christinebassham

I am pregnant with baby #4 and one of the things that has been unique about this pregnancy is the number of formal events I have had to attend in my third trimester. I don’t think there is any worse investment than a formal maternity dress because they are 1) expensive; and 2) something you wear only once. For my children’s school auction, the theme was “Oscar.” All of my long formal pre-pregnancy dresses were not going to fit by growing belly; rent the runway pickings were slim; and I was not about the drop $200+ on some special maternity “gown.” So, I did what I so often do in these situations: wait until the last minute and order something from Amazon a couple days before. Normally, this does not work out, but this time it did! Let me introduce you to the perfect non-maternity, maternity formal dress (pictured below). It has all the stretch needed for a growing belly and it was totally flattering and formal. The best part: it was only $88, free returns, and it arrived in like 2 days. Also, you could totally wear it post-maternity because it is NOT at maternity dress. Seriously, this dress was a gem of a find and too good not to share. It comes in six colors and the quality was really good for the price. It is linked here.

Uncategorized

Schools out . . . forever :(

April 17, 2020April 21, 2020 christinebassham

Texas, like many other states, officially announced that school is cancelled for the remainder of the academic year. Rationally, I knew this announcement was coming. Rationally, I knew it would be for the best. Rationally, I thought I had prepared myself for this.

Turns out, I was wrong.

Today, when Governor Abbott cancelled the school year, I lost it. Ugly cry lost it. Through tears and gulps for air, I repeated, “I can’t do this. I can’t do this. I can’t do this.”

My husband, confused by my reaction, gently reminded me, “But, you had said that you knew this would happen, right?”

Right, I did. I knew it was coming. But somehow, that didn’t matter. When it came, it felt like a stake through my heart. It destroyed me.

Because what I hadn’t realized until today was that behind all that rationality was something else. Something I didn’t even know was there: a glimmer of hope. And, as irrational as that glimmer of hope was, it was keeping me going. It was getting me through the days, the weeks, the months. It was making this impossible situation—homeschool, working from home, and the rest of it—possible. That glimmer of home was getting me through from one day to the next; it was sustaining me.

Today, that glimmer of hope—the one I didn’t realize was there before—went dark. That new darkness hit me hard. I cried for my kids not seeing their teachers. I cried for the teachers not seeing their kids. I cried for the friends we so desperately miss. I cried for the lunchboxes that won’t be packed. I cried for the backpacks that won’t bring home readers or folders of crafts. I cried for the Pre-K Mother’s Day Tea—a day that a cherished with my daughter and no longer will get to have with my son. I cried for the end of sharing boxes and napmats and carpools and school pickups. I cried because we lost the best part of the school year. I cried because they didn’t even get to say “goodbye.”

I know there are worse things than a Pre-K and Kindergarten school year cut short. I know I should be grateful for all the things I do have—things like health, a job, a house, food on the table. And, I am grateful for those things. So very grateful.

But, while I am grateful, I am also giving myself permission to mourn the loss of that glimmer of hope today. Today, I am giving myself permission to be just plain sad.

Tomorrow, I will regroup; I will move forward; I will be strong; I will be fine.

Tomorrow, not today.

TamerFamilyApril2020-53

Learning

Homeschooling for those who hope they never have to do it again

March 19, 2020 christinebassham

So, I have not blogged since 2014 (you’ll see if you scroll), nor do I intend this to be a regular or new thing, but these are crazy times so here I am.

I, like many of you, have kids at home, a full-time job (that I am supposed to be working from home), and–put simply–am totally overwhelmed with the idea of “home schooling” my kids. While my kids’ school is going to implement some sort of online/distance learning (and I am hopeful it will provide some relief), I know the bulk of the schooling over these next weeks (or months) will fall on me. To that end, I was searching online how to home school and, while there were tons of homeschooling resources, I was discouraged because these resources were designed for home schoolers — not those of us who had no intention, no desire, or no even slight thought of ever doing this home schooling thing in the first place.

So, I went back to the drawing board because I needed something that was simple, required minimal effort, and required little to no cost. A plan that required no printer and nothing complicated. An EASY, CHEAP plan that someone with zero elementary education experience could somehow manage while working a full-time job.

