Dear Tucker

I can't believe you are already ONE!  It has only been a year, and yet I can't imagine life anymore without you here. I've loved you from the very moment I knew you were growing inside me. You have been a true gift from God in every way.

The day you were born was a very scary time for Mommy and Daddy because you had a lot of complications but you've always been a fighter and such a strong little boy.  The momemt I was able to hold you was one of the best experiences in my life.  To know that I created such an amazing little baby so precious and perfect in every way.

 Oh how I love to hold you tightly, my baby boy! I love that you're such a baby - so cuddly, and so snuggly. That when I pick you up, you bury your head on me, kick your little feet in excitement, and occasionally will suck your thumb. That when I’m holding you, you gaze up and are so content just being held and loved on. I prayed that I'd have a snuggly baby, and I got one in you!

 Your eyes light up when you get excited. You dance, rock, move your hands and sway to any music that’s playing. You like to click your tongue, and you have six teeth in that little mouth. You started walking the week of Christmas and now you're practically running out of sight.  If there is any action happening, you want to be right in the middle of it!

 You're already a little talker. "Bye, bye!" accompanies your wave. "Mama" and "Dada" have been perfected. When it's time for Nighty Night you will walk to the stairs and climb all the way up the whole time saying "Nite Nite" and you'll ask for your "Bear" and "Blank" short for blanket.  You enjoy playing with your "Ball" and playing farm with your "Cow", "Neigh" (horse) and "Duck".  You're a very happy and social little boy.  You enjoy taking baths and splish splashing in the water.  You always ask Mommy for a "Bath" when your hands get dirty from eating.

 Oh what a gift you are, precious boy! You are sugar and spice, and everything nice! You laugh so easily, and love tickles. When you really get going, the squeals and belly laughs come out. You are bright and radiant and full of life, my precious Tucker "Tuck". You are a delight, and each day is a gift with you. A gift to love you and be a reflection of God's love to you. You'll learn to think of our Heavenly Father's love the way your earthly parents show love to you, and I pray we demonstrate the love of the Father to you.

 I can’t wait to spend each day of this next year with you, precious boy. I am so in love with you. You make my heart melt.

All my love,

Mommy

Home for the Holidays

I took some time off from work over the Holidays to celebrate Christmas and the New Year with my family.  I had such a wonferful time while I was home with Tucker and my husband Keith.  Keith didn't take any time off from work this year (except for the holidays given to him from his company) because his company is really busy but I did enjoy my time off with Tucker.  I really didn't do anything during my vacation (besides all the family gatherings :) ) from work except spend time with Tucker and my family. I was only away from Tucker for one afternoon and my mom and I decided to take advantage of some after Christmas shopping together.  We had a wonderful afternoon together and we were able to find some great after Christmas sales at Peppermint Forest, Hallmark, and Hobby Lobby.  Peppermint Forest is my favorite holiday shop for decorations and I love love love their silver and blue decorations!  Keith graduation from UNC Chapel Hill in 2002 and I grew up loving Carolina and I always followed UNC sports so we both love our Carolina Christmas Tree of blue, white, and silver (with a few touches of red).  Keith was heartbroken this year when he wasn't able to go to the Carolina vs. Tennessee Bowl game in Nashville, TN (which was an awesome game especially the last minute and overtime with a Carolina Win).  Keith was however able to attend the Meineke Car Care Bowl with his friends.  I guess since the bowl has been in Charlotte He and I have always attended with his friends from High School except  I wasn't able to attend last year because I was pregnant and this year Tucker is still so young.  I told Keith to go ahead and enjoy being with his friends.  I think it's good for Keith and I to share time with our friends especially since we've grown up with most of them it's great to keep in touch and hold those relationships close. 
While I was on vacation believe it or not I actually enjoyed cleaning the house, doing the laundry, and cooking on the nights that were needed.  I had the hardest time returning to work this week and leaving Tucker with my sister.  I cried to a few girls that I work with but it was good to get it off my chest.  Tucker cried after me and actually clung to me one day.  Can you say, "heartbreak".  I hated to leave him but I have to return to work but I know it's what's best right now.  On a happy note I placed some pictures of Tucker playing below while I was home.  He really enjoys playing with all his new toys from Santa and of course from Mommy and Daddy.

Tucker loves playing in the play room (formerly the man cave).

 Nana and Poppy bought Tucker this John Deere and he loves to push it around upstairs.

 My sister, Melissa, gave Tucker this play mat and he loves it!

 Tucker loves rolling these balls on the floor and crawling after them.

Playing downstairs before we left for New Years Day lunch with my family.

 

 Smiling big for Nana and Poppy!



HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!

Happy New Year!!!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!!!

May the Lord Bless You in 2011.

CHEERS!