Peter's Birthday 2014: Three Years

For Peter's birthday this year we kept it simple and did a balloon release from our front yard. Earlier in the day the girls and I met up with a friend for a pizza lunch date at Costco, and then we ran errands and found somewhere that sold helium balloons. We got three balloons, one to represent each year.

We thought about taking a trip to where Peter is buried, but couldn't because Zach had to work that weekend. It was also the same weekend of his promotion ceremony, not to mention that it is a three and a half hour drive one way, and we didn't have anyone to stay overnight with. I look forward to our next chance to visit and spend some time in that peaceful cemetery surrounded by cotton fields. It really is one of my favorite places.

Happy third birthday, my sweet Peter. We love you.

Clara's and Lucy's Birthdays 2014

Clara turned one and celebrated by having Krispy Kreme donuts as a birthday treat. She enjoyed it immensely. She was even licking herself clean after the doughnut was gone to ensure nothing was wasted.

Anticipation.

Pure baby joy/gluttony.

Trying to figure out how to get it from in between her finger to in her mouth.

Licking to obtain every last morsel.

Baby contentment.

"Is there more?"

One last bite.

Lucy and Clara opened their matching birthday presents from Grandpa Billy and Grandma Gayle together. Beautiful yellow church dresses that they wore for Easter Sunday!

Every baby's favorite part of presents, the wrapping.

The excitement.

For Lucy's 4th birthday she picked out vanilla bean cupcakes and opened presents.

Blessed with her Dad's cute dimples.

Clara wanting those cupcakes.

Best. Birthday. Ever.

New sun hat for hot and sunny Texas.

Hello Kitty hair bands.

Lucy was ecstatic about every present she got. These are decorative light bulbs for her room.

Thanks Uncle Boydie!

Thanks again Uncle Boydie!

Peter's Birthday: Two Years

For Peter's second birthday we celebrated and commemorated by going out to eat for lunch, visiting the cemetery, and releasing some balloons.

When we got home Lucy and I worked on an art project together. She drew a family portrait on our chalkboard and I added a banner as a final touch. I love how it turned out, and really enjoy seeing the progression of figurines she is mastering a step at a time.

Me and my girls. 

My loves!

True that.

Really sad that the last un-popped balloon isn't for her to take home.

Surrounded by peaceful cotton fields. 

Working together. 

Last year on Peter's birthday we were driving all day from Iowa to Alabama to attend Zach's graduation so it hardly even felt like it happened. We were so busy with everything else going on, I didn't have too hard of a time until a few weeks later, when we got finally got home and settled back down.

This year was a lot more emotional for me on his actual birthday. I'm sure part of my emotional response was the other stresses in our life: moving, job change, city change, etc. When you are already stressed out, your emotions are so close to the surface that any little thing can scratch through and unleash the flood gates.

October and November are hard months for me, but at the same time it's one of my favorite times of the year. I love the cooler weather, holiday season, and time to enjoy with family and friends. I like thinking about Peter and remembering him with those we love. Reevaluating my life and seeing which areas I need to improve in.

I like looking at babies who are turning two around me and seeing what Peter would be doing if he were healthy and still alive. Imagining what he would be like.

He was such a sweet, sweet boy.



We love you, Peter!

Happy Birthday, Peter

Happy second birthday, my sweet boy.

Dad, Mom, Peter, Lucy & Clara.