It’s hard to believe another year has passed. Luca is getting so big, so fast. This year was full of surprises, growth and laughter. As usual, Luca’s videos are a blast to make, this one was no different!
We are leaving the terrible two’s into whatever comes next. Luca is more hyper than ever, but easily the most fun human to be around. Every moment with him is equally exhausting as it is wonderful. He’s my breath of fresh air when I need it most.
Happy Birthday Luca, We love you very much!
Liam being 6 has brought many changes to our lives and his. First, Liam graduated k5 and made big strides in his last year at New Hope Christian Academy. After his summer break Liam would embark on his first huge challenge in life; changing schools. Not only changing schools, but in a big way, changing the type of school. He went from a small, private school to a much larger, public school. Lindsey and I were worried about this but unfortunately, we had little to no choice.
Liam surprised all of us with not only flourishing in the change, but doing exceedingly well at his school work. His resilience astounded me. He served as yet another great life lesson to me. I think we push aside young kids and our children and choose to write them off in so many areas in life, especially the life lesson department. For me, Liam keeps teaching me things. In his 6th year, He’s taught me change is tough but doable. This isn’t an earth shattering discovery. But a great reminder, especially when you see your own kid do it. He gave me strength.
As for this year’s video, there is an obvious change. The run-time. It’s long. 7 minutes plus. There is a reason for this. I don’t want to spoil it here. Just watch the video. Let’s just say I spent many long nights and early mornings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom hotel lobby editing and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
To a strong, resilient and gentle soul….Happy Birthday Buddy. We love you.
Hard to believe Luca is turning 2. With Liam, it felt more spread out and time was patient. With Luca, days and months have been relentlessly rapid. Luca has grown so much in the past year; from barely walking all the way to running around talking. He is growing fast.
Making his video this year was interesting. There seemed to be a lot of footage of him and Liam. I think thats a good sign, whether Liam admits it or not, they love playing with each other, they love being around each other. The other bunch of his footage was him being his crazy self as demonstrated in the video.
I’m not sure what the next year brings for Luca. The addition of another little one and Liam starting school full time will be interesting changes for little Luca. One thing is for sure though, he will be his happy, always smiling and brightening everyone’s day, self. A priceless gift Lindsey and I don’t deserve but most welcomingly accept.
Happy Birthday Luca. Love you <3
I have mentioned in the past I was going to do more with video production. Here is my first attempt. I always am fascinated with finding new ways to document my family life and keep things for memory. I wanted to try this and see how well it worked.
It was a fun little project. Its safe to say you can expect more to come. I’ve found they are a ton of work, but super rewarding.
Merry Christmas!
I am making another honest attempt at reviving my YouTube channel. So to sort of connect everything I have changed the “videos” tab on the site to connect to my YouTube page. I have some interesting stuff planned, because honestly I really miss making videos. So in 2017, I’m hoping to do a lot more editing and video work.
Anyways I posted a video I took awhile ago while living in Connecticut. I love it mainly for the “coldness” I feel when watching it. Reminds me of winter. Thanks for viewing and if you get a chance, check out my YouTube channel also! Thanks and happy winter!
Liam has grown so much in the past year… from playing video games and initiating super long question sessions to growing into a great big brother. It has certainly been a momentous year.
As time begins to go by fast now, I try to slow down things and realize how Liam was in the past, and how he is now. I try and be in the moment when I talk to him and really listen. I feel like everything formulating in his brain or coming out of his mouth at this point is original, wholehearted and sincere. He is curious about everything and has no boundaries imagination-wise.
Happy Birthday buddy. You may not remember every moment of being 4, 5, or 6 years old. But your mom and I will do our best to make the years fun, teach you new things and experience great places.
We love you.
When Lindsey told me she was pregnant with Luca, it was a very different situation then Liam. We had semi-planned the timing and were really just at a different stage in our life together. We were ready to grow our family and were excited for the future.
