An Upcoming Week of Milestones

*sigh* It is upon me. On Monday, 24 April, my son will be one year old. It is an important milestone, something Michael and I have been looking forward to for, well, a year. When we were struggling with sleepless days and nights, "When he's a year old or so, we'll be able to sleep through the night, ALL of us". Or when Sam had crying fits for no apparent reason, "when he's a year, he'll have outgrown this". Well, he has outgrown so many of the infant attributes that once got under our skin at times. Luckily, the sleep and crying issues didn't last too long. But within the last few days, whilst making birthday preparations, I've gotten to think that I should have enjoyed more the little "annoyances". He's been walking for almost three months, literally his first steps of independence. Every day he takes steps to become his own person; these steps will someday be strides. I'm always trying to look ahead, perhaps too busy looking ahead that I've missed something that I'll long for. I suppose it's just a matter of being a parent, wanting to hold on to a little, helpless baby, even if they've grown. I want to enjoy all the little things while they're here so that I can remember them so I won't need to hold on. I'll be able to remember, appreciate the journey for what it is, and let Sam grow to be the strong and intelligent man I know he can become.

Another milestone that is quickly approaching is our second wedding anniversary on Thursday, 28 April. It's going to be an exciting and busy week. Mike and I have both taken vacation from work for the week, so we'll have nothing planned but FUN! Whoa, that sounded so dorky and geeky. Have I turned into a sitcom yet? HA!

So, enough about the philisophical, worry-wart that I can be. I work in grocery, so I always have my eyes open for new products. If you haven't found Coca-Cola Blak, keep looking and try it. I've found Dr. Pepper Berries & Cream. I like the Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper, so I figure this may be another great combo. It was okay at first, but as I continued to finish the bottle, I liked it less. It's just got an odd taste after a while.

Another product I like is Muir Glen's fire-roasted diced tomatoes (canned). They have a good sweet, roasted flavor that adds a great twist on chili recipes and homemade sauces. I'm not sure if any other brand makes fire-roasted tomatoes. Muir Glen is the only label I've found here in St Louis. If anyone else knows of another brand, let me know...

Well, I've only got a few minutes left on the battery here, so I should wrap this up. Yeah, oh, Happy Earth Day.