daily lesson.

Here's just a bit of personal reflection.. a comment about the lessons that I seem to learn and re-learn quite often.  But here's the background:

I went to the grocery store yesterday with Leyton.  I stopped to get a Starbucks first (mmm).  Leyton wanted it, naturally.  I said no, and no again but everytime he saw it, he whined for it.  Just one of those mini battles that happen quite often.  As I finish up and get to the line, he starts up again, wanting what I have. Now people in line chose to share their opinion.. one said, "oh poor guy, he must just be thirsty."  Another said, "wow, looks like he needs a nap!"  (ok, really?  for all you mom's out there.. you've probably heard this a million times.  My head is thinking.. "oh is that what it is?  think it's that easy?  do I not know my child?" and on and on.. oh, I have a sin nature.)

So, we leave and head to Target.  I thought, ok I'll get him some juice.  He finished it in about 1 minute.  The kid was thirsty!  I definitely learned a few lessons. (1) an enjoyable Starbucks is a thing of the past. (2) listen to the little guys' cues.. he just can't express what he wants and.. (3) don't get too defensive when people express their opinion!  It might be not far off!

You'd think being over a year into this parenting thing, that I wouldn't need to learn these "simple" lessons still.  But I do!  Then, this morning, as I was reading my Bible, I come across this verse.

"This is what the Lord says- the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker:  Do you question me about my children, or give orders about the work of my hands?  It is I who made the earth and created human beings on it.  My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts." -Isaiah 45:11-12

Imagine that.  If I get defensive about my own child, imagine how defensive God is of us!  Why do we question him?  Why do we think we know what we need better than he does?  He is the Creator of the universe.. and He cares about us!  This really hit me today.. I want to strive to give Jesus all I can, to submit to the plans He has for me.  He is my Father, and he knows best!

And to think that God loves me a million times more than I can love this kid...?

Oh just look how cute he is!

story time.

So, it's hard to get to church lately.  Leyton is still loving his morning nap, so the earlier services can't happen.  And he is not liking nursery lately (oh correction, hating).  I feel so bad!  We've tried to force it and just let him cry, but he cries so hard he hyperventilates! So, this last Sunday we went to our "old" church in Eagan (love Oak Hills).. he was with us for the worship music then we thought we'd try the nursery.  He does ok for a bit, playing with the toys and the other kids, but then he looks around and doesn't see us.. and freeeaks out.  They page us, we go get him, he calms down temporarily, but just can't quite recover.  He keeps crying, so we had no choice but to leave.  Nice 1/2 hour church.

(Side note:  Luke finally got his big boy car fixed.. his BMW.  Transmission went out, but now it's fixed.  He was feeling so excited, so we took a family trip to church in the Beemer.  His nice, sparky, new-ish Beemer.  That's key to the story.. ugh)

So, we're on our way home.. he's just crying a little, almost falling asleep, but keeps crying.  I turn around to help him and all of the sudden..     throw up.  all.  over.  like projectile, everywhere!  We're freaking out and yes, by this time, it is allll over Luke's leather seats.  (ha!)  We pull over, take his clothes off and hold him.  Give it about 5 minutes and a little smile comes across his cute face.  grrrrr..

Apparently, he'd worked himself up so much that he threw up?  We had to deep clean Luke's car, the carseat, all our clothes.  Such a nightmare!  It was a bit stressful, but in the middle of it all, we couldn't help but laugh.  I mean, what are the chances...

and no, there's no photo with this.  for obvious reasons.

my heart is full.

Chatting with the brothers and their new babies.. so entertaining :)

Arrival of Delaney!

I forgot to tell you.. Miss Delaney is here!  She came via C-section on March 22nd.. sweet little thing was 5 lbs, 8 oz.  She's doing so great as are her amazing parents.  Not that Nathan needed wasn't already a softie (oh, I love my brother), but he's just melted and they are both madly in love.  They are going to be such wonderful parents!  Ahhhh I just wish I could be there!  Denver is too stinkin far.. I want to kiss her little face.  Here she is!

Delaney Grace Kirkpatrick!

what it takes to take a picture.

this is the thing.. I'm a photographer.  I take photos for a living, and pretty darn good ones, if I can so myself.  I can capture mesmerizing moments on a wedding day, but I have the hardest time with my son! 

