1st Birthday

I have so many emotions about Lincoln turning one! I am proud of all the new skills he has and all that he has accomplished so far. I am really excited about all of the new fun things he will learn to do in the coming year. I am weepy over the fact he isn't a baby anymore: he doesn't need me as much. At night he turns to a pacifier and a stuffed animal for comfort instead of me. He likes to eat on his own and doesn't want my help. It is so hard for me to believe that a year ago I had this little bundle that depended on my every second of the day.

Before Lincoln, I never realized how much love a mother has for her child. There isn't enough space to say how much I love my little boy. Lincoln, as you read this when you are older, I hope you realize how much your mom and dad love you. When we say prayers at night, you are always in them, and for the past 365 days, I have told Heavenly Father how thankful I am for you. I am blessed to be your mommy!

Now that I have a box of tissues beside me, I can finish this post. We had a party for Lincoln up in Hickory at my parent's house. We had about 20 people over for BBQ and cake. Rachel did a great job of decorating the house. There were blue streamers hanging from the ceiling and blue balloons all over the floor. All of the kids had fun playing with the balloons. Lincoln kept walking from room to room: he was so social and didn't want to miss anything. He was confused when everyone was singing to him. After I gave him a little taste of the frosting on the cake, he shoved a whole handful in his mouth. There were presents for him to open, but he was too interested in balloons and what other people were doing. Thanks to all the friends for coming out on a rainy Friday: you made it a great party! We missed all of our friends and family who couldn't make it, but we appreciate all of the birthday wishes, cards, and presents you sent!

Playgroup

I met some other moms at the library this January. The sweeties invited us to be part of their playgroup. We meet everyother week, and this week we met at a fabulous, toddler-friendly park. It was so close to Lincoln's birthday, so I made treats for all the beautiful babies (I really think all of them could be Gerber babies!).

I wish I was Martha Stewart...

...I really wish I was Martha Stewart.

But at least the babies enjoyed them.

Here is Link's bud Max, feeling clever because he just stole his mom's sunglasses. Don't you love the lean back to get every ounce out of the sippy cup?

Cute Sophia shared a ride with Link in the Radio Flyer. Notice how my son has had something in his mouth in every picture? He is the Brad Pitt of the Ocean movies!

Multi-Tasker

Most babies enjoy a nice ride in the stroller. They can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Not my baby! I have to find activites for him to do in the stroller, just to get a 20 minute walk in. I love taking walks with mom (in the background) and her dogs, so Lincoln has something to do. In this picture he is sucking on his binky, sitting up in the stroller, and walking the dog....he's already a multi-tasker.

How Could Anyone Steal From This Face

"Sam" saw me walking with Lincoln almost everyday, and I'm just wondering, "How can anyone steal from this face?" Detective Alexander emailed us today with some news about "Sam." He is on the run! There is a warrant for his arrest, because he didn't show up for court for driving without a license. "Sam" has abandoned his car and there is an eviction notice on his door. If he left stuff in his apartment, who does it belong to once he gets evicted? If some of our things are in his apartment, do we get them back? Let's hope so!

I'm really ok with the situation, I just needed an excuse to post this cute picture.

Here We Go

After much procrastination, I finally started our family blog. I figure now I won't feel as guilty when I hear sunday school lessons about journaling and family history. Here are a couple updates about what is going on in the Shinsel fam...

Robbery: We met with our fabulous detective a couple weeks ago. Dave had to watch pawn shop tapes of our neighbor pawning his music equipment and other items. "Sam" (name has been changed to protect the not-innocent) got arrested in August for driving without a license. He was questioned by our detective and was caught in a couple lies. We are waiting for the D.A. to issue a search warrant for "Sam's" apartment.

Lincoln: He is a crazy tornado of energy. He started to walk at 11 months and is now close to running. His face is constantly bruised or scratched from falling down and running into things. I expect Child Protective Services to come visit us any day.

Dave: I have already begun the countdown until Dave is done with school (8.5 months til May). We were excited that he got NC residency this semester and got back his assistantship, teaching a freshman psych lab.

Julie: This is really wierd writing about myself...not sure anyone else cares, but I started back to work with my old job at the YMCA. I will only be working the days Dave doesn't have class. There are some fun projects I'll be helping with, like our annual roadraces and a senior citizens prom!

My blog looks so empty. Please give me ideas how to make it look better!