Five years came and went, and I can still easily recall the moment when you joined us, born at home, surrounded by your family. Adin rubbed your hairy arms and commented on how soft they felt, “like a peach.” I starred at another little man brought into my life, and wondered how in the WORLD would I manage 3 boys…where would this tiny being “fit” into our family, and what role would you play in this journey called life?

Today I look at you…chocolate brown eyes, blond hair that’s beginning to darken, and you’re loud, crazy cute, and funny as all get out. You’re totally the family comedian. I’ve often contemplated taking you on the road and charging tickets for your performances. The best part- you know you’re funny. Sometimes, when you’re really going, we just can’t stop you. You’ll talk to the neighbors like old friends. You’ll roll down the car window and scream things at people like, “Hope you’re having a great day!” “Oh, wow, like that shirt!” Or, sometimes, you say things you shouldn’t say…Like about a month ago, we pulled up to Costco and you yelled out the window, “Hey lady, your boobies are hanging out.” After I covered my face and cried for 5 minutes (from laughter), we talked about inappropriate things to say to people.

Seriously kid? I adore you. You have us rolling in laughter on a daily basis.

I tell the “thumb” story all the time. You came up to me this winter with a very serious look on your face. You said, “Mom, I’m four (with 4 fingers up), but pretty soon my thumb is gonna come up, and then I’ll be ALL big.” (Then my heart exploded) You’ve been talking about that thumb ever since, and couldn’t believe it had “come up” the morning of your birthday. Like, it REALLY happened!?

Even though you’re five, you still suck your two middle fingers when you’re tired or want to be comforted…and frankly, you’re my baby, so I really don’t mind. ;) Cuddling with Mama and Baba is your favorite thing to do…often holding our ears and kissing our faces like crazy. The other day you just completely melted me when you cupped my face with your two little hands, looked me in the eyes and said, “Mommy, you so precious.” I’m sure this is a repeat of what what you’ve heard many times over, but it was said with such innocence and sincerity.

You hug me so tightly you take my breath away.

Lately, I make you laugh SO hard by acting like I’m throwing a tantrum about my baby boy growing up…complete with screaming, pounding my fists, and major frowning. I love that I can still make you laugh…your brothers and sister are well past that point. ;)

Every night we have the same routine. Baba and I hug you in bed while I pray, and then we sing your special “Birdie Song” that goes:

“See the little birdie, flying up so high, to the land of happy dreams, fa-le-lullaby.
See the little birdie, spread his wings and fly, as I sing this song to you, fa-le-lullaby.”

You sing the same tune, but repeat these words instead: “I love mama baba, I love mama baba, I love mama baba.”

MELT.
I don’t know what I’ll do when you stop singing with us.

What a little blessing you are, baby boy. And now, of course, I just couldn’t imagine our family unit functioning without the light and pure joy you bring. Thankful for every day with you.

We had been looking forward to our trip to Maine all year. Brett and I had never been and always wanted to go, and Brett’s brother Jason was the same; never been, always wanting. We all went to celebrate an AMAZING wedding in which, Jason was the DJ and a groomsman, and we photographed- of course.

We rented an adorable little rustic place in the small fishing town of Stonington, ME and spent the days wandering around the harbor, exploring back country roads, and eating fantastically fresh seafood.

Stepping off the plane, the first thing we had to do was find the best place for Lobster. Of course. I had been dreaming of lobster for weeks now. We were led to “Red’s Eats” for what was the “World’s Best Lobster Roll.” Verdict: It did not disappoint.

Afterwards we headed on our journey up from Portland, ME to our tiny island. We passed a couple beautiful bridges along the way.

We arrived after dark, so the next morning we were eager to head out to take our first peek at the quaint little harbor town. I read before the trip that Stonington was a very small town, seemingly untouched since the 1950’s. I would say that statement is just about right on. The town was very quiet, and on the days when the fog would roll in and cover everything, it felt near silent at times….almost eery, like a movie scene. There was no cell phone coverage there, so it really felt very “off the grid,” which was mainly awesome…..just not when we wanted to check on the kids!

Our sweet lil’ house, built on top of a granite quarry, with enough blueberries and blackberries in it’s surroundings to eat for days.

We rented bikes and traveled to Bar Harbor where we rode around a gorgeous (and big) lake. It was incredibly beautiful, but man was I a major wimp. I’ve never despised the great outdoors more than when I was dying trying to ride up those hills. BLAH.

My precious man shot some major filmage. Those coming soon, and they flipping ROCK. I just shot him shooting filmage, instead. ;)

A meal to remember one evening after we had been lost, cold, hungry, and Jason schmoozed our way into getting us into this restaurant where they were booked solid for the night. Win for us, thanks Jason!

Wonderful parting dinner and sunset the evening before we left….hosted by our newly-married friends. :)

And that’s it for part one. I plan to share Brett’s film he shot, along with the rehearsal dinner, and one of our favorite weddings we’ve ever photographed. Seriously, it was gorgeous and filled with so much love.

Coming soon…