Day 22 – What is your most beloved childhood memory? What memories are you trying to create (or will you try to create) for your child(ren)?

So glad this is a nonchallenge :)

Dear Cheeks -

I am trying to think of my favorite childhood memory - I had a pretty good childhood, so I'm having trouble picking one.  I am going to have to say that my favorite is when my family from NY would come down (your Aunt Judy, Uncle Bill, Cousins Tommy and Allie - and sometimes Uncle Steven and his brood too) and we would all be at my grandma and grandpas (on my mom's side).  If I remember correctly, it was usually over spring break time - and we'd go to the beach - swim in the pool - feed fish bread in the fish pond behind my grandparents house.  It was a fun, relaxing, stress free time - you don't get too many of those as an adult!

I am trying to create memories of home and family for you.  Even though you are only 15 months, I bake for you (healthy oatmeal raisin cookies - and muffins).  When you were 10 months old, I brought your high chair in the kitchen, and we baked cookies together for Santa (well, you played and I baked - but we had a good time).  We eat dinner as a family - and have been doing so since you could sit in a high chair.  You would have your bottle while mama and I ate dinner.  So many families today don't get the opportunity to eat together - and it was important to your mama and me that you grew up with this as a normalcy.  While these things are probably very ordinary and mundane - they are the memories I want you to look back on and enjoy.  I plan to continue baking for you forever - and eating together as a family until you move out of the house.  I hope you do the same with your children one day.

Love,
Mommy

10 Things I Don't Want to Forget About Cheeks

1. When he gets tired, he holds his ears, or plays with mine/his mama's ears.

2. When he laughs, he gets the hiccups (just like I did when I was young).

3. He loves his cars and trucks.

4. When I come home from work, no matter how cranky he is, I always get a huge smile.

5. At 9 1/2 months old, he LOVES peek-a-boo.

6. I swear he has said the word book on several occasions - but it could just be him babbling.

7. He gets overly excited when he sees grandma in the box. (The laptop).

8. He is not a fan of getting his nails cut or of having his boogies removed.

9. He gets SO excited and proud when he does something new (i.e. pulling himself up to a stand).

10. When his mama puts him to sleep holding him, they fit perfectly together.