Growing so fast...

Oh...Nicholas, you're growing so fast, and I can't keep up.

Don't get me wrong. I don't ever want to be that Mom that says "where did the time go?" I am so very fortunate to be home with him, and watch him grow, every. single. day. I marvel at his beautiful face. I laugh so hard at every giggle. I smile through the "oh god you're stressing me out so bad" moments.

I know I have what a lot of moms may want. More time with their children. And I never. ever. EVER take that for granted. I'm so thankful for this life. Every single moment. every single day.

Milestones.

He pooped on the potty, two days in a row. Not gonna lie...we were sitting in the bathroom for a good twenty minutes and I heard a noise, and i yelled "did you just shit in the toilet??" he goes, yeah mama, I shit..and he did!

We're cuddling before bed he looks at me and says "mama, I'm ready to go to bed", and points to his crib. I'm so glad to be raising an independent, happy, and pretty cool little dude.

Don't get me wrong, he has some pretty fantastic tantrums. Me, the queen of crazy, responds to them in quiet, gentle, "let me know when you're done with that" tones. And thankfully, for the most part, it works. And when it doesn't, I let him retreat to a corner and he lets me know when he's ready to hang again.

Life is good you guys. Life. is. good.

LHS Come.Sip.Stay

Last weekend I helped out at the LHS beer and wine tasting fundraiser, entitled Come.Sip.Stay. I feel so very fortunate to be a part of an awesome group of people. The event was a great success that raised several thousands to support animals in need. I cannot urge you all enough- if you have or find a cause that is important to you, and have the ability to help, go out and do something about it. xoxo

Erik and Joe Visit

This past weekend my brother Erik and his husband Joe came to visit and we had THE BEST time! It was so great to see them especially since we will not see them again until Christmas.

They got here in the early afternoon on Sunday and Sunday night we went to PF Chang's (Erik had never been) and then saw The Skeleton Twins. It was a tough movie to watch, there is a lot about depression and suicide, but I really love Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader (as do my brother and Joe) so they made the movie very enjoyable. I'm glad we got to see it.

Monday we headed to Smolak Farms (our third trip in the past week, I guess you could say we like it there) and in the afternoon made and decorated "haunted house brownies."

Lowell Humane Society Updates

I'm back to volunteering once a week at LHS and it's so awesome to have the time to help animals in need. We've got a couple of crazy dogs to work with so I'm looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we as a group can help make them better, more settled, and adoptable.

It's not something I like to mention, but unfortunately it's been a tough few weeks and two dogs I had the pleasure of meeting and working with had to be euthanized. One was a super sweet pug named Bruce that was in failing health when surrendered to LHS and unfortunately was not going to get better. The other was an elder guy, a 14 year old beagle named Homer, that suddenly went into kidney failure and the only right thing to do was to let him go peacefully. I knew this would be part of helping out, and while I shed some tears, I know that the people at LHS really love and care for every single animal that comes in to their home and they couldn't be in more wonderful and loving hands. One of the many things I've learned in school is that as much as you may like to, you really cannot save every animal.

The people I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with at LHS are absolutely amazing. I feel so fortunate to be a part of a good group of people that welcomed me with open arms and share the same thoughts and beliefs as I do when it comes to the care of animals.

We have an upcoming fundraiser next weekend that I'm really looking forward to. Life is even better when you've found your purpose.

This is Chloe and this is her badonkadonk. Currently adoptable through Lowell Humane Society. She is super sweet, loves to walk, but also loves to snuggle. Seriously, what are you waiting for? Adopt her now. Ok? Thanks.

This is Stewie. I don't know how much he likes me but I still made him take a selfie. He's only 4 months old, super bouncy, and super awesome. That is all.

Tacoma, a beautiful, gentle, awesome, smart, sweet, fantastic, awesome - did I already say awesome? dude- who I cannot believe is still in the shelter. Please come see this guy and adopt him.

Tyson, one of our newer guys who I mentioned above. He is an unbelievably beautiful dog who just needs to learn some manners, and will be ready for his forever home.

Rondo, another newer guy that I mentioned above. He is so derpy, spastic, bouncy, and excited. As soon as he learns to be more like a dog and less like a crazy person, he will find his perfect home. As you can tell by these two pictures, he even makes me derpy. :)


xoxo

Moments

Nicholas has been growing so quickly- every day I feel he picks up a new word (some of them not so great) or learns or does something new. It is amazing to watch and I'm so very fortunate to witness it all. Some of my favorite moments of late:

Aaron and Morgan's Wedding

Last weekend Nick's brother got married to his long time girlfriend Morgan and we had the greatest time! It was so good to be with family and we got to relive our own wedding as well as they were married in the same church that Nick and I were married in six years ago. Nick's Auntie Marlene commented on Facebook that Aaron and Nick can remind each other of their anniversaries since they're only one day apart ;)

Morgan was stunning in a lovely lace gown- very Kate Middleton whom I know she is admires. Aaron looked so handsome and it was clear to see how happy and excited he was on their big day. Nick was the best man and while he stressed out quite a bit over the speech, he did a great job and I hope he made his brother proud. Morgan's long time friend served as Maid of Honor and she gave a great speech as well.

Such a great ceremony, followed by a fabulous dance party. Good times, good food, good family, and good friends- couldn't ask for anything more!

So happy for you guys- xoxo

Morgan and her Dad busted out a few awesome songs mid father-daughter dance- this was to Thriller (like you couldn't have guessed!)

Siblings and significant others :)

Nick's grandparents- yup you read that right :)

These two