"well you can still hold me tomorrow"

5 years. It has been 5 years since Kam came into this world and blessed us with his grace and happy personality. I will never forget the day he was born. He was just as stubborn then as he is now. It was one of the worst snow storms of the year. Family and friends that were traveling to the hospital to greet him drove through a blizzard that covered all of east Idaho. I was induced on the 20th of December at 7:00 in the morning. 20 hours later at 2:52 AM he finally decided to give in and join the party. The first cry was a sound that I will never forget. To say he was perfect is an understatement. He had all 10 fingers and toes, and was beautiful. His lips were a beautiful shade of red and he had the fairest skin. Round eyes and the softest cheeks. I was then, and still am, so smitten with this little boy. They say that when the child is born, so is the mother. That couldn't be more true.

When children grow up it is the most bittersweet process to be a part of. Each age and stage has so many great qualities as well as struggles. In the years that Kam has been around I have been blessed with a little boy who is wise beyond his years, defines the term 'unconditional love' and graces everyone in his presence with his sweet charm.

I remember the first night home with him. I was 19 years old and scared out of my mind. My mom stayed with us that night and what a help it was. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't have eaten that night because I couldn't set him down to get anything done. I put him in the bassinet next to my bed and called it a night pretty early. At some point in the night he woke up with a hungry belly and I did what I think most new moms do, pulled him into my bed and nursed him to sleep. He never made another peep until morning. I remember waking up extremely stiff knowing that I didn't move an inch in the night as not to squish my baby. He was lying on his back swaddled up in a blanket and I was wrapped around him. The sun was coming in the window and his little tiny profile, I will never forget, was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. His tiny button nose was so adorable. That little nose was then, and still is, my favorite feature.

Tonight when we were talking about his birthday I mentioned to him that I didn't want him to grow up. "Why not mommy?" he said. "I just don't want you to get big." I replied staring off into the distance remembering that first morning and his tiny nose. "Well Mommy. You can still hold me tomorrow. I will only be 5." It was then, at that moment, I looked down and caught a glimpse of his profile and saw that cute little button nose. He couldn't be more correct. I can, and most certainly will, still hold him tomorrow. I mean after all, he will only be 5.

I love you Kameron Christopher John.

A year in photos...

It has been a year since I have done this. (I used to be so on top of this blog!) For the record this past year has been a busy year so at least I have a reason as to why I fell behind, or at least an excuse. To make it easier I decided to just do a picture for each month. So here you have it, a year in photos.....

January, date night. This month was so cold we stayed inside for most of it. We developed a date night tradition this month also. I want Kam to look back and remember doing those one on one things with me that so many kids don't get. One of the advantages to being a single momma, he is my one and only!

 



February! I made a fun little weekend trip to Vegas with my great friends Jackie and Jenn. It all spurred on the idea of going for Valentines Day since we (well Jackie and I) were single. I ate way too much food and spent 3 nights walking the strip with some great people!

March...I turned 24. One more year to lower insurance rates! I celebrated with a Jazz vs Heat basketball game, sushi at my favorite sushi joint in Salt Lake, and a glass of wine. All of course all happened with the best girlfriends a girl could ask for!

April- Kam learned about cooties. Kam also learned that Moms are cootie free and are always allowed in his bedroom. Especially to help clean it up. :)

May, AKA national ride your bike month. Seeing as how it is a whole month dedicated to pedaling, I went out and bought myself some new wheels. This was by far one of the best investments a person can make. I dropped 2 pant sizes, and started onto a much healthier lifestyle. Not to mention it is an activity that Kam enjoys doing with me.

June, the beginning of summer! Kam and I were lucky enough to get invited to go boating at Palisades with my friend Andrea. It was a BLAST!! Kam loved every minute of it and it was worth the blistering sunburn. For the record, Neutrogena waterproof SPF 50 spray can does in fact NOT work.

July- UPGRADED! Kam and I got a shiny new whip! It is a Ford Fusion. I took it upon myself to name her "The Fuss". That way when people say "What is all the fuss about?!" I can just point to my girl.

August, summertime was slowly coming to an end. This is Kam and I enjoying ourselves at a baseball game. This was one of our fun little date nights that I mentioned in January. Please refer to the first picture for further information.

September, one of my favorite months because of the annual Colton family reunion. This year it was just Clint, Kam, and myself that went to represent my family, but it was so much fun! We did a photo booth for an activity and it was a hit!

October... BOO! Kam was a cute little spiderman for Halloween. Ok ok, he was the custest spiderman there ever was! He was so sweet and cute at each house. We wrapped up our night of spooks and scares with some carmel apple cider at Starbucks.

November, a month of thanks. I was lucky enough to host the big dinner this year for my family. My first time cooking a bird and it was a SUCCESS! I am so thankful for this wonderful life I have been blessed with and all those whom I get to share it with!