What Mason has been doing in July:

Mason is changing, growing and continuing to make us smile as he melts our hearts, day in and day out.


Last week at the office, just before Matt dashed out the door, we smooched. I was also holding Mason at the time. Mason watched this display of affection as he drew his hand to his mouth and gave us his precious "crinkle-faced" smile. (Almost in a bashful, embarassed manner.) It was so darn cute, Matt and I couldn't help but smooch once more and wait for his reaction -- there is was all over again. I hope to recall those very moments forever.

Lately, when out and about people keep referring to Mason as "she, " despite our best attempts to have him sport blue and/or very boyish clothing. His "Goldilocks" fool 'em every time! We don't mind correcting people. We also have no intention of cutting his hair anytime soon. It's such a part of his personality -- all bubbly, all the time.

I have been playing with Theodore, from Alvin and The Chipmunks...as I make him slowly walk up to Mason...then sneeze and go flying through the air...hitting Mason in the belly!!! I am then privy to a zealous belly giggles and squirming. Mason hands Theodore back to me and we repeat this entertainment again and again. Then he'll pick up Theodore, like a little puppy, and carry him around in his mouth as he crawls away, head held high in the air. Sometimes he'll bite and carry his "Woobie" (favorite blanket) or Sweet Pea Baby (the baby doll I've introduced since he'll be a big brother soon).

Mason also really enjoys pushing his walk-behind toys. It's so much fun to see him make laps around the living room. It's too cute that he knows how to pick up the walker and maneuver it accordingly, while sharing his "old man grunts" with us.

Mason says "Ma-Ma" quite frequently. He's been saying this off and on now since about eleven months. We work on "Da-Da" but he just won't spit that one out yet. He'll also say "Bub-bub" and some other talking, rambling, singing, etc. He enjoys hanging onto the little black IPOD boom-box we got him, while cruizing in his stroller. Lately, anytime there's music playing you can see Mason do any and/or all of the following: bob his head, swing his little left hand to the beat, while on all fours -- bebop frontwards and back, clap his hands and I just saw him try to snap his fingers (7/24/2011). I can't say for certain if he was completely aware of this snapping fingers attempt but either way it was priceless.

Mason likes fruit of any kind, Jelly Bellies (just like his Daddy and Grandpa Cowell), whatever it is we're eating -- regardless of spiciness, Cinnamon raisin toast, bagels, homemade Nutri-Grain bars, Graham Crackers, yogurt, tomatoes, cucumbers and just about anything else. He likes it when I make sloppy joes, Mexican dishes, Crock-pot chicken/beef with potatoes and carrots. He'll scarf down Nanna Boo's Ham and Bean soup too. He's definitely a good little eater. He's more than happy to share his food and he'll even feed you.

While in a playful mood, Mason will attempt to hide from us. He'll bury his face underneath a pillow and lie flat on his belly. Or he'll poke his head in a corner and maybe even bonk his head on the wall while doing so. As long as his face is hidden, he thinks he's invincible, as he waits for us to surprise him.

When we go to get Mason out of his crib, he'll first hand you his "Woobie" and then raise up his arms.


Mason gets a real kick out of our vacuum. Nanna Boo took him for a ride on it! So now he's excited to ride it around the house and leans forward and "headbangs," if you will, while it's moving. Or he really enjoys being dragged around the house on a blanket. Anytime we're folding up a blanket he comes a crawlin' and "climbs aboard" anxiously awaiting his ride.

Last week, Mason decided he really wanted the TV remotes. He climbed over the arm of the couch and onto the side table!! Needless to say, Mommy came running to his rescue! Little stinker! Mason likes any working gadget. It brings a smile to his face to "point and click" the remotes, press all buttons on our cell phones or the IPOD, bang on the computer keyboard or wield around the mouse. He's into technology like his Daddy.

We've been working on signing please -- or at least patting our chest during demonstration. There will be times when Mason will involuntarily conduct this sign language in exchange for food. At just under fifteen months, each and every little milestone, giggle, wiggle, facial expression or potential word is such a thrill for Matt and I!!

When new people are friendly to Mason he grins big, clings on tight and acts playfully bashful. It's so cute to watch him be shy.

At the playground, Mason likes to climb up the slide --he's always game for a challenge. It's his workout. He likes exercise, obstacle courses, crawling through the grass and up the stairs or rolling around on the ab ball.

He knows where the "toy drawer" is in the kitchen and helps himself to the its contents often.
He dismounts off our bed, backwards and gently flops onto the floor -- thank goodness for the diaper padding under his little tush! LOL!

He's been getting stronger and stronger and prides himself on independently standing every now and again. We know it won't be long and he'll officially be walking. Until then, we're enjoying each and every moment.

He likes to tap his little index finger at various animals or insects during story time, just like I do, when labeling the item. It's so cute to watch him mimic my finger tapping. How neat it is to know his little mind is learning and churning. When asked where the deer is in Daddy's office Mason happily points to the buck on the wall. Speaking of deer, Mason loves to watch anything to do with StruttinBucks on Daddy's computer. He jams to he music or sports of big smile during each video clip -- he definitely is a mini version of Matt and I. When God created Mason He made him with equal parts of the both of us!

The First Year...

This is me jumping in, like a playful child into freshly fallen rain puddles:

My first year of motherhood has gone by in the blink of an eye. It has changed me for the better. It has made me even MORE passionate about life. It has given me the deeper yearning to celebrate the little things. (This is a simple summary, for being a mother has deeply impacted my soul inexplicably so.)

Mason's first year has been sufficiently documented in photo and home video mediums. However, I have been harboring feelings of regret when it comes to anecdotal writings. In attempt to "journal" the wonderful happenings of our days, this blog has come to fruition (along with the encourgament from some friends and my husband). I plan to share comical instances, heart-melting moments and the joys of being a wife and a mother. This is my electronic, social media, trendy/savvy way of documenting, the way we are "Living the Dream."

I'm not sure I can quite describe the cute, one-sided shoulder shrug and downward finger point Mason's uses when gesturing to his choice destination -- most times the food pantry. Or any of the other priceless mannerisms of his character, but I look forward to reviewing these blogs with fond recollection.

At thirteen months and four weeks, Mason enjoys making happy, nose-fully-crinkled, eyes squinted -- smiles, in which he displays his four top and four bottom toofers and perfect blond curls. (This face reminds me of a male version of Shirley Temple -- that's how sweet, innocent and captivating it is.)

When eating a blueberry he'll make the above described face as he "pops" it in between his teeth displaying his accomplishment for you to see!

During certain moments of play/wrestle time, Mason will let out a delighted shrill of anticipation before erupting into a full-blown belly giggle as we "rough him up a bit."

He'll move and groove, clapping his hands and shaking his head anytime there's a musical beat in the air.

Despite the daily required tasks, it's easy to find myself simply observing Mason. There's something so captivating and fascinating about being privy to viewing life through the eyes of your children. My husband, Matt, and I can have lengthy conversations about Mason and his discoveries.

In closing, I might add we're expecting another child come the middle of October. We're more than thrilled to give Mason the gift of a best friend, a sibling.

I look forward to composing more entries as our life unfolds, our funny bones are tickled and our "Living the Dream" continues. Matt and I have a one-of-a-kind relationship that allows us to work together, be extremely supportive of each other's interests and hobbies, love one another timelessly and raise a family with core values. Thank you for reading this and I hope you come back to catch up with us often. Peace and blessings.