I couldn’t find one that fit all that so I created my own plan. An I-DID-NOT-SIGN-UP-FOR-THIS schedule to help me get through this time with my sanity in tack. And, after trying it for a few days, it has–by some miracle–worked.

So, I wanted to share it in case it could slightly help or inspire you — you who also did not sign up for this and who is stressed, scared, and cannot imagine how you are going to make it all work.

Note, I am law school professor and, while I “teach,” I don’t have any qualifications whatsoever to teach elementary school. The below is simply me figuring it out something that works for my family during these unprecedented times. I hope I NEVER have to home school my kids again — spoiler alert: it’s not for me. I also now appreciate teachers everywhere a million times more than I even did before because what you do is HARD and IMPORTANT (and you should get paid more).

Anyways, here’s what I have done:

Getting set up/Tools

I went to the Dollar Tree and got all of the following things to set up my “classroom” on the cheap.

First, I got these two baskets (which the kids got to decorate in “art class” with stickers [more on that below]) and filled them each with:

one notebook
one page protector
a dry erase marker
a bingo blotter
a paint wheel (not needed, but my kids wanted).

These baskets are now their “cubbies” for school.

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I also got a hand full of workbooks from the Dollar Store that were age appropriate for my kids. I slide these into the page protector for them to use. (I don’t have a printer to print worksheet online so these made do).

Second, I set up my “classroom board” by taping sleeve protectors (got a dollar store in pack of 10) to the window with some paper in them. I use dry erase markers to have my kids write things on the board. I also added some trim and window hangings that they had at the Dollar Store to make it seem more school-like.

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Third–and this is a big one and by far my biggest tip–I use this visual timer I had bought from Amazon. You can still buy them on Amazon and, if you don’t have one, I BUY IT NOW. I would attribute 95 percent of our sanity/success to this timer because the kids can see visually how much time as passed and remains. It is a LIFESAVER. You can use it for school but also things like TV time.

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Finally, I found this schedule thing at the Dollar Store and added a detailed schedule to it that we keep track by a clothes pin as we move throughout the day. I’ll go over the schedule more below, but here is a picture of it. Ignore my crappy attempt at art work on it.

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Literally everything I mentioned (except for the visual timer) I bought at the Dollar Store and the cost was less than $20 — which is just the right amount of investment for someone who NEVER WANTS TO HOMESCHOOL EVER AGAIN.

The Schedule

Okay, so how do you keep them (mine are 5 and 6 years old) working, while you are working at home. Enter the schedule + the visual timer. Here is what we do–as we progress through the schedule we always move the clothes pin. Note, I have in red places in the schedule where I can get my work done.

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Breakfast, Dress/TV, and Journal (until 9 a.m.) — School starts at our house at 9 a.m. A little before 9 a.m. they get settled by writing in their journal. I give them a prompt for the day. “What is your favorite thing that is green?” “What is your dream pet?” “What reminds you of spring?” They write a sentence about it and draw a picture of it. After, they share it with the class as we begin circle time.

Circle time, Book, and Lesson One (1.5 hours)

Circle time
- We start by sharing our journal (see above).
- Then, I have one them write the day today, yesterday, and tomorrow on the board, as well as the date.
- After, I have them go outside and feel the weather. “Describe what you feel with your feet – is it wet or dry?” “Describe what you see in the sky?”
- Then, we draw the weather as we feel it on the white boards (aka the page protectors on the window).
- Next, we ask Alexa “What’s the weather today?” We see how our prediction compared to what Alexa said.
- Last, we do sharing bag. I have them each secretly pick a toy or something from the house and put it in a brown bag. They give three clues about the item, and we guess what’s inside.

Book – this is pretty self explanatory, but I read them a book. I let them switch off on who gets to pick the book. If I need to get work done, I do a book online. Scholastic has some free, great videos of books being read.
Lesson Time (morning) – However much time I have left after finishing circle time, I put on the visual timer. It is usually about an hour. For that hour, it is learning time. What we do for learning time varies from day-to-day (and hopefully I will be able to use the tools from our school here very soon), but for now here is how I tackle it.
- Start with worksheets (one math, one reading/writing) from our Dollar Tree books. After they complete them, they get a sticker. They love doing the worksheet with the dry erase marker and love when I check their work and they get to erase it.

