ROCKTOBER!

I love October.  I love September because of football, the start of fall, and my birthday, but October.  OOOO October.

October brings the real true fall.

It brings the birthdays of two of my favorite people -- Johnny boy and Mags.

It brings our annual off roading trip.

It brings more football.

My baby girl is walking.  Yup, that's right WALKING.

This month is also ridiculously busy.  This past weekend, we went to the apple fest, and had a christening. Next weekend, we'll be off roading.  The weekend after that is Maggie's birthday party, John's birthday and the Bears/Vikings game.  The weekend after that is celebrating John's birthday.  And the weekend after THAT is Halloween weekend.

However, the HIGHLIGHT of the weekend was Maggie's one year pics.  My ridiculously talented friend Katie Ryan is also my fantastic photographer.  She captures pictures of my kids (as well as many others) that are just amazing.  She is also amazing because she posts teaser pics so you get to see some of the beauty right away.  If you're in the Chicago area, please consider using her because she is fantastic.

And now, I present -- Maggie is 1!!! (Almost)

And of course, can't forget about Big Brother PJ

These next two might be my two favorite pictures of all time.

I love the expression on Maggie's face.  Yup, that's my brother.  Sigh.

But, at least he makes up for it. :)

And finally, so the whole world knows.  Maggie is (almost) one.  :)

Happy 1st Birthday PJ!! (Yesterday)

My little guy turned one yesterday.   My happiness.  I cannot even believe it.   We celebrated by taking him to the Children's museum, where he had a blast.   Then we went to Toys R Us and got him a sandbox, a water table and a couple other toys.

After reflecting on the first year of my son's life, and my first year as a mother, I learned a lot of things.  I made a lot of mistakes, but I think all in all, I did pretty good.  A few things I learned.

It's really not that hard to go on a little sleep.  Yes, you are tired.  But when your baby needs you, you have the strength of 100 women.

There is nothing in the world more amazing than the first time your child smiles at you.

And then the first time they recognize you.

And then the first time they reach for you.

And then the first time they hug you.

The amount of love you feel the moment your child is born is undescribable.  Only other parents will understand.  I look at PJ now, and think, wow, and I thought I loved you then. 

There is nothing I wouldn't do, nothing I wouldn't give up, nothing I wouldn't sacrifice for the happiness and well being of my child.  

I  know it's cliche, I know people say it all the time.  But time just goes by so quickly once you have children.  Cherish every minute with your kids.   Cherish every minute with your husband.   You have created a life and you need to nourish it, care for it, and teach that life to be the best person they can be.

And in 20 years, you'll look back and say, I thought I loved you then.

"To have a child is to forever have a piece of your heart walking around outside your body."