Pollen!

Before moving to Atlanta I had never paid much attention to pollen.  Having been blessed with a life free of allergies, the daily allergen level report meant nothing to me.  In Atlanta, however, you can't ignore pollen.  For a few weeks in the Spring it is everywhere.  The entire city has a golden sheen, blue cars turn green, and your throat becomes parched because of the amount of pollen you breathe in.

We've experienced record-breaking pollen counts this year and poor Anna has taken it on the chin.  Or rather, in the eyes.  She has sneezing fits, coughing, skin hives, and eyes as puffy as Rocky's after a fight.  So strange, considering it has not bothered her the last three years.  Allergy medicine and daily eyedrops have helped but I can't wait for "Pollen Season" to subside for her sake!

Baseball Birthday

We rang in James's first birthday with a baseball party!  I decided to keep it small, mainly in an effort to keep my sanity (Jason says I act a tad crazy when it comes to birthday parties - I don't see it...ha).  And you know what, it was perfect.  There were friends, decorations, a game, favors, and cake.  What more does a one-year-old need?!?

James was a pro at devouring his cake.  It took him a second, but when he realized the cake on the tray was all his, he wasted no time.

Singing Happy Birthday

For me?

Well, if you insist!

Post-cake rinse

Post-cake strip down

The welcoming committee at the party.

James's pal Laura enjoying her cupcake

Cupcake picnic!

The big, happy 1.

One Sweet Boy

One year.  Amazing to believe that 365 days can pass so quickly, and yet, so slowly at the same time.  Amazing to believe that one year ago we were a family of three (+ Tope), and we were just at that stage of "wow, everything is starting to feel normal again."  Then you came along.

Your arrival was a bit rough - but hey, you have some playground bragging rights.  "Think you're tough?  Well, I was born with a broken collar bone!"  My Big Baby, yet so tiny at the same time.

As soon as you arrived, it was like you'd been here all the time.  You fit in like the missing puzzle piece.  Everything was calmer the second time around.  I like to think I was more relaxed, but I think you made it easy.  That's what you are...easy.  Happy.  Sweet.  Calm.

A calm baby who rarely cried, but boy can you smile.  That's the reaction you get when out and about, "Wow!  He is happy!"  And, happy you are.  Always (well, almost always, you do have your moments).

You settled into the role of little brother like a pro.  Although we often caution Anna with that ominous day when "he will be bigger than you," you delight in her attention and affection.  She loves you so much (some days we have to reel in her excitement and tight "love you to death" hugs), but I see a strong relationship for you two in the future.  And that makes my heart soar.

There is a something so different about a baby boy.  Friends had tried to describe it to me before you were born, but it is indescribable.  The sweet smiles, snuggly hugs, and shouts of "mama!" melt my heart.  And you're so physical, curious, into everything.  You leave no cabinet unopened.  If there is a baseball, football, soccerball, you name it, within a 30-foot radius,  you will chase it down.  "Ba! ba! ba!"  I've fished not two, but THREE bugs (2 roly-polys and 1 snail) out of your mouth.  One of your first sounds was "vroom!" for your cars, then "roar" for dinosaurs and lions.  You are a boy through and through.

And you are ours.  Growing up, yet still our sweet baby James.