To My Son: Your First Birthday

My sweet boy,

Here we are, the eve of your first birthday. It's hard to believe that enough time has passed that you are already turning one.  From the moment our eyes met, I don't know how I ever lived without you. You came into this world on your own terms, on a warm Tuesday evening.  I could never forget holding and snuggling you for hours, just minutes after you were born. You have changed so much this year, and I know it won't be long before you are running and chasing to keep up with this fast-paced world.

As much as you have changed, learning and growing, you have stayed the same. From the moment you were born, you have been content.  Content to just sit and watch the people around you.  I hope as you grow and continue to change throughout the years, that you will stay happy and fulfilled with the life that you lead.

I hope you love, fearlessly, and stay strong and true to who you are.  There is no one else on this Earth like you, Jax. You have a light and a sparkle that no one could ever dim. You are strong, little one, a fighter that has overcome so much in just one year.  May you carry that strength and resilience with you each year.

You are so loved, baby.  Your grandparents and aunts and uncles adore you. To me, Daddy, and Madelyn, you are the world. You make each day brighter, angel. I hope you know, my love for you is infinite.  Each morning that I wake up and see your sweet smile with that one dimple, every time I hear you say, "Mama," I fall more in love with you than before. I could never love you less. I would go to the ends of the Earth for you.

As I hear you softly breathing, and see your eyes fluttering as I type, I think you must be too good to be true.  You are everything and more.  I hope no matter where you go in life, whether you're 19, 42, or 75, that you will read these words and feel my soul. You breathe life into my soul. You will always be my baby boy.

Forever & always,

Mama

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Currently Reading

Let me just put it out there. I've always been a little bookworm.  There is literally not much that makes me happier than snuggling up on the couch with a cozy blanket and a good book. Normally, I'm really into Young Adult fiction (Harry Potter, anyone?), but lately, I've found myself reaching for topical non-fiction books as well (usually to try to figure out how to get my kiddos to do what I'm wanting!)  So for this month, I've got quite the stack!

The Honest Life by Jessica Alba

First off, I just love her! She's a hardworking mama, trying to carve out a better world for her babies to live in.  Now, let's be honest.. I'm not the most eco-friendly, all-natural girl.  But I am interested in trying to use safer products on and around my babies. We are currently slowly transitioning to more natural home products and personal products.

This book offers a ton of Jessica's research into harmful chemicals (and why they're so yucky!) as well as alternatives.  She also offers recommendations for products she has found that meet her standards, but are also super effective. And she has makeup recommendations (good makeup without tons of toxins is hard to find, so I love that she takes out some of the guesswork!) Favorite part so far: She keeps it real. She lets you know that she's not 100% organic, 100% of the time.  But it's the effort that counts and that's what all mamas are trying to do, make the best choices they can for their babies.

French Kids Eat Everything by Karen Le Billon

Did you see my recent post? As part of our journey to reclaim mealtimes, we are trying to feed ourselves better! This doesn't come without resistance.. we do have a 2 year old, you know. I love reading about different cultures and how they do things differently.  This book discusses how the French see food as a culture. They raise their babies to appreciate quality food and they do this by following some unspoken rules. I'm only about halfway done, but I can see how some of these methods could improve mealtimes at our house! My favorite: dress up the table (tablecloth, place mats, and silverware) and sit down to eat as a family.  Make it an event that everyone, especially the kids, look forward to.

The Nesting Place by Myquillyn Smith

We are currently in the process of selling our house and buying a newer home.  So the Pinterest-ing has begun! Making our home into a haven for our family is one of my biggest goals.  I want it to be a snugly, inviting place for our family to come home to each day.

This book has tons of tips from how to just get started, to finding the beauty what you have.  Her motto is "It doesn't have to be perfect, to be beautiful" and she is so encouraging.  I am taking notes and can't wait to get moved into our new home to to get started!

You can also read tons more fabulous tips from Myquillyn Smith over at her blog!

The Selection by Kiera Cass

I just picked this up from the bookstore this week.  It's supposed to be a romantic story that takes place in a futuristic society with a strict caste system.  I haven't read any of Kiera Cass' books, so I'm anxious to get started on this one!

