*phew

....to say it's been awhile is a total understatement. You know the saying, "time flies when you're having fun"? Well, it truly does. 

OUR sweet boy is 16 months old! 

And he is quite the character. Everyday he does something new and just when j think I've seen his cute little quirks, he proves me wrong in the most amazing way. He is his own person and is turning into the sweetest little guy. I'm so grateful for our little piece of heaven. 

Work is good, friends are awesome, family is healthy and that's all that matters, nowadays! I just wanted to pop in and leave a little piece of me out in Internet world. Until next time...XO

October

...we meet again.

I know this saying is overused quite a lot but it really does feel "just like yesterday" I was holding my 1 month old baby at his 1st ever visit to Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls, Texas. 

But here we are a year later and this time my little one did his own exploring.

These pumpkins are not for eating, silly baby.

I'm so grateful for every minute God gives us with this special little angel. When you become a parent (at least in my mind) your heart changes and you view everything in a different light. Time is one of these things I view differently. I'd rather spend my time with him (and his Daddy of course) before anyone else. Time is everything. 

Here's to many more memories, pumpkin patch trips and the journey of life ahead! 

Peace & Love, xO

LOVE

Thank you, ALL from the bottom of my heart for wishing my sweet baby a very Happy 1st Birthday!! It did not go unnoticed. #love

Eternally Grateful

You, my love have taught me so much in such a small amount of time. You've taught me patience, you've taught me how to love more than I ever thought I could, you've taught me strength...you have taught me one of life's greatest lessons and that's being your Mom. 

"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." - Dr. Suess 

I would do anything for you; bear any pain for you, go above & beyond to bring you joy; anything. You love me without expecting anything but love in return. Your innocence has taught me how to be a better person. 

Son, it's hard to put into words what you have done for me. 

You gave me the greatest gift the day I became your Mama.

 I don't think there is anything more powerful than the love a mother feels for her children. That kind of love moves mountains. 

On this day, a year ago you and I were still one. I hadn't yet seen that sweet face or heard that precious cry...I was still waiting in wonder of who you were. I was still waiting for you to call me, Mama. I was scared. I was nervous. I knew the best was yet to come and I was right. 

The moment I saw you, the moment I held you, I knew you were mine. ❤️ There was no mistaking the love I felt for you. I had been blessed. 

If I could tell you anything my love it's this: You are my greatest blessing and I thank God for giving me such a precious gift; you. 

Maximilian Vaughn Perez, don't let anyone take your shine from you. 

Happy Birthday, my angel!!! 

& then in an instant...

...you realize how fast time has gone by.  

                      That very instant happened to me today. My son "has grown before my very own eyes". Literally! It's very bittersweet. On one hand I'm thankful that he is healthy and thriving. He has the ability to do anything he pleases and I have to stop and thank God for that. It is in his name and his glory that Maximilian was created... And then on the other hand a part of me wishes I could freeze moments in time where he stays little for a little longer. He is so smart. He is so beautiful. Yes, beautiful. He's everything I dreamed he would be when it was just him & I (pregnancy) but BETTER than anything I could've imagined. He is my life and when I look into his eyes I see a life so pure, so graceful, so innocent that like I said above, I just want to stay in that moment as long as I can. Is it selfish? Yes. But aren't we all when it comes to the ones we love? 

My sweet little angel, I'll never be able to justly put in words what you are for me. If you happen to read this one day, I hope you feel like you were the greatest spark in my life, my greatest driving force...because you truly are. 

They don't make 'em like this anymore...

My all time favorite childhood movies (in no particular order):

1. Don't tell Mom the Babysitters Dead

-- Sue Ellen, is the epitome of what I imagine a big sister to be. She took charge when the babysitter fell over dead and put her big girl pants on. I love this movie for so many reasons. "I'm right on top of that, Rose!" Haha!! I love all the "fashion" in this movie. One of my favorite parts is when Kenny gets his act together and plays wife of the house. 

http://youtu.be/Vo_O07US-pw

2. Now and Then

-- "Knock 3 times on the ceiling if you want me..." This movie makes me wish I grew up when they did. That era seems so simple. You actually had to ride your bike to your friends house to see what they were up to; no internet, no cell phone, just notebooks and letters & a good old fashion sleepover. It tells the story of a friendship that doesn't change over time, even though they all do. Love it! 

http://youtu.be/vRaw2miRhAw

3. My Girl

-- One name comes to mind: Vada Sultenfuss. This movie is iconic in so many ways. I mean, who doesn't remember the tragic death of Thomas J? I think everyone cried when he was attacked by the bees. I know I did. Again, this movie reminds me of simpler times and I love how Vada's character does a lot of soul searching throughout the movie. My kinda girl. 

http://youtu.be/3hIo0Lm__uI

4. A Little Princess

-- Everyone should always remember that, "All little girls are princesses." I love this movie because of the love it shows between a girl and her father. If you've never seen it you definitely should. It's heartbreaking, interesting but more importantly it has the best ending that it possibly could. It always brings a tear to my eye. However, it's a good tear. 

http://youtu.be/hoZuMb19RJ4

5. Grease

-- I'm pretty sure this movie needs no introduction. It's a timeless classic. Fun Fact: This movie was rated R when it came out in theaters in 1978. Oh, Sandy.

http://youtu.be/tzmggUAqePY

6. The Goonies

-- Truffle Shuffle, truffle shuffle! This movie has every character possible: the loaner, the jock, the cheerleader, the geek, the follower, the rebel, and the clown. It's Magic! "Hey youuuus guys!" One-Eyed Willy definitely captured my imagination and heart all at the same time.

http://youtu.be/6NEKzLiXfuc

7. The Secret Garden

-- I suppose what intrigued me the most about this movie as a child was the fact that there could be a secret garden somewhere out there anywhere. I remember watching this movie over and over. Again, it's another classic that every little girl should see.

http://youtu.be/VrMahhudZvo

8. Hocus Pocus

-- Best. Halloween. Movie. Ever. These witches are funny, creepy and well...just perfect. Hello, SJP!! 

http://youtu.be/gEYgyWC_BpM

9. Home Alone

-- "Buzz's girlfriend? Woof!" Hahahaha. This movie just makes Christmas magical for me and I can't wait to watch it with Maximilian one day snuggled up under the glow of a Christmas tree. I think we all wished to be independent as kids and then when the moment came were scared sh*tless. Everything about this movie is wonderful. It touches your heart in all the right places. 

http://youtu.be/oGrLLn4nooQ

10. BIG

-- This movie is awesome. The kid gets his own apartment and plays with toys for a living. Doesn't get any better than that. How sweet would it be to always keep your child like wonder?

http://youtu.be/0Yu62StlsMY

Just because...

Ever catch yourself just looking through your camera roll? I know I do. I marvel at all the little moments I'm blessed to capture. Especially the moments of my sweet angel, Max.

"Thanks for the club cracker, GigiMa!"

             Franklin Afraid of the Dark       

"Just being silly in my playpen, Mama."

"I'm so ticklish!!"

"Thanks for the cookie at lunch, Dad!"

And with a smile like this I hope he's saying, "I just love you, Mama."

--Never take the little things for granted, even if the little thing is just being able to capture a moment in time to look back on. It's hard not to take it for granted living in the world we do today but just try and remember that there are people less fortunate than ourselves & although it's just a picture they may not have but one to share.

Xo