I just blinked...

(**warning: this is a long post - lots of photos. it may be a cuteness overload. if you have no interest in a cuteness overload today, then I suggest you wait until you're feeling a little blue and then read this post. photos of my darling Sammie always cheer me up.**)
and this precious baby:

 became this adorable one year old:

At one year old Sammie:
-is completely weaned off the bottle
-eats just about anything we give her (no picky eater here)
-can drink out of a sippy cup
-can army crawl really well (she's fast)
-is beginning to crawl more on hands and knees
-can stand by herself for a short period of time
-will pull up (mostly to her knees, but sometimes to her feet)
-LOVES to laugh at her siblings when they are running around crazy around here (it happens a lot thankfully)
-still sleeps amazingly well (takes 1-2 naps a day and goes to bed from 7-7)
-has 1 word for sure (dada) and I *think* she's starting to say mama (yay) and baba (banana)
-her favorite foods are avacado, banana, mac 'n' cheese, and milk
-she's a daredevil, she loves to be thrown, spun, and dipped around
-she only cries for 3 reasons: she's tired, she's hungry, she's lonely. That's it.
-she loves Disco and will follow him all around the house (I don't think Disco loves it so much, but thankfully he's really tolerant of her)
-she has a very sweet and happy personality and I can't imagine our family without her

So let's take a look at how Sammie has grown over the course of this year:
1 day old:

 1 month old:

2 months old:

3 months old:
Can you stand how cute that sad face is!?! (She hated tummy time!)

 She still does the rock star finger sucking. It's a new thing for us, but I love it!

4 months old:
Love that smile!

5 months old:

6 months old:

7 months old:

8 months old:

9 months old:

10 months old:

 11 months old:

1 YEAR OLD:
Good morning birthday girl!

So happy on her birthday (see her 4 very cute teeth)!

Ready to have a birthday breakfast!

Dressed in her birthday finest!

Showing off her mad standing skills.

This year has flown by for me and I can't believe you're already 1! I'm not ready for all this growing up you're doing, but I'm loving who you are becoming. So Happy Birthday Samantha! I love you to the moon and back!

(**as always, the wonderful professional looking photos are my SIL Kerstin's handiwork. She's really good.**)

First Day of School!

Today was the first day of school. Clayton is starting third grade and Noah will be starting kindergarten. If you want me to be honest, I'm sad. I didn't think I would be. I thought I would be one of the many mothers who is anxious and excited to get their kids off to school and out of the house but I'll be honest, I miss them and wish they were home. I know I'll adjust and come to enjoy getting to spend time with only the girls, but for now I'm kind of a mess.

Today went like clockwork (a first for us)! Sadly, Justin wasn't home to make his traditional breakfast so I tried to step in. I made his chocolate chip pancakes and, while not as good as his, I think they were still a hit!
Clayton was very calm this year. The first day of school is no biggie to this big, bad third grader. He was very self motivated and independent about getting ready (we'll see if he can keep that up!)

Noah is so nervous. I literally had to drag him out of bed (he is NOT a morning person). He ate breakfast very quietly (not typical) and needed my help and assurance every step of the way. He's my big time mama's boy so he was sort of clingy this morning.

After we were all ready for the day the boys (especially Noah) started to get excited. The first day of school is always an adventure and I'm so excited for these guys!
Noah is still suffering the aftermath of his allergic reaction a few weeks ago. The redness and swelling are about gone, but he's super itchy. Because of that I've been keeping him very vasalined. Seriously, the second my hands de-grease I've been re-applying it on this kid. That's why he's so shiny in all these pictures. Hopefully by the end of the week we'll be able to cool it with the vasaline.

 Can we talk for a minute about how old this kid looks. Sheesh.

I'm really glad that Noah will have Clayton with him on the bus and at school. Truthfully, I think it makes Noah feel better too.

Walking to the bus stop.

Waiting for the bus. Which, miraculously was ON TIME today!

Josie had to get in on the action too.

My SIL did this and I thought it was cool.

Noah over the years on the first day of school:

Preschool 2010:

 Preschool 2011:

 Kindergarten 2012 (there's the excitement):

Getting on the bus (in case you were wondering, this is the point where I started to choke up). I didn't think I'd get this emotional. I have already sent a kid to school. Several times. However, I think I may be this way for each of my kids. I love having them with me. It's frustrating at times, but it's also so fun and secure. I know he'll love school and do a great job!

Clayton through the years:

Preschool 2008:

 Kindergarten 2009:

 First grade 2010:

 Second grade 2011:

 Third grade 2012 (I didn't realize how blurry this one was):

On the bus. I love this kid. He's going to have a great year. We met his teacher at back to school night last night and I'm so excited. His teacher basically rocks. He has a great philosophy about education and seems to genuinely want the kids to learn and have a good experience. We're lucky. I can feel it.

I'm sad that they're gone, but I know they are going to have a wonderful time with this new adventure. I can't wait to meet them off the bus, serve them homemade chocolate chip cookies, and hear all about their days!