Two Glorious Days

This week was a teacher's dream week. 

Three days of school and two days off.

I live for these extra days off here and there.  I know that as a teacher I have it pretty good (except for the pitiful paycheck).  Whenever I complain about working my sisters usually put me back in my place reminding me that I get summers off as well as a fall, winter, and spring break. I guess if I have to work this is the best job to do while still being able to be a mama.

Today was too warm to be February. 

Everdeen and I ventured over to play with my nephew Sanford and we enjoyed the winter sunshine. I sat and watched as the two of them explored.  Sanford did the boy thing and went right for the dirt and snow while Everdeen was literally lounging in the sun daintily plucking grass from the ground :)

 

Turning One Is A Big Deal

My nephew Sanford turned one last week.

One. 

One whole year has already gone by in the blink of an eye.

I remember the day he was born...hearing my phone ring just before the sun rose. My sister announced excitedly that I was an auntie and her brand new baby boy was simply perfect.  I hurried over to the hospital that afternoon and held my tiny nephew in my arms. He was perfect. I had recently just found out that we were expecting our own baby in the summer and tried to imagine nine months from that moment...our babies would soon be best of friends.

*  *  *

We celebrated in one year old fashion with a Curious George party.  My sister and mom are cupcake geniuses and we laughed and clapped as Sanford dove into his monkey cake.  I loved watching how new and exciting everything was for him.  He is so so special and we can't imagine our family without him.  

 Sweet cousin kisses

Baby Sanford...not such a baby anymore

Dear Sanford,
 Please stop growing so quickly.

You're beginning to resemble a little boy...teething, standing and sitting up by yourself, giggling. I'm sure I'll be that annoying adult that always tells you, "I remember when you were born! And now look at you!"  You even don't have much more time left in your little blue helmet...in fact, you've only cried a few times, but other than that, you've been such a big boy about it! 

I love that you've been coming over for lots of play dates this summer, keeping your Auntie Jessica busy while we all patiently await the arrival of your cousin.  Pretty soon you won't be the baby of the family anymore.  You'll just have to take on your new role of big cousin and teach Everdeen everything you've learned in the past 8 months. 

I can't wait for you to meet each other! 

Nephew Love

Little Sanford, you melt my heart every time I see you.

He's Here!

Sanford Edward Backos

My sweet little nephew was born this morning at 4:01am.  An early bird, just like his parents.  

He is perfect. 

When I walked into the hospital room today there was my sister, with her son against her chest.  
She's a mom. 
Wow.
What an amazing journey that has just begun. 

I held him for a long time, just starring at his little features. His tiny little nose, soft baby skin, and wrinkly little toes. I can't believe he's finally here...after waiting to see who this little person would be for 9 months.  He was the little one we talked to and made plans for for so long. And now he has finally joined our family. 

Congratulations to my sister and her husband! They have brought a beautiful life into this world. 

i love this room

Here it is :) My older sister's nursery. 

Perfect for a baby boy.  

It fits my family's motto that my mom has instilled in us since we were little...simple, yet elegant. 

Nursery Project

I had to share a little project for all you moms-to-be out there in bloggerland (and my there are a lot of you! :)

My older sister and I headed to the craft store to start a very important nursery project. The teacher in me knew my little nephew needed some sort of educational wall art and I had found this inspiration on Etsy a while back and fell in love.  

We knew that we could create our own alphabet wall ourselves...using less money and making it fit the nursery perfectly.  

My mom has sewn everything for the nursery using the most adorable fabric filled with blue, green, orange, and a hint of yellow.  The perfect choice for a little boy. 

There are just a few letters left waiting to get their face lift...but all in all I think they look PERFECT!  

I can't wait to show you the finished room very soon. My sister and brother-in-law have done such a great job. 

sunlit walk

My older sister, Elizabeth, came over last night for a walk along the canal.  It was the perfect summer evening when the sun is golden yellow and shining perfectly through the trees. It's so nice to spend some time alone with her...especially before her little boy makes his way into the world!  

She has three more months left, which I'm sure will fly by. It still feels like yesterday when she shared her exiting news with me...here :) We talked about ideas for the nursery and when we think his birthday will be.  I'm so excited to meet him (and maybe spoil him just a little...) 

I can't wait to help show him all the enchanting things in this world, like sunlit trees and beautiful pictures of his mom, and to love him to pieces.