Let me know what you're currently reading, I'm always looking to add to my growing library!

Brandi

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Adore: Target Finds

I'm not sure what kind of fairy magic Target has, but I get suckered in every time. Here are some of my finds from this week that we are currently loving!

Stationery & Planner Supplies

Page Flags & To Do Stickies. $1 a piece and they'll look perfect in my new Happy Planner (planner post coming soon!)

NoteCards. Again, $1 each and each package comes with 8 cards and 8 matching envelopes.  I love these for sending out thank you notes to distant relatives and friends, as well as just sending out the occasional "I'm thinking of you" card! I don't know about you, but I adore getting an unexpected card in the mail. So I try to make an effort to at least send out one every month or so.

Mint & Gold Tumbler. This beauty was $3 and you really can't beat the quality for the price. I use these around the house, as well as for water at work!

 For the Babies

Divided Plates. I picked up a few of these in pink, with the fox print, and blue, with the dinosaur print. $1 each and we love these plates! Target usually releases different prints and colors depending on the season.  These are really durable with our 1 and 2 year olds, and they hold up in the dishwasher, which is a must!

Fox Sandwich Baggies. Are these not the cutest things? They run $1 for 20 baggies, but I couldn't resist.  I plan to use these for our daughter's lunches once she starts Mother's Day Out in the fall.

Frozen Boo-Boo Buddy.  With a 1 year old currently learning to walk, and a 2 year old running, jumping and climbing all day long, owwies (as they are called in our home) are a frequent thing.  So when I saw this freezable boo boo buddy with Elsa on the front (Touche, Disney) I knew my little princess would love it. At only $3, it was worth it.

Placemats. I found these for $1.99 each, so I picked up one in each print.  We use these for meals, crafts, etc.  They a pretty sturdy, plastic type material that is easy to wipe clean. Love. 

Birthday Cards.

This year, I'm trying to send out birthday cards to everyone we know and love.  Family, friends, relatives that live far away.  Just a simple card in the mail saying, "Hey. We're thinking of you. We love you. Happy Birthday."  Again, this is spurred by the fact that there is something magical about getting a heartfelt card in the mail from someone unexpected.  It feels good to the soul.  I want to share that feeling with everyone in our lives.  But birthday cards can get expensive, usually running $2-$5 at least! So I like to try to pick up cute birthday cards when I come across them in the Dollar Spot.  Coming in at $1 a piece, these glittery cards were a steal!

That's everything I'm loving this week! That Dollar Spot, it'll get ya every time! What are some of your favorites from Target? Like I need another reason to go shopping!

Brandi

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Reclaiming Mealtimes: Toddler & Family Edition

I have to be the first to admit, I'm not a good eater. I never have been.  I am a picky eater. And by picky, I mean that unless it's slathered in cheese or comes in the shape of a nugget, I probably won't eat it. Gasp. I know. I do enjoy most vegetables, with more than a healthy amount of cheese.

But I'm on the road to redemption. And I'm taking my husband and babies with me.

This is the start of reclaiming our meals. Armed with a few recipe books and a new-found baby food site that I'm obsessed with (you can find it here. Thank me later!) I am going to change our family's eating habits. Hopefully.

I just really want my babies to LOVE food. All types of food. I want my family as a whole to enjoy home-cooked meals, only occasionally eating out, instead of the opposite.

Reclaiming mealtimes... our journey begins! If you have any tips or encouragement, send it my way! And if your family is anything like mine and you want to join us on this journey, let me know! I'll be sharing our progress, recipes we're trying, and what is and isn't working along the way!

Brandi

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Introductions

I am so excited to start this blogging journey.  I’m a mama of two sweet babies, a two year old princess and my sweet, almost one year old little man. I have spent this year drawing closer to the Lord, digging into the Word and asking for God’s direction. I have always loved sharing, and can’t wait to share with you on my journey. I have a huge passion for Jesus, crafts, books, and teaching my babies. Sugarberry Chic is my home here on the internet, and you’ll find a little bit of everything here.

I’d love to connect with you! Talk to you soon!

Brandi

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