- Followed by a changing themed lesson + an application activity based on that themed lesson. For St. Patrick’s Day, for example, we did a lesson on plants and then, specifically, shamrocks. Our corresponding application activity was finding shamrocks and making pictures out of them. Other days, I use the ideas on Scholastic Home Lessons (and tweak them usually to make them more simple and not require me to print anything — note: I look at their exercises for pre-K/Kinder (my kids ages) but also the others so they often have easier activities you can adapt for younger ages).

Recess or Free Play + Snack (45 minutes) I set the visual timer for 45 minutes and tell them to play outside. I get work done during this time because they cannot bother me (save an emergency) until the timer runs out. If the weather is not good, we do free play.

Aside from the visual timer lifesaver, here is my second best tip: Free play does not mean playing in the playroom (they get bored). Instead, I give them two “stations” inside that they can play at. This means, I pull out a toy or two (usually one with many parts and/or a puzzle) and tell them they can only play with the toys in their station (and then will switch stations at a set time). It’s AMAZING how doing that vs. giving them a free for all in the playroom makes them actually play and not get bored. We are using some many toys that were never played with — it’s a silver lining I guess. I pulled out our Little People sets the other day (a toy that is never used), and they played with them for 30 minutes. It was insane. Below is an example station. It was a puzzle plus a pirate ship with pirates. I set it away from the playroom so he would focus only on those toys.

Lesson — Special (45 minutes). This is when we do either music, Spanish, cooking, or art. We switch each day. Today, we baked a pumpkin pie. Yesterday, we painted planters outside. I had them decorate their boxes with stickers as part of “art.” We have also done the Mo Williams drawing video or a yoga video online (especially if I needed to get work done). We keep it pretty liberal. Again, I set the visual timer.

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Lunch, Chores, and Quiet Time (2 hours). I time lunch and chores at 30 minutes each using the visual timer. Chores have been cleaning up toys, spraying down counters, spraying down tables outside, doing the vacuum, etc. I wouldn’t say they “help” me much but it keeps them busy and maybe is instilling some good life skills? Who knows.

For quiet time (1 hour), mine no longer nap so I turn on classical music on the iPad, put on the visual timer, and let them read or look at books in their room for the hour. I tell them they can play with the toys in their room but they must be quiet. I always get one hour of work done during quiet time.

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Lesson time afternoon (1 hour). The afternoon lesson follows the schedule of the morning one, two worksheets followed by a lesson + application activity. Sometimes, the topic can carry over from morning. Other times, I pick a new one. For example, I did the Scholastic plants lesson (parts of it) followed by the application activity of measuring plants and rocks outside (that I made up or saw somewhere else).

Recess or PE (30 minutes): If I have work to do, this is recess (where I set the visual timer) and tell them to self-entertain. If I don’t have work, I will set up some activities that I remember from gym class (like making an obstacle course with cones) or just let them ride scooters or something around the block.

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Free play plus snack (1 hour): I pull out different toys from the morning (if we had free play) and set up stations. I time the stations at 30 minutes each and have them switch when done. This might be a time when I eventually turn on a movie for them if needed so I can work.

We also started doing scheduled “Facetime playdates” with friends for Reagan (6) — Bennett is a bit too young but he will send videos to friends. This has been great because I think it helps my kids feel connected during this time that is, by its nature, lonely.

Walk (30 minutes): We end the “school day” with a walk around the block. On the walk, we bring a cup to collect sticks, bugs, leaves, or anything interesting.

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Remainder of day (free play/TV, dinner, bath, book, brush, bed) is the same as what we would do when they were in school. The only difference is that now we move the clothes pin as we do it. And, they both get really excited about it 🙂

. . . . . .

All of this (especially the strict schedule and visual timer) has been working well for our family the past few days. That is not to say we don’t stray or that even it will keep working, but it is helping me keep my sanity for now (which is all I can ask for).

