First Birthday

We had so much fun at your birthday party but I also want to start the tradition of doing something special as a family on your birthday proper. This year we took you to the Dallas World Aquarium and to Purple Cow for dinner and a milkshake.

I am not one to write a ton on this blog or document your every move but I figure your first birthday is a great opportunity for me to go all "crazy mom blogger" and document your every move of the day. I promise I will not do this again!

Slept in until 8:00 then headed straight to the booster seat for breakfast. Breakfast for you consists of yogurt, whole wheat oatmeal, raspberries, cheerios and milk. The cheerios are more to keep you entertained while I clean up your dishes and under your chair.

A little playtime with your alphabet train "m is for monkey m m m"

You love crawling between your glider and crib and messing with the cords from your sound machine. Not sure why its so entertaining to you but you could stay back there for an hour if I would let you.

Off to your new found love of unrolling the toilet paper. Its probably a bad idea but I let you do it because it keeps you busy while I do my makeup. 

Shutting the door to your room to lock me out. Not very nice!

Finally dressed for the day and posing by your gift from me and daddy.

Just working on your tools before your friend Hadlin arrives.

Time for a play date and opening gifts with Hadlin. She got you some adorable books and super cute green Pumas.

After your play date you had lunch then a nap and a snack before we headed to the aquarium. 

Heading into the Dallas World Aquarium. The zoo a few months ago was a major failure but we all enjoyed this experience. It was empty so you were able to get close enough to see all the fish and animals and had room to get out of your stroller and explore.

You look bored but I promise you enjoyed it!

Checking things out with Daddy.

You got up and personal with the Cheetah. Good thing it didn't wake up and start moving.

Making the "fishy face" to all the fish you saw.

The tunnel was your favorite part. We probably could have stayed in this room for hours.

After the Aquarium we headed home for another quick nap then went to The Purple Cow for dinner. The drive there was a nightmare because you were starving and I sat in the back to feed you cheerios and got so carsick. We made it there and you were in a fine mood as soon as got out of the car.

A little coloring before your meal came out.

Loving the chocolate shake.

The waiters brought you purple ice cream and sang happy birthday to you.

You definitely have my sweet tooth. You screamed when we stopped feeding you ice cream so we had to leave to distract you.

Ready to open your last birthday gift. We got you wood stacking bowls which you like to throw instead of stack and a leather bib for when we take you out to dinner.

After gifts it was time for bath, a little more playtime then bedtime. Your bedtime routine consists of a bottle around 8:00 play time until 8:30 then we walk you into your room, say your prayers and lay you in your crib.

I would say it was a very successful day overall (minus the melt down on the way to dinner). I love creating these fun memories and traditions with you. 

First Birthday Bash

Your 1st birthday party was a hit! Lot's of family and friends came out to celebrate with you (about 70 people). You could definitely feel the love at this party! The weather ended up being about 70 degrees and overcast which was perfect! Leading up to the party the wind gusts were like 100 mph but we lucked out and it stopped blowing right when your party started. Otherwise the food table would have been a nightmare. Other than being terrified of the ball pit you were in a good mood and were a little social butterfly.

 We served rice crispy pops, pressed cookies, candied popcorn, chocolate dipped graham crackers and cake balls. More party details on the party section. 

Nana made homemade chocolate chip cookies for the goody bags.

Posing with your 3 ft party balloons. Luckily you or the chair didn't blow away.

 Ready to party!

This was the only way I could get a picture of you in the ball pit since you were terrified of it for some reason. (The night before you had a blast testing it out:)

Mine and Sherry's high chair from when we were little.

Uncle Adam came in with an awesome singing Elmo balloon. You played with it for weeks after the party.

 Your best friend Hadlin

 Invites

 You were not shy about eating your cake. I finally had to take it away from you to avoid a night of throwing up. Glad to know you like my baking:)

 Birthday kisses!

 So many family and friends that love you. You are one lucky guy to grow up with a huge local support system!

 I have said this before and will say it again. I can only hope that you will have childhood friends that turn into lifelong bonds. Two generations of best friends!

 On the move!

 Best shot we could get of 5 kids under 5!

 Pooped out!

 Post party gift time!

 For some reason you thought it was fun to sit inside this tiny box.

After the party and gifts we headed to Snuffers with Nana, David, Sherry, Tim Braden and McKinley. You took a quick snooze while we waited for food then were up and ready to party again. Great ending to a fun day!

When I was little Nana would lay out all of my birthday gifts on my bed and take a picture. It is so fun now to look back at those pictures and reminisce about the toys I remember. I plan on doing the same for you each year. 

12 Months

Still no first steps. You will walk barely holding our pinky but if we let go you immediately drop to your knees. So close! I am thinking your 13 month update will be "official walker"

Your favorite thing to do is go to the neighborhood playground. We walk there every chance we get (usually 2-3 times a week). You maneuver your way around the play equipment like a big boy. You climb up huge steps and scream with joy when you get to the top.

You are starting to repeat words when we say them like "mama" and "dada". If we ask you how Clyde goes you get super serious and say "boof boof."

It's so cliche to say but time really has flown by I cannot believe that an entire year has gone by. Although there have been ups and downs I can truly say that this has been an amazing year. You are a happy, easy going, good sleeping baby (now toddler I guess) so you have made this whole parenting thing a breeze. I can't wait to see what else you have in store for us.

Happy 1 year to our toddler!

Happy Birthday to You!

I am writing this at 6:00am on the morning of your first birthday. This year with you has been such a blessing, each day filled with a giggles, hugs, new adventures and an occasional temper tantrum. This video recaps it all in 6 minutes 41 seconds.

 I have been creating and editing for months and have probably seen the video 1000 times but I cry and laugh each time I see it. These are memories that I will hold in my heart forever. 

Happy Birthday B-Man!

You have stolen our hearts.



Brox 1 Year from Ashley Colunga on Vimeo.