My Little Dex is Turning One. Where Did The Time Go?

Seriously.  I can't even fathom how fast this year has blown by.  But, if I sit back and really think about it, we've managed to fit in about as much as humanly possible in one year since my beautiful baby boy was born.

Let's start with April 27, when my precious Declan Thomas Whelan arrived.  It was a little complicated (with his hands coming out first, but our "Superman," as the doctors called him made it and was healthy, albeit, with a few bumps, bruises and one bad case of cone-head.   Then, let's throw in a bad case of postpartum craziness, a medical scare and major surgery for Anna, a new house (including a 6-month bidding war), a move to a new town/suburb, a new job for Billy (he's now at Apple) and new schools for Anna - etc, etc, etc.  I'm getting exhausted just writing this.

But (there's always a but), this year has brought us unimaginable joy.  Bill and I have been blessed a second time as we've been able to have another child and witness the everyday miracles that come with watching him grow, develop and thrive.  The pure wonder and amazement certainly does not diminish after having one child.  I think it makes a parent more in tune with what is actually happening with your little baby.  Your second-time-parent experience allows you to understand the full gravity of what is taking place before your eyes - you're child, that you made together, that grew in your belly (I still can't believe it only takes 9 months), was born and is healthy - is becoming a real, one-of-a-kind person.

As I reflect on the year since Dex was welcomed into our world, all the other day-to-day chatter seems to melt away and all I can see and think of is how much he is loved.

Declan Thomas - I've loved you from the moment we met.  I love you and every last spirally curl beyond words.  I prayed for you, cried for you and dreamed of having you.  I love that you're curious, active, a little distructive and always on the move.  I love that when you're mad - you are MAD.  But your smile is larger than life and your laugh is addicting.  You melt my heart every day as I watch you learn how to navigate your new world.  I love, love, love you, my sweet, precious boy.

I'm dedicated this song to you, Dex:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=r4-PDKNu71I

Easter Bunny did arrive

Happy Easter 2013.  My baby Dex experienced his first easter and my Anna was amazed Easter morning as always.  It was a beautiful weekend all around, spending it with both sides of our family. 

Billy's 35th Birthday Party

Love my Billy, so I had to throw him a fabulous birthday party/ housewarming bash (since we just moved).  We had a blast with all of our friends who came from all ovee the country.   Our first party in the new place!

I've also included some pictures of us at other evenings out.  We've certainly not slowed down since moving to the burbs.  We still have so much fun with eachother.

Bathtime with my babies

I'm posting this randomly because, as a parent, the best times are usually not holidays, milestones, vacations, etc.  The best times with your kids are on a random Tuesday night after a day of working, when we're all together in the bathtub being silly, loud and just plain happy.  Those are the best times and there may not be a camera or video present.  You just pray that the moment is engrained in your memory forever.  This was one of those moments.

Dex is Crawling and Walking (with a little help)!

I'm about four months late on this, but Dex started crawling December 19.  We knew he's be early because he's just one of those kids...he dive in!  I will also add to this by showing some pictures of our boy walking (with a little help).  People are surprised by how fast and nimble our little guy is, considering how huge and chunky he is.  He love to move and hasn't stopped doing so since that Dec. 19 evening.  He keeps us all on our toes and brings joy to our life every single day. 

 

 

 

 

The Holidays and Such (Dex's First Thanksgiving, Christmas and Marco Trip)

The 2012/2013 Holiday Season was our first with our two kiddos and it made for even more laughs, memories and fun (especially in our new house).  While we had Thanksgiving at Gaga and Bapa's, we were able to finally host a holiday dinner where everyone could sit together and we had plenty of space.  Even Rick and Kelly were able to join us this year. 

Continuing on with tradition, we headed south to Marco Island (Dex's first visit) and had a wonderful time.  The weather was amazing and the kids had the best time (in between doctor's visits and bad coughs).  Dex discoverd his love for water and Anna couldn't get enough of her "cousin time."  We were even able to relax a bit and enjoy each other and those beautiful, sun-soaked days. 

After ringing in the new year with my Billy, I have to say that we're honestly and genuinely excited for 2013.  It's going to be an amazing year of "new things" for us all.  We have Dex's first birthday, Anna's 5th birthday, a new home and community we're getting to know, new friends to spend time with and a new life in general that we're looking forward to jumping right into.  Here's to 2013 (who says 13 is unlucky)!!

 

Just cuz...My beautiful, cheerful and oh so active, baby boy, Dex.

The chunkiest Santa Claus EVER!

 

Our first Nutcracker ballet with Anna - love at first sight...I think we're just going to have to make this an annual thing

 

Anna's Christmas Show at St. Michael's (Preschool)...Such a proud parent moment.  My baby girl is getting so old

 

Dex's reading chair.  Too bad he's never been able sit still long enough to enjoy it. :)  My little Dex.

Cousin Love!

Anna's Christmas show in video...priceless!

We Moved!!

I'm catching up on my blog posts because we've been just a tad bit busy. ;)  In the midst of the "Lost Summer" we managed to bid on a beautiful home in Wheaton.  While I was totally against moving to the Western Suburbs and actually not to keen on the idea of moving to the suburbs in general, this house truly found us and we know we had to take advantage...and quickly.  After eight months of back and forth, bidding wars and more, we closed on our gorgeous new home in Wheaton one week before Thanksgiving. 

At first the move was bitter sweet for me.  We had over five amazing years at our home in Chicago (Wellington Park).  It's where Bill and I started our family, made great friends and just enjoyed life.  Every corner of the WP house has a memory that makes me smile.  My baby Anna grew up there...learned to crawl, walk, talk and become the beautiful little girl she is today.  But, it wasn't just the house.  The most "bitter" part to me was realizing that I was leaving Chicago...the only place, town, home, I'd ever really known in my adult life.  I loved our neigborhood.  We walked everywhere...school, grocery stores, parks, restaurants and friends.  I love my Chicago and I was so sad to be leaving. 

There is a but. 

But, I also knew that Bill and I never planned to stay in the city forever and our move to the burbs was to create a wonderful life for our TWO kids.  So, as a team and a family, we made the leap to the suburbs and moved our family and our life to Wheaton. 

We've started over and continued on at the same time.  While there are still little things that I miss (and I'm sure that list may grow or decrease as time goes on), I can honestly say we're all very happy.  Anna is in two wonderful pre-schools (St. Michael's and Toddler's Campus), we have our lovely nanny, Ms. Diana (Anna's former CBECC teacher) and an amazing home that give everyone room to run and grow (and me to decorate!!).  The neighbors are great...lots of kids, and I'm slowly discovering the many advantages and benefits of living in a beautiful town that has so much to offer. 

I've included some photos of our move, our old home and the new one. 

Happy 4th Birthday To Anna!

Since Anna has a love (or obsession) with dressing up, we combined Halloween and her 4th birthday and hosted a fabulous fall birthday party at our house.  We knew we were about to move any day, so we took advantage of our city house and garage and transformed it into a great Halloween/birthday room.  

All of Anna's friends from around the neighborhood, city and burbs came to help us celebrate our little girl.  It was a great party and the perfect send off for our family!