Day 1 vs. Day 365

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, IAN!

From Baby Awesome to Mr. Ian. Thank you for being the light of our lives. Everyday you help to make us better than we were the day before. We love you dearly!

Mommy & Daddy

What a week!

Wow.

Last Sunday, we learned that Casey's grandfather was close to passing. We spent most of the day trying to organize Casey and Ian's return to the tundra. Literally. I miss my boys greatly, but I will take the sunny skies of Colorado over negative temperatures and snow up to the knee.

We learned that Grandpa Carl passed in the early hours of Monday. He was a good man and will be missed greatly. We feel blessed that he got the opportunity to meet Ian last June when we were visiting and that Casey was able to get the time off from work to be with his family at this time. The trip did not go without speed bumps though. Traveling is hard enough, but an infant makes it even harder. Ian was a trooper like always though.

They made it to Chicago and learned their flight to GB was cancelled. Good news - they were able to get them on another flight. Bad news - very long layover in O'Hare with an infant. Aaahh...the joys of traveling by air. They arrived late, but safely and that is all that matters.

I think it was a great trip for them. I am excited to see photos. Ian got to meet his Aunt Megan and his cousin, Ethan. It was good for Casey to be with his family. Good for the soul. I wish I could have been there, but duty called. I spent 12 hours at work on Monday and Tuesday. That wiped me out. Really. I woke up Wednesday AM not feeling well, but made it to work. I quickly realized that was not in my best interest. I returned home and stayed in bed all day. I moved to the couch when the sun went down. Progress is progress, right? Fortunately, I woke up Thursday feeling better. I decided to stay at home just to make sure. I am glad Casey and Ian weren't here so I don't have to worry about them catching it.

Last night, I had sushi with Jon & Heather with a nightcap at the Pumphouse. It was a great way to unwind from the week. I spent my morning cleaning house, doing laundry - making up for all the slacking I did the rest of the week;) I am going to leave in a few minutes to get my haircut, then I get to pick up my boys at the airport. I can't wait! Casey just called and they made it safely to Chicago. Yay! Then I am off to celebrate my 33rd birthday - we figured the earlier the better since my actual birthday is snuggled nicely between the inauguration and Ian's first birthday! Tomorrow I am looking forward to a relaxing day at home with my two favorite guys.

Happy New Year!

2009 is here and in full force! We enjoyed our time away from work and with family. It was exactly what we all needed. NYE was a quiet night at home. Ian and I caught up on the best of 2008 - thanks Maggie!

Maggie & John brought over yummy pizza for dinner. We had a few drinks while flipping back and forth between Carson Daly (ugh), Ryan Seacrest (more ugh), and crazy stuntmen in Vegas (mildy entertaining).

New Year's Day was great. We hosted a dinner party, so spent most of the day prepping and cleaning. Casey did a wonderful job with the meal. Of course. I tried to help where I could, but my biggest job was watching Ian. We had so much fun. He loves his new truck and I got a cute video of him walking behind it.

Our friends all joined us for an Indian dinner to welcome 2009. It was so nice to have our favorite peeps in one place. Casey bought me some Polaroid film for Christmas and I couldn't wait to bust out my camera. Ian was able to hang for a bit before bedtime. He passed out his birthday party invitations before hittin' the hay. The crafty bitch in me did a swell job if I do say so myself...

Friday, I headed north with Kate and Ella for another Carter's trip. Ian was awake so we thought he should tag along. It was a good time. Kate was in search of a cute dress for Ella's upcoming photos and well, I was in search of...pants, shoes, a hoodie. You name it. I didn't do too much damage though. I can wait to splurge for his birthday;)

Casey and I have started to discuss our remodeling projects. We spent Friday night in the basement organizing all our stuff. We have a contractor coming over on Thursday to discuss ideas. Yay! We often talk about our kitchen remodel, but know that is a few years away (we're holdin' out for IKEA). We originally decided to do nothing in our kitchen. We figured why put any money into it when we are just going to change it all down the road. But after our dinner party on Thursday, I realized I just could not take our kitchen faucet anymore. We researched some faucets on Friday night and headed out Saturday AM to find one. Casey installed it with no problems and I was happy as a clam for the rest of the weekend! Check out the before and after shots. Honestly - anything would have been better. I am geeked to have a sprayer that actually works and a clearance of more than 2 inches:)

Apparently, a new faucet was just what I needed to light a fire under me. I spent most of Sunday in the kitchen. I made carrot cake cupcakes. Delicious! Then I dove in and made some goodies for Ian. We decided it was time to introduce some spices to his life, so he now has Peas & Onion, Carrots & Cumin, Peaches & Cinnamon, Corn & Marjoram and Mangos to choose from. Yum! I also spent some time organizing Ian's baby scrapbook. I have started to piece it together. I was hoping to have it done by his first birthday...we'll see. I have been known to pull off crazier stuff.

We have settled into our normal routine again. Daycare, work, daycare, play, dinner, bedtime, more work, more dinner, bedtime. Then get up the next day and do it all over again. It is so worth it though. Proof - the video below. Wishing a fabulous new year to you and yours...

2008 taught me...

1. I love being a Mom.
2. Forgiveness is doable.
3. Buying a home is scary, but rewarding.
4. Momnesia is real.
5. Poop and vomit are just a part of life.
6. Going to bed at 8 PM doesn't mean you are lame.
7. Hard work can pay off.
8. Going green is harder than you think.
9. Dark chocolate M&M's are the best.
10. I can see the mountains from my dining room and that is pretty damn cool.