Here’s to staying healthy, helping others stay the same, and getting through whatever this is for however long it takes.

HANG IN THERE! It is going to be OKAY!

Uncategorized

Happy 1st Birthday Bennett Bug!

December 18, 2015December 18, 2015 christinebassham

Dear Bennett,

A year and one day ago I remember asking myself: “how could I possibly love another baby as much as my first?”

Today, that seems like a silly question. You, Bennett bug, are responsible for my heart doubling in size.

This past year, your first year, was the best year yet. At times it was hard. I mean, really hard. Balancing a always hungry newborn with a fearless 17 month old was not for the faint of heart. There were days at the beginning when we cried together, in our pajamas, in the middle of a house covered in Cheerio crumbs, against the sound of Yo Gabba Gabba re-runs and your sister yelling for more snacks. Repeatedly.

But it got better. Boy, did it get better.

You smiled at seven weeks; you laughed at nine. And, you haven’t stop since. You are filled with joy–a natural, unforced joy– that radiates from your presence.

You are smart. Really smart. Things we haven’t taught you, you know. Things we didn’t expect you to do for months, you have mastered.

And, you are a total love bug. You hug, give kisses, and greet everyone with the sincerest of smiles. But mostly, you love your mommy. You want me to hold you all the time and reach for me without fail. You and I are completely attached to one another; and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As I sit here today–flipping through your newborn pictures and looking back at how you have grown–I do my best to hold back tears. Tears for how fast it went by. Tears for how I cannot go back in time and relive it. But, mostly, tears for how blessed we are to have you.

So while I would love a time machine that would take me back to December 18, 2014 and let me hold you for the first time again, I take comfort in the fact that I cherished those past moments in the most intentional way. And, I take comfort in the fact that I get to hold you today. Today, I get to hold my sweet, perfect one-year-old baby boy. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Bennett, we adore you. You are loved beyond measure. May we cherish this next year as much as your first.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy.

xoxo

Mom

Here are pictures from your “Elf” first birthday! We had so much fun celebrating you with family and friends (and a special guest – Santa Claus!).

Mommyhood

2 years

August 3, 2015September 9, 2015 christinebassham

Dear Reagan,

Two years. Two years since we met face to face. Two years since I first held you in my arms. Two years since I heard that first cry. Two years since my world became your world. Two years since you made me a mother.

On your second birthday, I can’t help but look back. A slideshow runs through my mind. One that I replay over and over again.

Click. It starts that first squeeze of my finger. I know they say it is a reflex, but to me it was a physical manifestation of the heaviness of this new love. How can something so small be so mighty?

Click. I see you at 3 weeks old. Looking up at my with big eyes at 3 a.m., double swaddled, bouncing, with the water running, in the dark. Me, looking down at you exhausted, tired, spent. Barely hanging on, wondering what in the world I got myself into.

Click. Another 3 weeks go by and you smile for the first time. A sight that erases all those feelings of fear and worry, if only for a moment. I needed that smile. It fuels me, it keeps me afloat in the treading water marathon that is the newborn stage.

Click. You’re sitting up in flannel Christmas pajamas. You are surrounded by family, love, and awe as you grab at the wrapping paper of your very first Christmas presents. From here on out, I know that the holidays will never the same. Christmas through the eyes of a child, I don’t know that it gets more magical than that.

Click. You’re walking. Toppling steps and cheers abound. You don’t reach for my fingers to hold onto anymore. You move without assistance. A new independence that I so desperately crave for you, but also fear. My instincts to protect you from falling, from getting hurt struggle against your desire to explore this new world. One that you tackle with wonder.

Click. Mommy. You call me Mommy. My heart skips a beat.

Click. It’s July 9, 2014. We made it one whole year. I look at you illuminated by the glow of a lone candle. You are just so beautiful, so full of life and wonder. I don’t know how anything could top this past year. I don’t know how I could possibly love you more, how it could possibly get any better than this.

