Worth Celebrating

Levi had a much better night last night and woke up smiling, mostly back to normal. He woke up to find the front room full of about 50 inflated balloons. Some were still floating, but most had fallen to the ground. He loves balloons. Later we filled a pack n play with the balloons and stuck him in it- he loved it.

We had him open his gifts and let him play with them- the fridge magnets were an instant hit. I am not sure how long they will stay on the fridge, though.

Levi had a difficult time napping and was rather needy so we decided to postpone the trip to the butterfly conservatory.

All in all, I think he had a pretty great birthday. I enjoyed it. The best part is the celebration continues. Tomorrow his grandma arrives in town- the next day more family, and Saturday we party!

Levi is definitely worth celebrating. He is an amazing child, full of joy and laughter. He amazes me each day with his curious nature and gentle demeanor. To be his mother is truly a gift.

Distraction

Tomorrow is Levi's first birthday. We had plans. We were going to celebrate and make his day special.

But yesterday he woke up with a fever and the doctor confirmed he had an ear infection. Last night he barely slept. Today he is exhausted and his body is working so hard to heal itself. I doubt he will be up for any adventure tomorrow.

I hate seeing my baby in pain. I hate that there is nothing I can do to take his pain away. I can hold him and love him, but he still hurts. He looks to us as if to ask why we are letting him hurt. As if he thinks we have the power to stop it and are letting him be in pain.

And the timing seems like it couldn't be worse. Not only is his birthday tomorrow and family will be arriving soon to visit- but there is a major recall on most infant medicine.

So today, when I would much rather be focused on his birthday and celebrating his life, I am struggling to make sure he is pain free and comfortable.

I know at the end of the day, I am overreacting. It is a simple ear infection. He will be fine. He is healthy and strong. I am fortunate that this is the exception to his health and not the norm. And I am grateful that Tony and I are able to love on him and cuddle with him as long as he needs it.

Levi doesn't care what day we celebrate his birthday- in fact I'm sure he will be perfectly happy to have a quiet day with his parents. I just want him to have the best. To know how loved he is. He deserves nothing less than pure joy and happiness.

So Much

Each day I think about posting again here and updating Levi's blog. I know it has been too long and each new day that passes makes it that much more challenging to make the time to create a post worth posting. I mean after nearly two months of nothing, the first post should be exciting, right? But what do I talk about?

Levi? I could fill numerous posts about my sweet baby. He is going to be one next week and I can't believe the time has gone by that quickly. Wasn't I just pregnant? He is an excellent walker at this point and can stand up completely by himself. He is a fast little boy, full of energy and laughter. I love his easy going personality and his strong desire to explore.

Or do I talk about Tony and how amazing he is? In the last year Tony has had to adjust to working in an office environment where you are expected to work when and how they want you to. It has been challenging for him and yet he has shown how resilient he is. He has received numerous praises from his managers. He continues to be a caring, supportive friend and husband. He thrives as a dad, loving Levi is beautiful ways and making sure to spend ample time with Levi.

Or what about our friends that we've made? Because we have been extremely fortunate to find such wonderful people. I really enjoy the people we are getting to know here. They care about us and Levi. Buffalo has really become home to us, and that is in large part because of the great people we know here.

And then there are all of the random happenings, such as:

-We are starting a CSA with Promised Land Farms in May. I am pumped for this, although a little nervous. The CSA we were a part of in MI was wonderful and I am hoping this one lives up to my expectations. I have heard great reviews, so I am very hopeful.

-Tony and I both need to have our wisdom teeth removed. Not scheduled yet, but hopefully by the end of the year we will tackle this.

-Our first date night in a long time is this Saturday. I don't know what we're going to do, but I'm ready to get away for a few hours with Tony.

So. There. The pressure is off. I have updated my blog. I will do my best to keep it updated from here on out. :)