Christmas 2012

We had a busy Christmas season this year. Austin was sick with a cold, ear infections, RSV, ear infections again and a stomach bug all within a months time. But luckily he got a break during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Here is how we spent most of the holiday:

Lisa took our family pictures and we love how they turned out!

Austin was too sick to attend the Lamb Christmas party but he opened presents at home later that evening.

We spent a few days at Ma and Papa's house. Chasing the neighborhood cat and playing with family. Papa recorded himself reading The Night Before Christmas on a recordable book for Austin. So cool!

For Christmas Eve we went to dinner with Robert's parents and Erin and then home to open gifts!

Austin quickly got the hang of opening presents and discovering a prize inside. But after unwrapping his bath crayons he was no linger interested in anymore gifts. 

He scribbled on the gifts and scrap paper and then took a late bath to try them out in the tub :)

Christmas morning was sooo much fun. He woke up at 6am sharp as usual and after waking him up with his favorite early morning snack, grapes and milk, he was ready to see what Santa brought.

The first toy he ran to was his large Tonka truck, "Whoa, wook!" He must have said that 6 times during his excitement.

He was most interested in his cars and car ramp.

We were thrilled and surprised at his excitement. He loved his candy bottle that he found in his stocking of goodies and sucked on it most of the morning while playing.

Brian, Lisa, Gavin and Olivia came over Christmas Day for lunch and playing.

The morning after Christmas it was time to take down our poor, dried-out tree. Austin was anxious to follow Robert out to the road.

After the tree we spent the evening playing games with the Holt family. Austin LOVES playing with his cousins :)

Although it was quite the challenge keeping our mischievous boy from removing all the ornaments on the tree and we were all a bit under the weather off and on, this was hands down the best Christmas for the Lamb family! 

Austin's First Year of Exciting Adventures

Click here to view this photo book larger

Photo Book Tip: Create an adventurous travel photo album at Shutterfly.com.

Lamb Cousins

Austin enjoyed spending the day with Gavin & Olivia today

They played in the pool

I love these kiddos

Olivia was making sure he didn't dry out

Austin was all tuckered out but Gavin and Olivia enjoyed a movie with Uncle Robert

 After the pool they wanted to take a bath

And then Gavin attacked the "giant" (Robert) and caged the "lion" (me). Olivia kept yelling "HELP!" and Austin was just crawling all over like, I can play this game too! fun times!

Gavin is such a great older brother and cousin!

Fun on the 4th!

Our Independence Day celebration was super low-key and relaxing.

Stayed home, watched a Red Box rental late that night and didn't even venture out for fire works.

Austin was super tired and I didn't have the heart 

to keep him up and make him miserable for a few fireworks.

He played in his little pool  and had so much fun.

Here are a few picture of the cutie.

Seriously I took like 40 (at least) and had to go through deleting, 

this is still a small portion of what I kept :)

LOTS of splashing!

testing the water

closest thing to a smile I could capture, this was all serious business

 

annnnd, time to get out!

 

 

 

Am I letting myself go???

Let me start by saying that I have never been happier and more satisfied than I am at this stage in my life. I feel complete with Robert and Austin. Robert and I focused for so many years on having a baby and now we have him....and now I am not quite sure what to do next...
I am a planner and I love to look toward tomorrow. It makes me happy and excited to anticipate what is next... I do believe that I have stalled out with my planner personality. Lately I am a 'living in the moment' kind of gal. Don't get me wrong, I like this too but I am coming to realize that this is not the only thing about me that has changed in the past year. I think I might be....LETTING MYSELF GO??? Let us not focus on that probability possibility, I need to focus on what I need to start back or just start doing. I made myself a little pick-me-up list that has the single purpose of motivating me to focus on me...not too much, but enough to get back to having hobbies and interests...I cannot even think of one hobby that I have right now...this is not a good thing!
Anyways, the LIST:

Start sewing again (maybe throw in some writing and drawing if I can handle sewing)

Eat healthier

Get a massage...this one is for you Melanie ;)

Go shopping for myself

Join the gym *don't judge me :P*

Read a book

Do something fun for my 30^th birthday...is that a three zero???

Only drink 1 carbonated drink each week (they are not doing the mid section any favors)

Take a good family picture, like frame-worthy

Plan a awesome party for Austin’s birthday

Go on a weekly date with Robert

Plan a relaxing vacation

Take a couples ballroom dance class with Robert

Plan and host a Girls’ Night

Update my blog at least monthly

 

Has it been that long?!?!?

I cannot believe it has been since February since I last posted. There is no way to recap so let me just start fresh...again! 

Robert is finishing up his Summer term and delivering pizzas at night. 

I am busy being mommy. I have been planning Austin's birthday party. Some may say this is a bit early, but hey! a lot goes into a kid's first birthday  :) I was recently called as the Primary President at Church and I am busy trying to figure out the whole primary thing. Who knew so much went into to this calling!!! 

Austin is getting so big! He is crawling like crazy, pulling up and "cruising". In the past week he started waving 'bye-bye' and standing alone. He is still waking up all through the night. Separation anxiety is in full swing and he is 100% momma's boy right now! He loves being outside, exploring the house, playing in his room and sneaking in mommy & daddy's room when the door is left open. He hates having is clothes changed and LOVES taking a bath or playing in the pool. He is our sweet boy that loves to snuggle and play with hair :)

I am not vowing to post more often or anything...but hopefully it won't take so long next time!

Here are a few pictures of our adventures in recent months...

We visited Papa

Played in the Park

cut my hair

played with cousins

got a visit from the Easter Bunny

Yay! Easter toys

splashed in the pool

bowling with friends

eat, eat, eat!

took a trip to Florida

Played at the beach

Photo Book

Soooo, my latest project is making Austin a 1-year photo book. I am totally obsessed with it. I just got it up to date so that I only have to do it on a monthly basis. I made one for his birth announcement using My Publisher and I love how it turned out. Now I am using Shutterfly and I pretty much L-O-V-E all that you can do to customize the book. I am picture crazy these days, carrying my camera everywhere.

Time is flying

What are cameras for? To capture moments that trigger memories that would otherwise be forgotten. If only a camera could record the way you feel when you see your baby do something for the very first time or capture his soft scent or save a glimpse of the gentle touch from his precious hands. We are completely and totally smitten by this baby boy and we're enjoying every moment that we have. I have noticed how much he is changing and growing everyday and before too long he will be running around playing and like Robert's cousin said, I will miss those 2am feedings when I rock him back to sleep.

I cannot put into words the happiness and joy that I feel through being a mother. It is the most rewarding and satisfying thing I have ever experienced. I highly recommend it.

Austin is working on sitting up unsupported now. He is holding his bottle, jumping day in and day out in his "jumper-roo". He has completely shunned the pacifier. He loves his morning stroll around the neighborhood and just being outside :) He has his daddy's calm personality for sure!

Getting so BIG!