Click. I drop you off at Mother’s Day Out for the first time. You cry, actually scream, with arms outstretched to me. Your teacher tells me to go (quickly), that you will be fine as soon as I am gone. I follow instructions, putting my sunglasses on as soon as I exit your room. Tears stream down my face. I wait at a coffee shop across the street and pick you up two hours early. You run to me and engulf me in a hug.

Click. I am 8 months pregnant with your brother. We are standing on the San Clemente Pier in California, our last trip as a family of three. You run and chase birds as the sun sets.

Click. My due date is tomorrow. I cry all day, soaking up every second of having you as my one and only.

Click. You meet your brother for the first time. You instinctively kiss him. My heart has never been so full.

Click. Christmas morning. Pure magic. You don’t get it totally, but you get it enough. You run from gift to gift, family member to family member in your red and white striped pajamas. All eyes are on you. You laugh. You smile. You light up the room.

Click. Stomach bug. We isolate your brother and you lay on me, no movement except for the sound of your inhale and exhale. I hate that you are sick, but love holding you. These days you are always on the run, and I cherish having time to study your soft face, stroke your blond hair, and rock you to sleep. You will always be my baby.

Click. Aruba. 24/7 sun, sand, ocean, and pool. You are in heaven. We joke that you were born for beach living and contemplate becoming perma-vacationers.

Click. You make your brother laugh more than anyone else. He has a special smile reserved only for you. He looks up to you. And, I can tell you will forever protect him. The bond between you two grows daily. You are best friends.

Click. Who is this little girl? She runs freely, without a care in the world. She is brave, fearless. She brings sunshine to every room she enters. She loves deeply and is loved beyond measure. Her beauty on the outside is only rivaled by her beauty on the inside. The sound of her laughter is the sweetest music. Her eyes are the deepest blue and filled with wonder, imagination, and magic.

While I can’t help but look back, I also look forward.

I look forward to watching you grow, to being your biggest cheerleader as you take on the world.

You my dear, Reagan, can do anything. You can be anything. You were made for greatness. I will always be on your team. I will always love you. I will always be there for you.

Happy 2^nd Birthday.

All my love,

Mom

Uncategorized

Welcome Bennett!

February 27, 2015February 27, 2015 christinebassham

Dear Bennett,

Welcome to this world! A world that is already so much sweeter since your arrival. On December 18, 2014, at 5:30 a.m. we arrived as Presby. Dallas ready to meet you. We were showered, made up, and packed. My belly was BIG and my anticipation to meet you was even bigger. You were scheduled to arrive at 7:30 a.m. so there was lots to do in those two hours. The nurses got me all hooked up and ready for my C-section. Daddy held my hand and kept me calm because I was very nervous. Oh boy was a I nervous! I was shaking and crying — filled with so many emotions! Fear, anxiety, excitement, and LOVE – just so much love for you.

It was different with you than your sister because I knew that in two short hours I would meet my son. You can’t even imagine the anticipation.

Your birth story isn’t very long because at 7:45 a.m. you arrived. The hard part about a C-section is I didn’t get to see you right away. I just heard you crying from behind the curtain. (Although not crying all that much, which is totally in line with your relaxed personality now). Daddy told me you were perfect. The doctors told me you were healthy. What seemed like forever went by as they checked you and cleaned you up. Then, I saw you. I saw that face, those eyes, those cheeks, that nose — I was in love. In that instant. So much love.

Another 15 or so minutes went by before the wheeled me back to my room and I could hold you and feed you. The first time I held you was just as magical as anyone could imagine. You, my dear, are responsible for my heart growing bigger than it has ever been before.

I was nervous before I had you that there couldn’t possibly be enough love for you. People told me that there was, that I would love you just as much as Reagan. They told me that we grow another heart for each child. They told me the love is, just like the first, more than I could imagine.

They were right. When I met you, my heart doubled in size. Then when I saw your sister meet you, my heart doubled once again.

You, little man, have brought a love like no other into our family.

