Quinn's First Birthday!

These are only a few of the many wonderful birthday pictures we have for Quinn.  It was SUCH a happy day.  Actually, it was September 18--the day before his birthday--though the next day we took him to daycare with another little cake to share with his friends there.  But this day we met at the park right near our house where Quinn usually plays.  We knew it would be a big day for him, so we wanted someplace close where he was comfortable.  Most of the family was there, including Gammy and Grance, Wendy and Christien and Kiernan, and Granddaddy Jake and Omi.  They were all so sweet with him, showering him with attention.  Granddaddy Jake had a real way of making him giggle, which was adorable.  Cousin Kiernan was also so wonderful at being patient with him and letting him have the limelight.  He also brought Quinn his very first balloon--which was by far Quinn's favorite present.  I never feared about where Quinn was or what he was doing if I got distracted, because I knew his Aunt Wendy always had an eye on him.  His Godmother and Godfather (Mary and Goodie) also came and provided him with boxes of animal crackers which he proceeded to shovel down covered in a fair amount of sand.  Quinn also ate icing for the first time--and you can see his delight.  He was so good clapping his hands and dancing in the middle of a circle to "if you're happy and you know it clap your hands," courtesy of a cute Elmo book that Prof. Wadine Gherke gave him.  He got sooo dirty and played in and on everything.  He never fussed or cried but rather relished in all the attention.  He didn't even nap until late afternoon when I finally put him in the stroller to head home.  Clearly, even he knew it was a special day.  

No Promises

I continue to promise more updates on this blog, but continue to disappoint.   No more promises.  I will post when I can and try to keep this up-to-date.  As with the pics I just posted under "Family Ties," right now I just want to ensure some of the pics I love most are posted to the blog so they are not lost in cyber land somewhere.  Quinn should see just how tiny he really was, and just how much he was loved from the start.  Below are a few more that I adore. 

Family Ties

I'm back! ...Almost!

My gorgeous child is nearly 1 1/2 years old and I haven't posted since the 4th of July!  Unacceptable.  I will begin to remedy this right away!  Meaning, this weekend. xo

4th of July

Well, at least that last blog worked, albeit the fact that the picture is no larger than my actual thumb and the time is earlier by an hour.  No matter.  Today is the 4th of July--America's Day.  So, as I celebrate being an American, I also celebrate the fact that 4 months later I can even post something to a blog when I really don't even know what "blog" means or where it came from!  So, I will try again!  First, to add the same picture but bigger and second, to add one of my all time favorite pics taken just about a week ago and Quinn's first classroom party at the YMCA.  He loved having Rich and me there--but mostly Rich.  He is obsessed with "Da-da" these days and that is pretty much all he says.  Just a look from Rich will make him giggle.  When Rich puts this little plastic blue starred ducky on his head and catches it as it falls, Quinn exults in a laughter I have only just started to hear: a sort of hearty, intense, hard cackle that almost looks like it hurts.  Like he is telling us--listen guys...that is REALLY funny.  Don't forget this.  Because it is REALLY funny and I am dying here.  You HAVE to do this again!!  Wonderful.

Just Checking

I have not blogged in soooo long that I am just posting one of my favorite pictures now to see if this thing is still accepting entries.  Turns out this motherhood thing is FAR more work than I had EVER anticipated.  But also, far more satisfying. 

LOVE

The loves of my life, loving each other.  Does it get any better than this???  Quick answer: HELL NO.