And then he goes and surprises me

We spent the last week visiting my parents. (I'll add more about that later) The MAIN reason for our visit was for Mason to take swim lesson's with his cousins, Thomas and Maggie. We talked about it for WEEKS. He was excited, pumped and ready to swim. That is, until we got to the pool. He went in, but was definitely apprehensive. I snapped a couple of pictures and then the tears came. He stayed in for the whole class, but when I asked if he wanted to go back he said "no." The next morning we got up and tried it again and let's just say the first day was paradise compared to day 2. He did not want to do it and after talking with the director we decided he wasn't ready. He wasn't scared of the water- in fact he likes it, it just takes him a while to warm up to new people. So we are waiting.

I knew he had his dentist appointment this week and honestly I have been dreading it since I made the appointment (2 months ago). He went to the dentist in Seattle, but he didn't have to sit in the chair. And after the pool experience I was expecting tears and screams. Steve came with us (Reagan had an appointment too) and we spent the morning wondering how it would go.

And just when you think you know someone- they go and surprise you. He did AWESOME. Mason came in, met the dental hygienist, explored the instruments, laid down, let her clean his teeth, floss and X-Ray them. The entire time, Steve and I just stood there dumbstruck that our Mason, was totally fine and happy going to the dentist. While there three other kiddos came in scared of the dentist and crying and Mason wasn't phased at all. It reminded me that he is continually growing and changing and I can't worry how he will react to something. I just have to let him explore things for himself and be there when things don't go so well.

Here is a picture of Mason swimming- day 1.


I didn't bring the camera to the dentist since I wasn't expecting it to go well. Maybe if I leave it at home more, things will go better :)

Marlowe's Pizzeria

We have entered a new phase with Mason, one that I like to call the "Iself" phase. "I do that, mommy," "me, me, Mason Marlowe, I do that," "Iself, all by Iself." And while this phase has some challenges it also provides many opportunities to let him explore his new found freedom. Like in the kitchen.
He loves to help in any way he can so when making out our meal schedule this week I decided to try something new- make your own pizza night. Pizza is typically a hit so I figured it would be pretty hard for us to mess up a winner. It turned out better than I could have imagined. With very little help from me, Mason made our dinner and it was delish. And more importantly, I had a little boy who was super proud of himself and his dinner making skills. Now to work on cleanup!

Spreading the pizza sauce

Adding the cheese
Adding the petterodi (pepperoni)

asking if he can eat an olive. everyone has to taste test while cooking.

lining the olives up- is there any other way to place them.

the finished product

headed to the oven

He was so proud of himself. Cutting the pizza.

and he kept cutting, and cutting, and cutting!

I couldn't resist to add a picture of Reagan from the park today. Pigtails and all. She enjoyed the pizza as well and was grape quality control while Mason and I cooked.

Reagan's Birthday- All the Details

Seriously, I have been dying to write this post. But I was waiting for our pictures to come in and I got them in the mail today. I LOVED planning for Reagan's party. The "theme" was a combination of cupcakes and the colors pink and brown. The entire party was planned around a skirt I bought her from Janie and Jack about a month after I found out I was pregnant with a girl. When I bought it I knew she would wear it on her first birthday and she did! It was light pink with ribbons sewn on. I had my work cut out for me planning around a skirt, but I wouldn't change a single detail. We had the party at my parent's farm, where Mason had his first birthday two years earlier. It was a warm April day and everything turned out perfect.

Here are all the details:
I know there are tons of great vendors on etsy. I loved how everything turned out so I am including links as a shout out to all the great shops/owners I worked with!

the invitations came from Less Ordinary Designs

I made the banners with the help of a cropping class at Scrappin' in the City. I seriously sat in front of a cricket for 6 hours making everything. It was a lot of fun to make them and a great night out for me!
The Poms came from PomLove. They were easy to put together and a fun addition to the party. I put one upside down on a pedestal as a table decoration too.

The cupcake toppers came from Anna and Blue Paperie.

I made Reagan's cupcake shirt and I love it. I couldn't help, but include a picture of bro and sis as he gives her a "hug."

Yes, Reagan had a pony at her party. And no, she did not ride it. But I knew there would be older kids that might enjoy it and my aunt and uncle own horses, so they were sweet enough to bring Stubby down for the party. I can't thank the Cleek's enough for the horses. It was such a fun treat!

This is a collage of some of my favorite moments from the party. The best investment of the day was having a photographer there to capture all these moments. I did not take one.single.picture. I loved being able to enjoy the day and celebrate my sweet girl. Thank you, Paula from Storyteller Photography for capturing ALL of these moments. I will never forget a single detail of the day- thanks to you!

This is one of my favorite pictures from the day. I love seeing the difference in their heights. I forgot to take off Reagan's skirt while she ate her cupcake so she is just in her bloomers!

All of these amazing pictures are courtesy of Storyteller Photography. Seriously, if you are in middle TN (Winchester area) USE HER! She was great.
Happy 1st Birthday, Reagan. I hope you had as much fun enjoying the day as I had planning it!

happy birthday, Jax

One of the many great things about moving back down South is being able to share special milestones with some truly amazing friends. LeAnn and I met in the fall of 1998 and she has been an dear friend since then. I feel blessed to have her friendship in my life and I am happy that we are now less than a two hour drive away from each other.
Last weekend, we celebrated her baby boy, Jax's, first birthday. I missed Kaitlyn's because I was traveling for ADPI, and Noah's because we lived in Seattle, so I was not going to miss this one.

The Birthday Boy!

Enjoying his cake.

Le and Reagan.

The Maretti fam!

Happy Birthday, Jax! We love you and can't wait to celebrate many more birthdays with you!

Pebbles in the making

This morning we tried our first up-do with the little hair we have. I think it was a success. She reminds me of a little Pebbles Flintstone!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that I get to spend my days with these two:




I am also thankful that despite having Fifth's Disease- Mason is being a trooper. Hang in there buddy, you will get better soon.