These first 10 weeks have been a mix of barely hanging on and having more fun, more joy, and more love that ever before. Some days are emotional, long, sleepless, and frustrating. But even on those days — the days you don’t sleep and your sister continuously whines — life has never been this beautiful. There are so many moments that I wish I could replay over and over again. Your sister meeting you for the first time and instantly (almost instinctively) kissing you. The moment you smiled and it was bigger than any smile I have seen any baby ever give. The moment Reagan comforted you with a hug and your pacifier. The moment you fell asleep in my arms and your sister hugged my neck to get a better look at you. The moment you coo’ed — bringing into our home the sweetest sound.

Bennett, I want you to know that you are adored, you are special, you are smart, and you belong. You have made our family so complete. Thank you.

I love you forever and always, no matter what.

– Mom

Pregnancy

A new chapter of life – Bennett’s First Letter

November 24, 2014 christinebassham

For the past couple years, I have written letters to my darling, adorable, perfect daughter Reagan. It is something that I love to do and something that I hope she will cherish one day. Being a mother to a daughter was something that I always dreamt of and it has thus far exceeded my every desire. Last April, we found out that we were expecting another little nugget. Bennett William Bassham is scheduled to arrive on December 18, 2014. I can’t wait to meet this little guy, and I think it is about time that I wrote him a letter.

Dear Bennett,

Hi! I am your mom, and I cannot wait to meet you. I am 35 weeks pregnant, and you, sweet boy, are scheduled to arrive on December 18, 2014. Right now, you spend your days kicking, poking, and generally moving. You are an incredibly active baby. At each of your ultrasounds, they always tell us that they have never seen a baby move so much! At 33 weeks, you measured 5 pounds, 3 ounces and supposedly have a full head of hair. We got to see you in 3D – and, let me be the first to tell you, you are very handsome.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our family. I love you with all my heart. I pray for you daily and dream about you all the time. Your dad he loves you too. He can’t wait to have a son and get so excited he talks about you. He is busily preparing the house and his many “to do” lists in anticipation of your arrival. And, your big sister Reagan – let me tell you something about her – she is going to be the most wonderful big sister in the world. I can’t wait to see how she loves you and how you love her back.

Sweet boy – you are so cherished. I am enjoying these last few weeks of pregnancy – knowing that never again will I know what it feels like have your heartbeat inside of me.

I love you with all my heart. Forever and always. No matter what.

Mom

Here are maternity pictures taken at 32 weeks!

Uncategorized

You are going to be a BIG SISTER!

September 26, 2014 christinebassham

Dear Reagan,

You are an adorable, carefree, and absolutely perfect toddler. You have given up walking for running; you have let us know you are perfectly capable of putting yourself to sleep (although sometimes we can’t help but want to rock you you); and you have learned many new tricks, including that if you point at the TV enough someone will turn it on for you. (A girls deserves 30 minutes of Yo Gabba Gabba a day, right?) We couldn’t be more in love with you, or more amazed at how you are developing into this wonderfully sweet little girl.

On Easter morning, we found out that you–our little then 9 month old– were going to be a big sister. To say it was a BIG surprise would be a understatement. A few days later, we learned the “new nugget” (as we fondly call it) would arrive on Christmas day. A few weeks later, we learned that the new nugget was a boy nugget — your little brother. It will a whirlwind, but we are thrilled — thrilled to meet this baby boy, thrilled to see you become a big sister, and thrilled that God has blessed us with another healthy baby that will transform our perfect family of three into a perfect family of four.

So what do you need to know about being a big sister to a little brother? Well, as a big sister to your Uncle Kevin for going on 25 years, I know a few things. For now, let’s start with this: He will drive you absolutely crazy at times, but I promise you, he will be your fiercest protector, biggest cheerleader, and best confidant. Having a little brother is going to be tough at first — it breaks my heart to think of you having to share your Mommy and Daddy, but at the same time, I know that you will love having a sibling and soon find that he is your best friend.

My sweet Reagan, you are completely oblivious to my growing belly — instead you are focused things a 14 month old should be focused on — your toys (especially puppies, bunnies, and books), your new school (which you finally seem to love), your cool dance moves (you have added a running jig of sorts to the mix), and your growing appetite (final you are a good eater).

While I can’t wait to meet your little brother, I am also cherishing these last 12 weeks. 12 more weeks of a family of three. 12 more weeks of uninterrupted snuggles with you. 12 more weeks of being a duo.

