Miles’ 4th Bday

Yesterday was the 4th anniversary of the day Joe and I became parents, otherwise known as Miles’ birthday. People, it is true that once you begin labor with a child it never really stops. It’s been 4 years and I don’t imagine this wild, terrifying love will ever cease feeling simultaneously beautiful in it’s relentlessness and utterly exhausting in it’s toil. I would not change it for all the riches in the world. Good glory, I love this child.

We decided to have a day full of celebrations for this, the fourth year in Mr. Miles’ life. We started the day at our new favorite breakfast place, Hash House A Go Go. The humongous chocolate chip pancake is kid approved. (Sorry for the fuzzy pic, I just love his expression here!)

Marmi & Gdaddy joined us for brekkie and a ride on the tractor. The previous evening, they took the triplet cousins out for a birthday extravaganza, including Chik-Fil-A, mini golf, and a bday shopping spree at Outdoor World.

After breakfast, we headed to my mom’s house. She’s made birthday signs for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was always delighted at how special this made me feel every year. It’s the little things. I’ve kept this tradition alive with every birthday for our kiddos. Our house was also decked out with some awesome signs.

My favorite part of the entire day was an impromptu moment while sitting around at my mom’s house shortly after we arrived. I suggested we all go around and say one thing we love about Miles. As we went around the circle, my heart burst into a million pieces watching my son soak up the loving words being spoken over him.

The last celebration of the day was a kids Phinneas and Ferb Pajama Party back at our house. We asked all the kiddos to wear their jammies and bring sleeping bags for movie time. We didn’t actually have anyone sleep over because 4 is a little young and Joe & I are a little bit smart. But we served grilled cheese for dinner, make-your-own ice cream sundaes for dessert, and popcorn for the movie.

Joe and I got Miles the sorcerer’s hat for his present this year. He’s recently fallen in love with that book, after I brought it home from an antique store (along with 24 other old Disney books!). As soon as he unwrapped it, he put it on and ran to the closet to try to make the broom come alive, just like Mickey. Precious boy.

All in all, it’s was a pretty magical 4th birthday. And now I’m going to go sleep until he turns 5.

Bye.

A Mile From My House

Last week, I started an Instagram series called #aboutamile.  The idea was that I simply take pictures of various things that are about a mile from my house.  It has been a fun exploration in my surroundings and gives me new eyes to see the things of my short perimeter.  Below are some of the pictures I have snapped so far.

This exercise also has the uncomfortable nature of being the creepy neighbor.  When I stopped my car to snap this picture, I felt the need to explain myself to anyone within ear shot.  I would not make a good photo journalist.

When I took this photo, the horse’s owner pulled his pick up truck right next to me on the side of the road.  I was nervous at first, afraid I had infringed on some trespassing violation (even though I was still on the road side. ) Instead, he wanted to chat with me about my interest in horses, if I ride them, and if I’d like to buy one.  I told him we don’t have the space but I love that I get to see them so often when I drive by.  He told me to bring the kids over and feed them sometime.  Apparently, this photo experiment may have some perks.

I will publish more pics as I take them.  You can also friend me on Instagram at http://instagram.com/catiephelanloveless