special little lady - Miss Kennedy:)

She shared her backyard with so many that love her, accompanied with pools for the kiddos and delicious food. Kaz is so lucky to have so many great friends to grow up sharing life with!