happy-farm

2012 has been a year of flying time. I’ve blinked and its gone. Throughout this year we have loved passionately and cried in joy and in frustration, we’ve laughed hysterically, fought like crazy, pushed buttons and pulled at eachothers heartstrings and now it’s next year! Here are some major highlights of 2012:
1) everything Leo. He’s learned the basics that truly seem like little miracles. He’s walking and talking and expressing himself and becoming a little man right before our eyes. He’s sleeping more too, which is amazing for all of us. We celebrated his first birthday and all the days & months in between with lots of kisses and cuddles. And we’ve been challenged beyond what we can handle at times but we wouldn’t have it any other way. This kid is amazing and so full of life. We continue to learn and grow leaps and bounds… All of us. 2) Adventures together! Big and small. Florida, Colorado, Michigan, NY, and last but not least, St Kitts. We’ve seen beaches and mountains and friends and family. And we are just so fortunate to have done it as a threesome (well, except for our “girls trip” to FLA ;) ). Each trip has been glorious in its own way. Airports and car rides and endless views have made amazing experiences for little leo. it has been just incredible for mama and daddy to be able to enjoy this special family time. 3) CLE. We are happy in Cleveland. Daily we are grateful to live near nature trails, farmer’s markets, a flourishing downtown, delicious food, fantastic friends, generous family, beautiful countryside, vineyards, lake views, fantastic cultural scenes and our fantastic walkable neighborhood. Yes we miss mountains and abundant everyday sunshine and sometimes think the grass is greener, but things here are really coming together : ) (nod to the zabell’s!) 4) Our happy homestead of three will soon be four! The end of 2012 went out with a bang when we received the amazing news that leo will be a big brother in the summer of 2013! More to come on this news but needless to say, this happy farm is thrilled to grow ; ) So, cheers to two thousand and twelve and away we go!

My birthday has become more and more one of my favorite days of the year. I know that seems counterintuitive as i’m getting older but there is just somehow a growing appreciation and fondness for the day dedicated to “me” as the years fly by.
I’ve had amazing birthday days over the past few years. Today falls on a Saturday but normally I always take the day off from work. And mostly I’ve found that myself and jay and now little leo just enjoy a day of exploring the city, eating great food and indulging in adult beverages. What could you not love about that?! And not that that is all too different from our normal days, but it does feel more special.
Needless to say I’m a lucky girl. And I’m made to feel that way on this and every December 8. I can’t wait to see what the day brings! Happy happy birthday to me!

hey there, CLE!  i’ve been out of the blogging game for a couple of months now as life is just so crazy and thinking of penning some thoughts has been overwhelming for reasons unknown.  easier is mindless social networking activities like posting political rants on facebook or pictures of my amazing boy #leo on instagram or pinning things i will most likely never look at ever again on pinterest.

but it is good to be back.

we’ve had a fantastic and maniacal summer and beginning of fall with super jubilant times and equally super crazy moments.  our fortitude is paying off though with a little boy that is growing leaps and bounds physically, emotionally, and skillfully.  his words are so fantastic.  his voice is the happiest sound you will ever hear.  and his cuddles take my breath away most times.  i cannot get over him.  

and daddy too.  our love is mad, but it is ours.  and i’m grateful for his dedication to this boy and the nurturing he provides us both.

so, leo is dropping crazy knowledge on us!  words include but are not limited to the obvious mama, daddy, doggy, meow, ball, bus, apple, pooh, etc. and the more impressive bulldozer, waffle, blue, giraffe, baseball, basketball, big bus, airplane, dump truck, choo choo, etc.  the new phrase “that’s nice” has really been cracking us up lately.  everyday is something new and amazing and more fun.  the kisses when he knows he’s hurt us, petting seneca gently on his head, pointing out “nose” “teeth” “eyes” “ears” on everything.  i’m so so proud.  

so as the leaves turn and the air gets chilly, the colorful fruits of our labor here in the CLE and on our happy farm are ripe for the picking!  happy friday, y’all!

#happyincle #kids #cleveland #happyfarm #lovefall #family

make me happy. High fives from little Leo make me jump for joy!!! We’ve had a couple of incidences lately of him accomplishing a new feat and me putting my hand up for a high five… And he reciprocates amazingly enough! Then last night he climbed down from what was a seemingly precarious post with ease, I said “high five”, and HE stuck his little hand up waiting for ME! Just when motherhood and wife-hood and things in general are seeming overwhelming, your son high fives you and it all disappears… Well, for that moment at least. Cheers. And happy memorial day. Be grateful for love and freedom and high fives today and always.

So our happy farm is a bit frowny today with illness. LL and I have picked up a wicked cold (surely not a product of camping in sub-40 degree temps this weekend!) and hubby just got back from the vet with Senny-bear. We are trying to find out if his “dribbling” and general neurotic-ness is more than just signs of age. And we are all beyond frustrated. And surely part of that frustration has to be some unconscious super sadness for our twelve year old pal. Chin up, happy-farm.