Thatcher's first haircut

I've been putting it off for weeks and weeks because I didn't want my baby to look like a big boy. But it was time. Thatcher's baby mullet was out of control. I decided to tackle his first haircut at home at a friend's suggestion. Less drama, less money and less pressure.

First, we bribed him with Fig Newtons. And the dog (whom he adores).

Then, in true mom fashion, I documented the perfect baby mullet with one or two three hundred last photos.

I reminded the husband how to use the camera and made my best pouty face. Among the things in this world I don't like are change and babies that grow up. Admittedly, though, I learned that my pouty face is ugly, so that's a good reason not to pout much.

And then we got to the fun part! At one point I was holding Thatcher's precious baby hair in my hand and asked the husband to get a zip loc bag. He asked why, and I explained that I wanted to save Thatcher's hair. He looked at my like I was insane, but thankfully the fact that I had scissors in my hand meant that he listened to me. I kid, I kid. He still doesn't know why I saved it, though. 

Beyond one or two small mistakes, his hair came out well. I think he was much more cooperative in our backyard than he ever would have been at a strange salon.

We've had a fabulous weekend that included a date night to The Lion King on Friday, another birthday party and two trips to the playground. Thatcher absolutely loves the playground right now, and the husband finally got to see it in action!

I don't ever want this gorgeous spring weather to end because we are loving being outside!

first home purchases

We are absolutely loving our new home, but right now it feels very empty and barren because we have so little furniture and no rugs or window treatments. We're working on it, but it's a slow process. I found these chairs on One King's Lane and totally fell in love. My mom has a good friend who is an interior designer and helped us pick our paint colors, so after I ran them by her and she applauded my shopping efforts I decided to take the plunge!

I love everything about them and can't wait to see them in our kitchen! We also have natural blinds ordered for all of the windows, so those should be getting installed sometime in the next week or two. We're getting something very similar to this.

I can't wait for everything to start feeling like home because right now it feels a little cavernous!

the best stage yet!

I can hardly believe that Thatcher is 13 months. I don't know what happens to time, but I really wish it didn't disappear so quickly. Every month I feel like I love the stage we're in more than the one before, but this one has truly been my favorite. While I totally miss the snuggly, cuddly newborn days, Thatcher's little personality more than makes up for it! If I had to pick one word to describe him it would be joyful. He is truly a joy to be around, and his little eyes light up more times in a day than I can count. He's lighthearted, funny and kind, and I hope he always smiles this often. His laughter is so intense that there is no way you can have a bad day after hearing it. It's truly the best!

Right now I am so grateful for the stage we're in. Thatcher is on a pretty great routine, he's a lot of fun to be around, and he rarely fusses. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that he finally feels better after all of his ear trouble, but he's just an easygoing, happy baby. I can truly say that I look forward to picking him up every day because we're having such a blast in the afternoons walking to the park and playing with our friends. I really couldn't be more content than I am in this season of his life, so I am trying to savor every second with my little man!

the birthday circuit

We've spent the past month on what I've affectionately been calling the birthday circuit. All of Thatcher's first friends made it to their 1st birthdays with their parents' marriages and sanity barely perfectly in tact! I've talked before about the importance of close mom friends, and it was such an amazing blessing to be on maternity leave with these babies. After we all went back to work, we stayed committed to play dates and supporting each other. Our conversations range from "what sippy cups work well" to "I am going to hit my husband on the head with a frying pan if he {insert annoying behavior} one more time," and I just feel so grateful that these little ones and their amazing mothers have made an indelible mark on Thatcher's first year.

First we celebrated Lillian, Thatcher's very first friend (they met when Thatcher was 3 days old), and Thatcher still sleeps with the lamb that Lillian gave him. The wine her mother gave me was gone that evening. Anyway, Thatcher and Lillian are now in school together and they love each other. Their little faces light up when they see one another, and I hope that never changes! Lillian is 8 days older than Thatcher, and she had a fabulous jungle party in early February.

Then it was the Thatcher Gator's turn. He was a cranky mess for his birthday because it was a few days after his surgeries and he had an ear infection, but we had fun nonetheless!



And then it was time for Sofie's Seuss Soiree. Sofie has so much personality, and she's just a riot. She's full of energy and determination, and I can tell you that she's going places. She's spunky in a way that just makes my heart so happy.

The very next weekend Bert's mom threw an adorable "Hot Dog! Bert is 1" barbecue for his birthday. Bert is literally Thatcher's only guy friend. For some reason we are surrounded by little girls, so Bert and Thatcher have a lot of women to keep happy! Bert's mom gets major credit for ALWAYS following through on Pinterest crafts.

The day after Bert's party, we all celebrated Louise with a crawfish boil. All of the babies had a blast toddling around outside in the sun, and I love nothing more than a sticky sunscreen baby. Their red cheeks and sweaty hairlines are just perfect.

It is truly amazing how far they have all come, and we are looking forward to many more birthdays, playdates and milestones together!

prayer hands

A while back I saw this idea on The Parker Family blog. Essentially, you trace your children's hands every year and decide on a prayer for the coming year. It could be relevant to their age, a stage they are going through or just a hope you have for them. I absolutely loved the idea and thought that it would be a fun thing to do at each birthday. Then, when they are older, they have a collection of the specific prayers you had for them. I mean, I am pretty sure I will be a bawling mess by the time Thatcher or any of our unborn children are 18, headed to college and I am looking back at these.

Look at these precious 1 year old hands. I love that they are smudged and not at all perfect. I love that they remind me of the mini battle we had just to get this project accomplished.

At this point in his life, his little personality is slowly emerging. Each day he becomes more of the individual he was created to be. I want him to always remember that even before he was born, he was Thatcher. He is special and unique and has a set of gifts that are his alone. As his parent, I feel strongly that it is my responsibility to encourage these gifts and be supportive of them, regardless of what they may be. This idea is a central tenant of one of my favorite chapters in one of my favorite books Praying the Scriptures for Your Children

Basically, the point is that we, as parents, should see the positive side of our children's behavior even when it's challenging. The reason being that their behavior (not misbehavior, an important distinction) is often a manifestation of their precious God given gifts. I just love this idea, and the author uses the following example:

"Next time your 4th grader puts off doing his homework so he can entertain your friend’s preschool-aged children when she stops by for a visit, thank God for giving him the gift of service. And when your 12 year old fails to come home on time for dinner because he was talking with the recently widowed gentleman who lives up the street, bear in mind that he may have the gift of mercy."

So at the tender age of 1, I really hope that I remember to do my part in encouraging these gifts in Thatcher. When he opens the same drawer in the kitchen for the 39th time to grab a sippy cup and run away giggling, I hope I remember that he has the beautiful gift of playfulness and humor rather than worrying about the fact that I just.emptied.that.clean.cup.from.the.darn.dishwasher!!! And I pray that he will always see his strengths as gifts as well.

Kisses from Thatcher

Thatcher's latest trick is blowing kisses. He does it with such gusto that it's hard not to laugh!

We've had another busy but fun weekend with crawfish, a playdate and two birthday parties. Lots of pictures coming this week, but I'll leave you with this ridiculous cuteness. In case it's not apparent by their outfits, spring has sprung in New Orleans!

Addison will look precious at Easter!

The winner of the NOLA Tots Easter t-shirt is Elizabeth at Beyond Blessed. She has an adorable blog and a precious baby girl, and I can't wait to see what she chooses!

Thanks to everyone who entered, and if you're in the market for a new personalized shirt I promise that you won't be disappointed!