1st Birthday Bash

On March 28, 2014 our baby boy began his venture into toddlerhood.  And let me tell you, planning your first first birthday is no small feat.  I do find it quite interesting how we, as parents, put so much effort into the planning and execution of a 1st birthday party that our littles will not have the slightest memory of.  I suppose we do it for the pictures, and for our own memories, but I can't help think that we sort of do it for the guests :)  Either way, we had a fantastic time celebrating with family and friends.

We decided to go with an airplane theme, since thats what L's room is decorated in.  So airline ticket invitations were sent out, decorations were made and hung, balloon clouds were taped to the walls and ceilings (thanks to Aunt Heather and Uncle Jason!), and I made my very first (probably of many) kids birthday cake in the shape of an airplane (cake decorating help courtesy of Nana).

We were very fortunate to be able to spend L's actual birthday as just a little family of three on the actual day.  And just as fortunate to be able to celebrate him with so many friends and family the next day.  We are very thankful that so many people chose to come and celebrate our newly turned toddler.  Special thanks to Aunt Heather and Uncle Jason for driving all the way here just for the weekend.

In true form, L didn't wake up from his nap until about 25 minutes into the party, but other than that, it was a perfect day.  Thanks to Poppy for capturing so many great pictures!

Balloon clouds

Baggage claim party favors

Smash cake

Runway!

Capt. Luke!

Airplane highchair!

Huge Catch Up!!

Wow, so the last time I did a real blog entry was almost an entire year ago!!  Talk about slacker...sheesh.  So much has happened since then.  Our little bean has turned into a little boy of 17 months and is walking, talking, and just exploring everything.  We sold our house and moved about 25 minutes east of where we were.  Now I have a whole new house to decorate! And life has generally just been pretty awesome.

As for the little one, he is just soaking up life and learning more and more every day.  He is so verbal (in a good way!) and is repeating anything and everything.  As of now he is limited to about two syllable words.  But we are working on putting together two word sentences ("big truck" "mama's shoes")  He is very big into possession right now, so everything belongs to someone.  It's very cool to see how he associates different objects with different people.  Some of my favorite phrases include: Love you, Bless you (when someone sneezes), 'Scuse you/me, More please, and Thank you.

He is also currently (I believe) finishing up a growth spurt.  The kid has been sleeping like a 17 year old boy!  Two days in a row he woke up after 11 am.  He has turned into quite the good sleeper (thank goodness!!)  and is normally sleeping around 12 hours at night and a 2-3 hour nap during the day.

We have also started weekly swim lessons.  He is progressing nicely and is now comfortable going to the instructor to sing songs.  Still not a big fan of water in the face though.  But we'll get there.

As far as the house goes...it was somewhat of a spur of the moment type of deal.  The housing market was good, we found a house we liked, and we just went for it!  Now, the whole "closing" process was probably the most drawn out process I have ever dealt with...but, I digress.  Fortunately, with the help of my parents we successfully moved and are loving our new house and neighborhood.  This is definitely a long term house, and we have so many "plans" and projects that we will stay busy!

So, I guess it wasn't THAT huge of a catch up, but in the interest of keeping you interested...here are some pictures :)

Still loves to read!

Apple Hill pumpkin patch

First Halloween as a Monkey!

First snow experience in Tahoe

First Haircut

Baby's first Christmas

First visit with Santa

First visit to the zoo for his birthday!

1 Year photos

Trip to Monterey Bay Aquarium

Bubbles and Belly Laughs

So I know it has been forever and a day since I have posted anything on this here blog.  But recently my in-laws came to visit and I was ever so gently reminded that some folks are not on Facebook!  Meaning, they actually rely on this blog for updates on our little man.  And then even more recently (as in tonight) John and I got the biggest, bestest, hardest belly laugh we have ever heard, and I got it on video!!

So, this is for you Tom!

I promise to do a huge catch up soon!  My computer is on the fritz so it's been difficult.