When Luca finally came into this world, he was and still very much is a big, lovable bundle of joy. Even strangers have commented to me what a “happy baby he is.” After you spend just a little bit of time around him, thats not hard to see. He’s a huge blessing that Lindsey and I certainly don’t deserve.
Luca’s first year brought laughter, smiles and pudgy jokes daily. He is without a doubt the least serious in our family and has a smile that simply lights up any room he’s rolling around in. He has already earned the “not serious brother” badge and constantly is playing jokes on Liam.
Unfortunately he can’t stay little for long. In his case it wasn’t very long at all. He’s very round if you know what I mean. But he’s a perfect addition to our family that only God could have mapped out. It’s been an amazing first year with Luca. Happy Birthday little buddy.
Making your video constantly put a smile on my face daily.
Time is really moving fast now. Liam is in his 2nd year of school, he’s got a little brother now and is having complete conversations (with him usually finishing the conversation).
The last year has brought some significant experiences as well as events, but none bigger then Liam becoming a big brother. Sure our family has been blessed with our own home and while its great to see Liam have his very own room, Its 10 times better to play spectator to him with his younger brother. It really has solidified a lot for me. Liam is an unselfish, always wanting good for people person. I knew that. But seeing him with Luca, all of that was confirmed.
I’m not sure what Age 5 brings in Liam’s case, but if I could make some requests; more of the same. Through all the ups and down, I would change anything about Liam. Me, yes. Liam, no. As Liam grows older I’m learning more and more that he deserves a parent, not a big kid who gets aggravated when he doesn’t act right. A parent who is calm and collected but can still can teach and discipline.
Liam is a one of a kind boy, and Im pretty sure I could speak for Lindsey in saying we wouldn’t have it any other way. Eye opening, inspiring, loving and enjoying; thus was age 4 with Little Liam. Or, not so little Liam anymore.
Happy Birthday buddy
This year has been something. With Liam starting school, we saw evidence that time really does move fast. We were worried how he would adjust. And he has been fine. Some normal bumps for a 3 year old but he has made us proud every step of the way.
Liam’s vocabulary also has sprung this year. He is saying full sentences and complete thoughts. Lindsey and I couldn’t be prouder of who Liam is today and how he is changing us as people and parents. Sure there are tough days, but thats normal. The good vastly outweigh the bad. I count my blessings everyday with Liam because if nothing he is a stark reminder to me that God exists and he showers his blessings on me and Lindsey for some reason I don’t quite understand.
I look forward to the future and what it holds. The ups and downs of course, but the unknown. The only thing we know for sure about the future is we will all have each other. And with each day our relationship grows. I couldn’t be more thankful for Liam. I count it an honor to do these videos and I look forward to next year’s :)
Age 2 was transitional year for us as a family. Personally, I made this biggest change in my life moving from CT to GA. The change was and is difficult for me. But I learned some valuable lessons. Family never leaves. Liam and Lindsey have taught me this. My family unit stayed the same. Liam continued to grow in his 2nd year of life.
From the very cold winters of CT to the blistering hot summers of GA, this was Liam’s most inspirational year to date. For the first time I could actually see my own son growing into a caring, loving human. I know he was only 2, but the signs were everywhere. He was just a boy who had a big heart. He recognized those who loved him and showed equal love back. To this day he is a very aware soul, I believe that started this year.
From perfecting his basketball shot to shoveling his first snow storm, he did a bunch of exciting things. Trips to the beach and easter egg hunts, this year was full of excitement. His vocabulary bloomed and his eating started to progress. His smile became contagious and his presence was warming.
At age 2, he showed and taught me resilience. I wasn’t the only one whose life got moved from my original birthplace. So did his. And he was champion. He was strong and caring. One night in particular I was having a rough time. I went out to sit on the back deck and stared at the lake. Liam just came out there to me and sat quietly in my lap and rested his head against my chest for 20 minutes. Like I said a very aware little boy, with a huge heart.
ok next week is the big one! On Liam’s bday (11/11) I will post his age 3 video. Good times!
*ddileo 