He squirms, we know that.  I have these great ideas in my head for mini photo shoots, but I can't seem to make them happen!  Like today.. he got a personalized Mickey shirt in Florida from his grandma and grandpa Pross, complete with Mickey ears and all.  I had a feeling the hat thing would be tough.. but come on bud! This is what we got..

Easton wanting to eat Mickey..

See Leyton, I can sit here.  Not that hard.

or not.

ok fine, I'll just take a picture of Mickey.

got sidetracked with the broom.

eating always helps him stand still for a second.

ok, not bad Leyton.  Thanks for sitting for 2 seconds.  And these eyes tell me we're done...

I guess you can call it real life photography, that's what it is!

all grown up

I know he's not really grown up.. that's when he's 18 or so, right?  It just feels like it sometimes!  I know mom's all understand the freaking out over watching their kids grow up, but it's really amazing.  A year is short.  We live lots of years in our life.  But in one year, our little worm baby is a real boy!  He walks, talks (well, he thinks he's talking), he's got such a personality!  It's the little things...

In Florida, he really mastered the walking thing.  He doesn't even look back to see if we're there!  Mr. independent doesn't want be held (but I've had to cope with that for a while now).. he just wants to walk on his own!  He walked for probably 1/2 mile at Disney, all on his own.  So funny. 

He's such a show off.  He's really understanding the things he does that make people laugh.  And when he gets a response, he giggles along and keeps doing it.  Whether it's a burp, a noise he makes, or a face he does.. he loves performing!  

He's so adventurous.  He loved playing in the sand in Florida, and in the water on the beach.  He's gentle at first to figure out if he likes it, then just goes for it.  He was army crawling in the sand flat on his stomach!  You just wonder what's going on in that brain of his :)

Luke and I are not naive that Leyton is.. a challenge.  He's so strong willed and will let you know what he wants, when he wants it.  Maybe it's a good thing that our first child is like this, I feel like nothing else will phase us now.  But we know we're going to have to be strict to get this kid in line :)  He's all boy.  High energy, always moving.  We talked to a guy in the airport about his kids.  He said that his boy was very "Leyton-like" and is still that way at 18 years old.  But he reminded us that we won't remember the difficulties, but to cherish every moment during these fleeting days.  That the smiles and giggles will far out weight the tears. I so hope I remember that.. embracing the boy that God has made for us and enjoy this journey.

I need those reminders when a 4 our flight is the last thing Leyton wants to do after running in the sand. :)

We love you little man!

Florida sun

For the past week, we were on an amazing vacation to Florida!  It was such a dream to leave this gross, gray weather and head to sunny Orlando!  We went with Luke's parents and the Stevin duo (Steph + Kevin).. and of course our little tag-a-long, Leyton man.  The short version: laying by the pool, day trip to the beach, samples of Disney and Universal, full day of rides and shows at Universal, fun restaurants, Pina Coladas, Cirque du Soliet!  (Leyton's version.. giant sandbox, splashing in water, running around naked and being with my fam!)  

Here's a sample of our trip in photos.  

oh little man, you are stinkin cute!

big shuffleboard guy..

smiling at grandpa is one of his favorite activities.

he loved the sand!

checking out the birds at downtown Disney.

didn't think twice before heading in the fountains.

Thank you Muggs & Chris for a wonderful get-a-way!  We had such an amazing time and are ready to go back whenever you are.

1st birthday party

Happy Birthday to Mr. Leyton!  We had such a blast at his first birthday party.  Yes, he probably had no idea what was going on.. but he sure enjoyed having so many friends and family (& little friends!) over to celebrate.  Here's some photos of the occasion.  

p.s.  I had way too much fun planning this shindig.  

Luke spent at hour and a half putting together our present to Leyton.  Which took him about 5 seconds to destroy.

delicioussss cupcakes!

Thank you HILARY!!!  She is the ultimate cake boss and created this awesome thing.

a little overwhelmed..

love those fingers!

loving the sugar :)

Thank you Johnna for taking these photos!  We had SO much fun, he got some wonderful gifts from his buddies (thanks!) and enjoyed celebrating our little guys' first year of life. Love you little dude :)