Daddy Swing!

Family Getaway.

My sweet husband planned a surprise getaway for my birthday last week to Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. We went there for our Honeymoon and had a blast. The place has no televisions, no Internet, and no cell phones allowed. It was great. We hiked, ice skated, swam in the pool, relaxed, and just enjoyed our time together as a family. Oh, and I also had the most amazing hot stone massage! Titus had a blast too! We had a beautiful suite overlooking the lake and Titus had his own little room. It was a great time!

We stopped at the outlets on the way there.

The view from our room.

Another view.

Beginning one of our hikes.

Still hiking.

Posing in one of the stone buildings.

Titus LOVED the pool and we loved watching him take everything in.

"The Look"

Future model.

Happy boy!

Enjoying some cookies during afternoon tea.

Relaxing on the porch.

Hiking.

On the way home, we stopped by West Point and introduced Titus to Joel's old stomping grounds!

Titus's First Birthday!

We had a blast for Titus's First Birthday Party! We decided on a duck theme since this was one of his first words and he has a great affinity for all things ducky. I made that duck cake, which was a lot of fun and Titus kept looking at it, saying "duck, duck, duck.." Some great friends stopped by to celebrate with us and Mom and Pa Casarez visited for a few days as well.

I cannot even begin to put into words how exciting and joyful the past year as been for us. I am always thinking about how blessed I have been to stay home with Titus and watch him become a boy that God desires, as well as ease into the kind of mom that He is making me into. It is true that no one, no book, no video, no television program can prepare you for what it is like to become a parent. No one else can tell you what is best for your own family as far as parenting goes. I think that Joel and I have really found that we just have to go with our gut in this area. God has been so wonderful, faithful, and good to us. We don't take this responsibility lightly. Titus is ultimately His and we are just fortunate to get this chance to raise him, delight in him, and most of all, love him. I am just crazy for this little guy.......

The Birthday table!


Titus and his big "T" crown. He was not so sure about this!

Caryn, Titus, KC, and Josslyn.

Joel, KC, and Titus

Lisa, Titus, Dionne, and Josslyn. Babies with things in their mouths!

Corrina and Titus.

We gave Titus a cupcake and as you can see, he dived right in!

Yea for sugar!

Titus smiling at Josslyn.

Joel and Titus. Titus's great-aunt Suzanna made him this little West Point romper out of one of Joel's old PT shirts! It is so cute!

Checking out the musical piano that Grammy and Grampy got for him. This kid is obsessed with music and dance!

Posing.

Titus with his Pa and Gran.

We got Titus this push toy for his Birthday, which he loves.

Here he is pushing bunny in it!

Titus started walking the exact day of his birthday! It is so neat to watch!

Titus's First Year.

I know I have been a blog slacker, but with company and Titus's birthday I was really behind on work. Then, we found out we were moving to New Jersey, which threw a new monkey wrench into plans. Anyway, I made this video of Titus's first year and will post his Birthday pictures soon. Enjoy the video. Music goes along with it:)

Valentine's Day.

Here some pictures from Valentine's Day! We hope you had a sweet day!

Every Sunday is pancake Sunday...for everyone, even the dogs. Today was extra special because there were heart shaped pink pancakes!

Titus checking out his Valentine's Day card.

Playing with his balloon.

Big Boy Haircut.

Titus was born with a full head of hair. In fact, one of the nurses commented that he looked just like a little man. We have cut his hair numerous times since he was born, but waited until he was almost one to get a "real" haircut. Once I started having to brush knots out of his hair, I realized it was beyond time to get it done. We headed to Crewcuts and Curls in Mystic, and he did so well. I am sure having a pretty girl cutting his hair and having the chance to look in the mirror didn't hurt.

"Umm, I am not so sure about this, Daddy."

"Oh, so we are here so I can play in the fire engine? Sounds good to me!"

"Whoa, whoa, what is this GIANT bib?"

"Enough with the pictures."

"Wow, I am looking good."

"Who knew such cuteness was under that mop of hair?" At this point the hairstylist said that Titus was so cute with his new haircut and looked like a young Patrick Dempsey. She was tipped very well:)

My two handsome men!

Fun with Food!

Titus has been an excellent eater so far. He has his favorites, such as avocado, blueberries, squash, sweet potatoes, and his all time favorite, yogurt. He enjoys feeding himself and it makes me so happy that his bath comes directly after his dinner!

Mmm..pasta!

I love blueberries!
I really, really do!