I love you with all my heart, forever and always, no matter what.

Mom

First Day of School

Big Sister Reagan at 13 months

Family Trip to Connecticut (13 months)

First Day of School (13 months)

Your baby brother (26 weeks)

Babymoon (24 weeks pregnant)

Your first stomach bug (14 months) 😦

Swinging at the park (14 months)

Running in the front lawn (14 months)

It’s fall! (14 months)

Uncategorized

My little toddler

July 29, 2014 christinebassham

Dear Reagan,

Having a one year old daughter is the most fun ever! Seriously, this is my favorite age thus far. You are my little sidekick, and we have so much fun together.

You favorite things to do:

1) Chase the puppy/throw a ball to the puppy/say pet/”pat” puppy/feed puppy: You have always loved sweet Colie, but now you and him are the best of pals. He runs around the house with a ball (or more often one of your toys he isn’t supposed to have) and you chase him. As soon as you retrieve the ball/toy, you throw it back to him (and get very offended if he doesn’t retrieve it). You then chase him again and again. You also love to “pat” him and feed him. He gets approximately 50% of every one of your meals and, if Mommy forgets to give Colie a treat, you remind me by pointing to his treats.

2) Ride around in your car: It is HOT outside – really, really hot, but each day we try to go outside and do things. You love riding your car up and down the street. You wear your shades (and often throw them out of the car so Mommy has to pick them up) and we cruise!

3) Wave to EVERYONE and I mean EVERYONE: You must get this from your Daddy — you are the friendliest baby ever. When we go out in public you wave consistently and say “hi” to every single person we pass. I always get compliments on how adorable and outgoing you are. You love when people wave back and Mommy love seeing you make people smile.

4) Splash pad: So thankful that we have a splash pad near our house. We have been so many times this summer and it has been wonderful! Now that you can walk, you enjoy walking through the water and playing with the fountains. We often meet friends there and pack a picnic. It is a perfect summer day.

5) Wear necklaces: You wear Mommy’s necklace all around the house and absolutely love it. It is adorable how you find it in the morning and immediately put it on for the day.

I just love your little personality right now. You are INCREDIBLY SMART – you know exactly what you want and exactly how to communicate it. You make me laugh often and fill my heart with joy all the time.

I never want to forget you at this age.

I love you forever and always, no matter what.

Mom

Mommyhood

Happy Birthday Reagan!

July 9, 2014July 29, 2014 christinebassham

Dear Reagan,

Happy Birthday! You are a whole year old! I know you won’t remember this year, but I will never forget it. I will never forget holding you in my arms the day you were born. I will never forget seeing you smile at six weeks old for the very first time. I will never forget the sweet sound of your laugh or how it shakes your whole body. I will never forget your first wobbly steps. I will never forget those wet kisses you gave or those perfect hugs. I will never forget the pure bliss in rocking you fast asleep.

I will never forget how you completely transformed me, how you made me a mother.

Reagan, I won’t say that this year has been easy. It hasn’t. There were times that were tough, times that I cried with you, times when I didn’t think I could do it. But I think that is motherhood. It isn’t always pretty, but somehow it is always beautiful. And this year has been so beautiful.

The joy surrounding our family since the day you were born has been immeasurable. You shine, Reagan. You give off a light that brightens the world around you. (Appropriately, this weekend we are throwing you a “Sunshine” first birthday party — you are our little sunshine).

I keep trying to put into words what being your mother has meant to me. It is so hard to capture that love in words. Sure, it is unconditional, but it is more than that. It is a feeling of vulnerability because I can’t imagine a world without you. It is a feeling of strength because I would give my life to protect you. It is a feeling of pride because everything you do amazes me. It is a feeling of belonging because you are mine.

Today, as I approached the house, I saw you in the window waving your little hand as fast as it could go, bouncing up and down, and smiling the biggest smile at me. That, right there, is the best feeling in the world – I never had that before I had you. Thank you for loving me. I hope you know that forever and always, no matter what, I love you.

Happy Birthday, sweet Reagan.

xoxoxo
Mom