Lights for Lucas

We got Lucas a Christmas tree for his room. I think the pictures speak for themselves. 

*Note, to recreate those cute baby pictures using a strand of lights, you might NOT want to wait until they are toddlers. Lucas was having no part of it. I'm not sure if the lights were hot, bright, or it was because my camera was out. Because when the lights were unplugged, he loved them, of course. But I still got some fabulous shots, and knowing me I'll try again before it's all over. 

My Little Turkey & Traditions

We've enjoyed our Thanksgiving break. It has been jam-packed and full of some of our favorite things-- family, friends, food, traveling, shopping, and decorating!! We enjoyed Thanksgiving lunch at Grannie's house and then visited Daddy, Ms. Mindy, Grandma, and Grandpa. And we finished the day off by visiting the Oliver's.


Then we went over to the Howe's house and had a little sleepover--in order to go Black Friday shopping. We ended up having a GREAT experience and we got home before too many people really got out on the road and in the stores. All of the employees were helpful, friendly, joyful, and kind-in addition to the shoppers. We got the things we wanted/needed, and some extra stuff that we found :)

After Black Friday shopping, we went home and began decorating for Christmas! One of my most favorite times of the year! I find it even more fun this year having Lucas to enjoy it.

I think I'm most looking forward to all the traditions we get to start with him.

We will decorate on Black Friday each year.
We will go get a family personalized ornament each year, that Lucas will get to hang on the tree.
We will give Lucas a gift to start off the holiday season-Christmas pjs, books, and a toy/stuffed animal. (maybe as he gets older-a Christmas movie). And maybe next year we will add an Elf on the Shelf to the mix.
We will get pictures taken with Santa.
We will go visit the Lights at the Zoo.
We will make and decorate cookies for Santa.
And as I think of other things, I'll add to this list.
Maybe one day, we'll add cutting down/picking out a Christmas tree from a farm.

I love traditions, especially for holidays. I hope Lucas loves it and appreciates it as much as I do the older he gets.

I love my sweet family and over this break, all the emotions of my baby boy turning 1 and growing up so fast hit me. Many times I was just so overcome with joy, I was tearing up. He is just such a joy and so sweet. I love watching him explore things and learn new things. He is happy, healthy, and beautiful. We are so blessed and I'm just so thankful, for so many things this year and each year. I have a wonderful family of my own, along with such a wonderful family and group of friends. I am so thankful to have spent so much time with them over the past few days, and I'm excited for more to come with Christmas.

Santa's little helper

Oh to experience this through the eyes of a baby

I love this sweet smile 

and his sweet new Christmas pj's 

Kisses for Momma

Thanksgiving 2014

LBO is ONE

This weekend was hectic and fun! We started celebrating our baby boy on Friday, his 1st Birthday, on November 21, 2014! We went to Chick fil A for breakfast-all 3 of us! Then I picked him up from Ms. Debby, and he got his first present-a box of Legos from Ms. Debby and Mr. Don-he LOVES Legos!

Once Andrew got home, Lucas (or we) opened his presents-we got him a small wagon he can pull around, some books, and some bath toys. We video taped it and took lots of pics of basically us opening presents :)

Next, we went out to eat at San Jose's! One of our favorites and I believe will come to be Lucas's favorite, too. He loves quesadillas and cheese dip :) Sounds a lot like his mommy!

Then, we celebrated with our family and friends on Saturday. The party was great! There was lots of prep, lots of time and energy spent getting ready, and I'd do it all over again because it was so much fun...but I'll wait until next year!

Oh, and no doubt, Lucas LOVED his cake, and made quite the mess :) it was a lot of fun!

We had lots of visitors and love and we are so appreciative of all of the love and support we have received for us and Lucas. Thank you to each of you, whether you were able to come celebrate, sent a message or gift, Thank you so much!! We love you!!!

Take a look at our Facebook album for more pics

ONE year ago

November 21, 2013

A year ago my life changed forever (it started long before Lucas arrived), but the day he came into our lives, I was changed and I didn't even know it. 

I labored for 24+ hours starting on Nov. 20th and on

 November 21, 2013 at 1:48pm 

we met our 

Lucas Benjamin Oliver

 This sweet little boy was so miraculous and beautiful. And he still is to this day.

He still makes this cute face (I think he gets it from his Mommy)

His daddy was completely infatuated with him (I didn't get to hold him much in the first week LOL)

My cute family of 3 on day 2 at home. 

I can't imagine my life without our sweet Lucas. He is truly a joy. Andrew made the comment the other day to Lucas, he said, "You are my biggest accomplishment." When I heard him say this I thought, that describes how I feel to a T! 

This little boy has taught me so much in only a short year. I cannot believe this year has passed so fast. I remember thinking of all the things he would do and how much he would grow and change and learn...and those things will not change....but it's crazy, I remember getting so excited for him rolling over, sitting up, eating food, crawling, talking, walking, etc. While I was excited for each of these milestones, I'd like a mulligan to go back and relive it. 

Tonight as I laid him down, I teared up thinking about how much things have changed in the past year, but how truly blessed we are to have Lucas. God sent us the most beautiful, fun loving, sweet baby boy ever. I thank God every day for sending this sweet miracle to us. I wish there were real words to explain my love and admiration for this boy. He brings so much laughter to me each day. 

He is our greatest accomplishment and blessing. In the past year I have truly learned the meaning of putting some else first. Being a mommy is a whole new world and it's hard at times, but it the most amazing job title I will ever hold. I am excited to see what the future holds for us and our sweet Lucas. We are excited to continue to watch him grow and learn. 

Happy 1st Birthday My Baby Boy, Lucas. 

Your Daddy and I love you so much!

You are so special to us! 

We are so excited to celebrate YOU!

You have brought us the MOST joy and we couldn't imagine life without you!

We've Got a Walker on our Hands

Look at him go.....

The First Cut

We made the hard decision to get Lucas's hair cut. Well, I say we, but I mean I :) Like Andrew told me, he was not emotionally involved in this decision. I wanted to wait until he was 1 year old, as a 'tradition', but his beautiful locks were just getting too long in the front and not staying brushed over to the side. We searched up and down everywhere, or I did, trying to find place people LOVED for their child's first haircut. We decided on Sharkey's and we were very pleased. Lucas loved sitting in Lighting McQueen, "driving", and watching what was going on in the mirror. He did a great job and sat still (for the most part). We were VERY pleased with the end results. He looks cute and still like himself and like a baby, not too grown, yet. They also gave him a balloon, which he LOVES! and when it fell out of his reach on the way home, you would've thought the world was ending. 

Overall, great experience!   

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Trying to get a good picture for his certificate