Shamrocks & Bunnies

Mason celebrated his first St Patrick's and Easter this month (two mile stones for the baby book).

 

 While in the past St Patrick's day represented green beer and day drinking this year we celebrated Mason style. Brunch on Sunday and corn beef and cabbage at Aunt Dorothy's with The whole gang later that night. We enjoyed our new way of celebrating the holiday; mainly because we got to spend the day together.

In between St Patrick's Day and Easter we prepped Mason for March Madness. Mason and I put on our crimson and blue to cheer on the Kansas Jayhawks; I also pulled up some YouTube clips to familiarize him with the Rock Chalk chant and the Jayhawk (he loved it). So, although Kansas didn't make it to the final four the Murray family enjoyed March Madness and game days....while it lasted.

We celebrated Easter this year with our first visit from the Easter Bunny (Mason got blocks, an Elmo doll and some bubbles) and going to brunch at Ruth Lake. Since Mase goes to bed fairly early these days we have to go on most of our adventures earlier in the day. Mason was a trooper and not only did he do a great job at brunch he didn't shed a tear when taking pictures with the Easter Bunny.

Words can't describe how wonderful it is to watch Mason grow and explore the world around him. Matt and I are so very often in aw of him. I in turn, love watching Matt and Mason together; the love they have for each other is heart warming! We have so much to be thankful for and so many wonderful adventures as a family a head of ourselves. Now if this weather would just warm up a bit life would be heavenly!!!

Loves playing & eating in his hairchair!

Ready for his first trip to the zoo!

Ch-ch-changes: 5 months

Mason is growing and changing so rapidly! It is hard to believe Mason is already 5 months old (no joke we celebrated with cupcakes and sang happy birthday); it is hard to remember or even imagine life without our little pumpkin. Aunt Mia shared a little bit of frosting with him during our celebration; pretty sure he liked it. Honesty, I haven't found a food he doesn't like. Pretty sure he wants what we are eating and drinking. His mouth opens wide while he watches eat/drink.

As Mason gets older he gets more fun! Playing with him and listening to his infectious laugh is heart warming. As he is getting older he is also allowing us to be a bit more mobile. Trips to Oakbrook and Target are much less stressful and actually enjoyable these days (for both of us).

We got a babysitter at the beginning of the month (first time ever) and we went to a family wedding. We enjoyed the night out with the family and look forward to more nights out in the near future.

Other News: we rented my condo in the city! This is great news for us; ironically enough the couple that is renting the until is expecting. So, it will be the second family to bring a new born home to our condo.

Game Day Ready!

One of Mason's Faves; flying baby!

Tootsies

Mason found his feet and like everything else he wants to put them in his mouth (must be nice to be that flexible).

Mason is changing everyday and therefore has some new likes & dislikes!

Mason likes:
- Pete the Cat (the book, the video or just me reciting the book).
- he love flying like an airplane
- wet washcloths
- his set of keys and monkey with a pacifier attached

Dressed for breakfast at Ruth Lake

Fell asleep in the car playing!

Rockin' & Rollin'

Mason is growing up so quickly and we were all very excited when he rolled over the other night!  He has been trying to roll over for the past week or so; Matt has been working with him every night to help him gain the strength to do so.  Low and behold we have a roller.... On Sunday night while we were at my parents house for dinner he rolled from his back to his tummy and while he was playing on his play mat on Tuesday afternoon he was a rolling machine and conquered the tummy to back roll (pretty sure he wasn't actually trying to roll over to his back, it just happened).  Here is a brief clip of the little man doing his thing:

The video is so sort because I can't catch him in the act very easily!  It is  like the little guy knows when I'm trying to capture him rolling because he just won't do it for me.  When the camera is off or I have my back turned cooking dinner he is rockin' and rollin'!

Other Happenings this month:
Mason had his 4 month check up this week and he weighs 17 pounds and 11 oz and is 27 1/4 inches!  I have a feeling Mason is going to be a tall boy.

Mason's First Valentine's Day:

Baby Play Date: Mason loves other people his size!

My Valentine!

Clearly our lives have changed drastically and our focus is on Mason (which makes it easy to forgot how we got to where we are today).  This Valentine's Day we might be celebrating at home over a home cooked meal and by exchanging cards, however we can't forgot how we got here.  It all started with just the two of us and the love we have for each other.  I'm so lucky to have Matt in my life; he is not just my husband he is my best friend!  I love the way he loves me and the way he loves and cares for Mason.  So, even though life is all about Mason right now we have to remember each other and how we got to this point.

I won't get too sappy (mainly cause that isn't my style) but in honor of Valentine's Day I want to give a shout out to Matt!  Thank you for being you; love you so much.

Honeymoon in Greece

Trip to NYC April 2011

Sara & Joe's Wedding

Engagement Picture

4 months: Apples, squash, peaches & pears oh my

Mason celebrated his 4 month birthday this past weekend!  It is honestly so hard to believe how quickly he is growing up and changing.  Mason is extremely observant; he watches our faces and actions very intensely. He is starting to make new noises (that have us adults laughing out loud) and he tries his hardest to mimic our facial expressions and tongue movements. His rapid growth and development have me mesmerized and watching his every move.  Basically, I just can't get enough of my little man!

For the past month of so now I've been giving Mase baby food mixed with oatmeal and milk!  He loves it; he kind of yells at us when we aren't getting the food in his month fast enough.  So far, there isn't anything we have given him that he won't eat.

Since we have been back from Florida Mason hasn't been sleeping through the night!  I think it is combination of 4th month regression of sleep and teething.  Some nights are better then others but when he wakes up every couple of hours it makes for an extremely long day for Matt and I.

Visit from Jean and Darrell: Jean & Darrell drove in this past weekend!  They hadn't seen Mase in a few months and were shocked on how much he has changed.  They were kind enough to help us with a few projects around the house.  Thanks to them we have another room painted and a place to hang our coats!  Their craftsmanship was greatly appreciated and I'm pretty sure will have a new list of projects for them come their next visit.

Random Tid Bits & Thoughts: Mason got another cold this past weekend and this time Matt and I were armed with a NoseFrida!  This little invention from Sweden is fabulous and really helps with his stuffy nose.  If you are a mom with a young child go out and buy the NoseFrida now....before your babe comes down with another cold.  It might seem kind of gross but truly it isn't and the relief it offers him makes a world of difference.

This week is Healthy Relationship Week (Feb 11- 15).  Alpha Chi Omega is celebrating by encouraging everyone to change their Facebook profile or send an Instagram pic of themselves with a sign that says "Love is _______________." This really got me thinking, 1) because I really want to participate in the campaign and 2) how would I describe such a strong yet important word to someone who didn't know the meaning or to my son in the future. Part of me thinks there aren't any words needed and a picture of Mason and I describes the meaning of love in and of itself. Since I had him love has taken on an entirely different meaning in my life and at the same time has become something indescribable. Any who, this is what I ended up submitting!  Feel free to participate in Healthy Relationship Week as well.