From powder days to poopy diapers

There is this magical time of the year in Colorado. Outsiders just call it winter, we call it ski season.

Now ski season seems to be what Coloradans wait out the 2 no snow months for. Also, the same reason we will wait over an hour to catch A-basin on opening day. We are the people who will glare at the person who is loving this "unseasonably" warm weather, we will tell you to move to Florida if you actually like that kind of weather. 

Yes. I am that person.

Well, I used to be.

I lived up in Summit County Colorado for a while. This is one of the ultimate party places in Colorado. When people think of partying hard in Colorado they think of Boulder. 

Nope. Not true.

This is the only place where you would be seen on the dance floor with your snow pants on and your board waiting for you at the door.

If you weren't we knew you were just visiting on your parents' dime. 

And we didn't like you. 

That was me then but let me tell you about now. 

It seems like everyone my age wants to live that party lifestyle. I didn't.

After moving to Denver in search of something new I found that it's all the same. Then I got pregnant and discovered a whole new world.

(Que Disney song)

After the most painful eighteen hours of my life I looked into the eyes of this amazing little boy that I knew completely and not at all. I know. Weird.

I knew that he would depend on me. To protect, love, comfort, teach, and feed.

I look at this little creation and wonder how anyone can ever think a bad thing of a child... When I hold my child he looks at me as though I am the best thing in this world. He's so innocent and vulnerable. When he cries I cry with him. 

But then I quickly pick him up to comfort him because me crying is not at all helpful to him.

For now I get to stay home with him until I got back to my part time job. These feel like they are the shortest of days and go by too quickly. I wish sometimes that time would stand still for the sake of me just staring at this child. I spend my days doing laundry, cooking, cleaning and watching my little man talk to his zebra.

And I couldn't be happier.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving means Christmas is just around the corner. Which is awesome. I love Christmas because it's the only holiday that has it's own music, an entire season devoted to it,  cookies shaped like fat men, drinks that contain raw eggs, and lets not forget the snow!!! Lots and lots of snow!!! Oh wait, what? What do you mean no snow? I live in Colorado!!!
Ok so let's forget the snow...
Let's go back to Thanksgiving then.

First, there was the Packers vs. Lions game

 Gavin was a huge fan. I think.

After the game everyone headed over to Camilles parents house for some great food and more football. This is where Gavin got to meet his Godparents, but found he was more interested in sleeping.

  Definitely HUGE fan of sleeping...

Later on Mike, Mallory and their 2 kids came up to visit and hang out for a bit. It was so much fun to visit with them and their oldest, Ethan loved playing the Legos Batman game...

...and so did Neal

 

and yes. He is trying to prove to his wife what a great father he will someday make.

 We will skip over the part where both grown men have controllers and poor Ethan does not...

I know, right?!

All this turkey, football, family and friends have brought is to this one moment. This one place where all things seem to end up at one point or another...

Starbucks.

The 6 pounds that changed my life

At 5 in the morning on November 11th I didn't think the most terrible pain in my lower back would result in the most amazing blessing eighteen hours later.

Gavin Andrew Helferich

11/11/2011

I know! Super cute!! Right?!

It was such a crazy day but I know everything happened the way it was supposed to. 

And by that I mean...

Grandma made it just in the nick of time

Definitely a Grandmas boy!

She had to deal with a canceled flight, one delay after another and then once at the hospital was not allowed in due to a fire alarm.

She was finally let in and just in time to help me bring this little guy into the world!

I am so blessed to have this little one. Not even in the sleepless night do I wish for anything more than to just be the best mom I possibly can for my little bug.

This is what we're dealing with...

Ok We should probably talk about this...

This is what happens when I find myself wanting to be the newest Rachel Ray but at the same time not knowing how to cook. 

However, this only took 5 minutes to make. 

Beat that quick meal RR!

Oh! but what's this??

  This is my FIRST attempt at a homemade chicken pot pie! 

Yup! Crust and everything homemade. I know I know there might be hope for me yet.

But never mind that burned apple pie juice in my oven.

Now I know I have never been much of a cook (see top picture) but the good news is I am hoping to be one of those mom where all the soccer moms are envious of my cupcake recipe. Yeah, I know, I have been watching too much Desperate Housewives...

I actually would love for my son to grow up and say "well, it's good, but it's not my moms."

And the apple tart

YUM.