Looking Back at 2009

2009 has been an amazing year for us! Our lives have changed so much in the last year, and I can't believe how many milestones we have hit with Mason. This time last year, he had just started solids and was barely sitting up by himself. This year, he is eating all table foods, walking, running, talking and getting into everything. Here are some of our favorite highlights!

Mason sitting up by himself for the first time- January

Mason in a high chair for the first time- February

Mason sitting in a shopping cart for the first time- February


Mason and the East bunny- March


Mason with his easter basket- April


Mason was the best man in Uncle Bryan's Wedding (with dad)- April


Mason started crawling- backwards!- May


Celebrating my first Mother's Day at the zoo- May


Celebrating Dad's first Father's Day- June


trip to TN to visit family and celebrate Mason's birthday ( alittle early)- June
Mason enjoying the sun

Mason's birthday in TN!- June


Our little famiy- July


Mason started standing alone- August


Mason and mom graduated from our evergreen parent baby classes! - August


Mason and mom started toddler group and Mason started walking- September


We got a new deck and Mason took off with his walking!- October


Mason made a huge announcement to the world- October


Mason was a shark for halloween -October


Our family at Thanksgiving- November


Our little girl- December


Mason Christmas morning- December



2009 was a blast and we can't wait to see what 2010 has in store for us! Happy New Year!

Dear Baby Girl

I have thought about writing this letter for a very long time. At least 2 1/2 years ago, when I first found out I was pregnant with your brother. I have always known I wanted to be a mommy and growing up with sisters, I always thought I would have a little girl. When I found out your brother was a boy, I was a little sad, but I was also excited at the new adventures ahead of me! Then, when we found out I was pregnant with you- I had zero expectations. I just wanted you to be healthy, plus I thought deep down you were a boy- so when they said you were a girl- I can't even describe my excitement. I can not wait to share so many girlie things with you- so many things that will be our little bond.

I hope you know how excited we are for you to join us in May. I talk to your brother everyday about you and I try to explain where you are. I don't get as much alone time with you as I did with Mason, but when he is asleep and I just sit on the couch, I can feel you and I love these moments we get to share together. You are already so different from Mason, you are much more active , you squirm everytime they try to get a picture of you or hear your heartbeat. You don't like thai food and you like to make mommy's emotions go crazy. I can't wait to meet you, but we still have a lot to do before you arrive- so if you would help mommy by not making me too tired- I'd appreciate it, but I also want you to keep growing- so you do your thing and we'll get everything else ready. Until next time, baby girl. I love you.

Mommy

Christmas Card

We wish everyone a very merry christmas, and a happy new year!

Family Pictures

Our family pictures came in! We had a great photographer, Zach Goodyear, come out and take pictures of our family while we were in Tennessee for Thanksgiving. He was amazing, and I have never seen our family look so good. He photographed the entire Knapper gang- my parents, sisters, myself, and our families. I can't remember the last time we have had our pictures taken together and we couldn't be happier- here are just a few of my favorites.

The Entire Crew together! Our last picture together was when Thomas was about 2 months old so this one was way over due!

Mason has learned to clap (thanks to my dad) and he LOVES to clap for everything. I think it is the cutest thing to watch his clap for himself. At least I know he has high self esteem!




The red head connection. The three amigos. My sisters and I.


I had to end with this one- I can't imagine loving someone so much and I know when #2 comes along, I will learn how much more my heart can grow and love, but for now, there is nothing better than hanging out with this little face everyday!

Santa Claus is Coming To Town

You better watch out,

You better not pout,

You better not cry,

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town!

Back to Reality- Recap of the last 2 weeks

Mason and Steve hanging out at SeaTac before our flight!

On November 17, Steve, Mason and I flew out to Tennessee and that my friends is where we have been for the past 18 days! We had the best time, visiting with family, catching up with old friends, and just enjoying our time together. It was time for a break from Seattle. The sun only shined 1 day the entire month of November in Seattle (and I think it was while we were gone) I was ready to leave- I needed sun, some mom loven, and home cooking! Steve was ready for a break too and we couldn't have asked for a better vacation. We got to spend a few quiet days in Belvidere before the madness began. We met up with my old roomies in Chattanooga where we got to meet baby Cameron and get to see LeAnn's kids as well.

Kaitlyn, Noah and Mason soaking up some rays!

Abby, Cameron, Mason and I before leaving Chatt for the day

Steve and Mason discovering the fountains at Coolidge Park

We spent the next week- celebrating thanksgiving day with 35 families members, running up to Nashville to celebrate Steve's great aunt's 90th birthday, and celebrating two additional thanksgivings with other relatives. (all within 4 days of each other)We also had a family photo shoot and once we get the pictures back I will post them!

Mason on Thanksgiving Day!

Steve left on Tuesday to return to work and Mason and I stayed to get in some extra vacation time. We drove back to Chattanooga to spend the day the Abby and Cameron and that night we met up with two UTC friends for dinner. It was probably one of the best days of my vacation. I haven't had hours to just hang out with old friends in a long time and it is always nice to know you can pick up where you left off! Our friendships are still strong even after 8 long years apart! Mason and I also headed up to Nashville to visit my sister and then we flew out on Friday. Our flights were good- minus the passenger next to me, choking and not being able to breathe. Another passenger performed the Heimlich. I don't think my heart rate has been that high in a long time! We are happy to be back home and our tree is up! I will post more pictures soon- just wanted to give you a quick update on us!