The Party

Mama told me that she's going to split the celebration into three separate posts because she's overwhelmed. Today is "The Party." Tomorrow is "Boston's." The next day is "Swimming."

All of my cousins came to my party. The only one that isn't in this picture is Macy and that's who I'm looking at. We all played with my Busy Ball Popper. I bought it with the birthday money from my great grandmothers.I got a good hold of Milo's face.My guests wore party hats. Leif really loved wearing a hat.So did Milo.And Euclid and Hailey wore them too.Mama got all of the food ready for us. Yummy!I got to eat my favorite - blueberries!I got my very own cake and it said 186 on it.I had a lot of help with my cake.I didn't dive in immediately, but I made a big enough mess.Everyone else had to share this cake. Mama wishes people would have eaten more because she's been munching on it the last two days while Dada has been stuck at the hospital.I had my own special hat that I wore for about 30 seconds.After we ate, I opened my presents. I received some new board books, some clothes, an SUV, and a train. I love them all and have played with everything in the last couple of days. Yes, that includes the clothes. Thanks everybody!Look what Anya can do!Nana held me up to the balloons. After the party, my parents took them down and I've been playing with them in the living room.

I hope you enjoyed part one of my birthday celebration.

Note from Andrea: I changed some settings on the blog so you can still post comments, but they won't show up immediately. I have to approve them first.

112

That's how many pictures were taken yesterday and today on my parents' camera alone. Plus, they did a video when I had my first cake. My family party was this weekend and it was so much fun! Mama has to wade through all the footage, but she'll get to it later today or tomorrow.

In the meantime, Mama's friend Sarah had her baby on Friday and named her Lyric Hope. If you don't remember her story, then click on the link. It's just about the best news ever! It's pretty heavy stuff, so don't let your kids read it on their own.

Happy, Happy Birthday!

I had a fantastic first birthday. I had a good time with my parents, got presents, and ate good food. I did a gift exchange with Mama's internet friends and my partner was a very cute guy named Matthew (what is it with me and Matthews?). He got me a really neat wooden book with magnetic pieces. I was so fascinated that I didn't look at the camera again once it was unwrapped.I got a picture of Matthew to tuck away in the corner of my mirror. Yes, Mama put it up there for me.
Mama took a brief break with the presents to get a picture of the mullet. Party in the back!I prefer to exercise when I look at books. Deep squats are my specialty.Matthew also gave me some peekaboo blocks that I threw at Mama.We went swimming at the rec center for a while in the afternoon. I hadn't been in a pool since August and it was even more fun than I remembered. I kicked a lot and dipped my face in. It's really fun to be able to walk in the water and I couldn't do that before.I opened the rest of my presents once Dada got home. I was still sleepy from my nap when I opened my dance CDs and beads.Gavin and Vanessa's parents gave me some really cool toys (hangers) and a neat outfit too. It's just my size!We went to Old Country Buffet for dinner so I could try some different foods. I particularly enjoyed the mac 'n cheese, spaghetti, buttery rolls, and cinnamon applesauce. I ate a lot of other stuff too and Mama didn't have to cook!They gave me a cupcake to see what I'd do. It looks like I went crazy for it, but I actually put it down after I got a bite of it. I think that cupcake may have been old because it wasn't very soft. I hope my cake is better on Saturday!

We went over to the mall play area for a few slides before we went home.Right before bed, Dada reminded Mama that I hadn't gotten my zebra yet. I got to play on it for a minute and then it was time to nurse, snuggle, and go to bed.

I talked and talked to Mama after she nursed me. That's my new thing. I talk a bunch and then settle down almost immediately once she lays me down in my bed. She's so happy that she doesn't have to sneak out of the room anymore. It was a wonderful first birthday and Mama assures me that she'll do her best to make every year special.

Goodbye, Baby!

Hello, big girl! I'm going to be one tomorrow!!! That means today is the anniversary of Mama's "labor day." Yuck. She had her epidural by this time, but it wasn't pretty.

Since I'm a big girl now, that means I get to drink coffee while I sit in my easy chair.Most of the Christmas pictures aren't too great because Mama and Dada were too busy enjoying me to have the camera out the whole time. I love my new fire truck. I can ride on it, push it, and store stuff in the seat. Santa gave it to me. Maybe he isn't so bad after all.Dada got Mama a funny shirt. She'll explain it to you if you don't understand. Math dork!I tried cow's milk for the first time on Christmas. Do you like my outfit? I really wasn't too impressed with the cow's milk. I'll just keep drinking my milk from Mama I think. I have found that it's fun to spit milk across the room. It gets a reaction!I am awesome at climbing. Dada looks nervous.Mama finally got to meet Vanessa on Friday. She took a nice long nap on Mama and Mama got a touch of baby fever.Gavin and Vanessa's grandpa is a nice guy. My parents were surprised that I liked him right away and let him carry me around.Vanessa was wide awake when we left. She's gorgeous! I can't wait until she's older so we can play together.I've been so happy because my daddy has been home a lot the last few days. Who would want to leave this?I was very serious before lunch today. Some day I'll figure out what to do with puzzles.Yet another funny face in my repertoire.Two of my teeth broke through yesterday so all is right in the world. My parents were surprised that it was B and I that came through and L is still hiding under the surface. I'll work on that during my nap this afternoon. I wish I could smile even bigger so you could see my new molars.I now stick my tongue out on command. I usually accompany it with silly giggles.I tried to hide from Mama, but she's good at finding me.
Dada is working tomorrow so I don't know what we're doing for my birthday. I bet I'll get some yummy food and presents from my parents.

ABC

Aunt Claudia caught the not so subtle hint and now my ABC book is on order! Mama still hasn't let me see it, but you can get a preview of it here. We used Pampers points and got the first twenty pages for free. Woot!

No "L", Noel

Check out our moves! http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/1edDDt6JHB4bM0um

We've had a lot going on around here, but I'm pleased to report there is no "L" tooth erupting after all. It's still swollen, but I'm not in pain and my parents have given up on my teeth coming in. No one cares as long as I'm happy.

Dada's parents were here this weekend and we celebrated Christmas. I loved all the bows. I helped Mama open her new food processor. She's going to use it to make lots of yummy food.
My new chair is sooooo soft and nice.I love it.Who does this remind you of? Yep, I'm just like Mama. She rarely sits in a chair correctly.I love my new alphabet elephant too. It will go well with my alphabet book once Aunt Claudia sends us a picture. Mama is going to order it this week. She'll share the link after it's completely done.I have my very first puzzle. Numbers!!!!What am I supposed to do with it?I used Sunday morning to catch up on some required reading.I got my daddy!This is the life.Euclid isn't getting any presents this year because he's on the naughty list. Don't worry, Mr. Duck was rescued before he came to any harm.Mama forgot to post the Thanksgiving before and after pictures so here you go. Last year.This year.I'm so jealous that Matthew is in Florida without me. He really left at a good time and is enjoying fun in the sun. He'll be back soon my mommy assures me. I have a playdate with a couple of other kids today and might go visit Vanessa tomorrow if the weather cooperates (which is looking doubtful).