My little year of the dragon baby!!

My little dragon baby.  It was probably over the top, but it was a blast!  We went to the store tried on the lion and dragon outfit.  The girl that helped us made it so fun.  She was saying "O here's the lion costume."  Liam didn't look impressed, and gave her that look that he gives most people.  She said  "here's the dragon costume."  This one's colorful and it has wings.  We both chimed in together.  His foot went straight up in the air he grabbed the costume, and gave us a great big smile.     "He knows that's his!" she proclaimed and she was right.

Halloween rolled around and we headed to Pop's and Mimi's for some trick or treating. 

He gave us this intense look like what is she doing to me.  We snapped lots of pictures and greeted a few trick or treaters.

  My neighbor invited us to the North Chattanooga block party.  It was full of great music, little spooks, big goblins, and lots of fun.  As we left the block party he shrilled with excitement.  I told him if you had fun baby that's all that matters.  I think Halloween 2012 was a success.  Until next year.... 

Last Pool Day at GiGi's!

Great time with GiGi in Hotlanta!!   Little Liam loves the water.   Maybe next year swim lessons will be in order.  

Ketner's Mill Art Fair

Liam and I took a drive to the Ketner's Mill Fair this weekend.   It was a perfect adventure for some fall fun.  It was just beautiful!  The vendors where set up along side the Sequatchie River. All the leaves changing made it picturesque.    The Mill apparently dates back to 1824.  This made the fair goers feel as if they had stepped back into time. The Art show was filled with crafts and activities.  Liam got to pet his first llama at the fair.  We bought some local honey.  The women selling the honey reminded me not to give it to to Liam until he was old enough.  We also had our first old fashioned pictures taken.   Which I thought was a great way to introduce my babe to Halloween.   It was worth putting this event on the calendar for next year!  

Mommy confessions!

I saw Jewel on a daily talk show recently.  She apparently has a 15 month old little girl.  She has always been a favorite of mine.   She explained how she was a controlling mother.   In her first year of parenting. She was so caught up in trying to be perfect, she missed out on some fun times with her daughter.

I always thought that I would never be this type of mother.  I was terribly mistaken.  I am trying not to miss out on the good times, and I feel I am doing a pretty good job of that.  Although, I can relate a lot to what Jewel is saying.  I am worried about everything from the ingredients in baby food, to having too much wine, or making sure we make it to church.  I get concerned about letting Liam see his mom get frustrated.  I also project about what could happen in the future.    I am concerned about how I am going to explain certain situations to Liam.  I wonder what day care he will attend, and will they call me every hour with a problem. Would he be better off at home with me, or is day care really what he needs?  I wonder if I feed him enough, and is he getting enough rest.   The list could go on and on.  

I think this is normal.  The truth is I did not think I would change that much.  I thought would be the quote "cool mom" that would still find time to party on the weekends.   I have little to no interest in that anymore.  I just don't want to get so caught up in trying to make sure that everything is perfect, or close to it. I want to find time to unwind, and tell myself being a parent is not about being perfect for your child.  I want to remember to rely on my intuition, and not on every parenting resource out there.   I just want to relax, and enjoy this, because he is going to grow up fast.  I want to remember that he is my first, but he very well could be my last.   

My Little Punkin!