Pirate treasure and so forth.

My bestie's five year old calls dumpster diving Pirating. It's hilarious. 

A friend informed me that the childcare center on base threw a TON of stuff into a dumpster the other day. It's been awhile since I've dug through the trash, so I made the trip out there and jumped on in while Johnny napped in the car- right next to me, with the windows down! I clarify because I know how the base is about that and I'm thankful no one called Security Forces on me, because I really scored big in the trash!  

I've been wanting a small chair For J since he can't seem to stay in his highchair. He should have had a chair ages ago, but I'm cheap and haven't found the perfect one, but now here it is! 

Also picked up a vinyl covered block to use as a table.

...And a sweet tambourine to add to the music instrument collection!

I know everyone knows clearly how I feel about plastic toys, but this guy was rescued from the landfill so it's balanced out :) He'll do well outside.

And it took J. like 3.5 seconds to climb up and rock out!

Here he is eating breakfast like a BIG boy :) He didn't even throw his plate! We are using the sign for "sit" and it works out pretty well. I'm happy because I can turn my back without having a heart attack about him climbing out of his chair every 5 seconds.

I can't believe they were throwing stuff like this away. There was a perfectly good double stroller in there too, amongst other toys and odds 'n' ends. NOT trash by any means. It's really sad how wasteful our culture can be.

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So, as he turns one I thought I wouldn't be the sentimental one, but each day I want to hang onto him a little harder and play with him a little longer and just watch and watch and watch.
Probably it has something to do with going back to work, but I imagine it's just a part of him growing up.
I want to remember every. little. moment.

Chris is on swing shift now so I get to put him to bed most nights. I hold him and he rests his head on my shoulder and we sway a little and he falls asleep so easily. I lay him in his bed and tuck him in and shut the door, and I always immediately want to go back in there and hold him and just listen to him sleep. But then in the morning I really love opening the door and seeing him get all excited, it's the perfect start to any day. The perfect start and the perfect ending, and I'm so, so lucky.