My Baby Cole Turns 1!

Yesterday, May 27th, was Cole's 1st birthday. It was such a bitter-sweet day. I am excited for Cole to grow and learn new things, to interact with his brother and sister, but it also makes me sad. Since he is most likely my last baby, I won't have those afternoons of a newborn sleeping on my chest, little fingers grabbing without control to my face, that newborn smell, sweet innocent gazes, and little squeaks . . .

2 of the worst nights in the history of nights - it seems just like yesterday!

A year later - he is such a joy to have around! He is Mr. Discovery. He gets into anything and everything he can - and thinks he's funny when he knows he's being naughty. His little pointer finger is going constantly. He points to where he wants to go, what he wants to play with, who he wants to go to, what he wants to eat, etc. He absolutely loves his daddy - he lights up when Jason walks into the room (and I can see the joy on Jason's face too). He isn't walking yet, but gets around pretty dang fast. Oh, I just love him!

Of course, I have to post about his party. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm not crafty. So, when I do something semi-crafty and it turns out, I just have to brag. I don't know if it was denial that my baby was turning one or just plain laziness, but I didn't start planning this party until the day before. I need to give Target and Dollar Tree credit for a lot of this . . . if only I had an unlimited budget!

Little Baby Monkey Cake - Hand decorated with Love

So, I spend all this time making these and don't even fix them on the tray to look nice. What's up with that? These were a hit with the cousins!

I was lovin' that the party was at a park for the mess factor, but it made it difficult to decorate with the wind blowing around. It was cuter in my head.
Cole's thinking, "Um, what's going on here? Why are people singing to me and staring at me? Weird people!"
Alex and Rachel were more excited about the toys than Cole was!
Thanks Albies for this free cake - gotta have the traditional cake dive!

This whole thing is for me, SERIOUSLY???
Thanks Nana Ann and Papa Joe for the new tub toys, I really needed a bath after diving into that cake!

Happy Birthday Fella! We Love You!!!!!!!!!!!

Rachel Graduates from Preschool . . .

. . . only to move onto Preschool. (I guess I don't get this whole 'Graduation' thing!)

Rachel running around with her friends before the program began
Rachie with Mrs. Kathy
Gettin' Spazzy at the end of the program! Um, do you think she looks like the Jolly Green Giant next to the other kids in her class?
The Whole Fam-Damily

Congrats Rachie!!!

Alex Graduates from Kindergarten - Phew!

...and School's Out for Summer (Yikes)!

Only 16 more years - give or take!

Mrs. MacIntosh said that Alex is so quiet in class. My Alex? Are you sure we're talking about the same kid? Well, he showed his true colors during is 'Graduation Ceremony' by singing/yelling the loudest. What perplexes me is that he never sings, even in primary. Just when you think you know your own child!The 'Graduate' with Mom & Dad

Mrs. MacIntosh and Alex

Only 83 more days until 1st grade (but who's counting?)

Isn't this the most beautiful 60 year old you've ever seen?

My mom's birthday was yesterday and she turned 60. She was really bummed out about being "so old", but I told her that I'd be thrilled if I looked like her at 60. She is the BEST mom! She always goes out of her way to help me when I need her. I don't know what I would've done when I broke my foot if it weren't for her!
She's so talented! She can sew just about anything (she made these scarves) and is so creative in every way. She can always make me smile and is so fun to be around.

And I'm sure my dad feels like the luckiest man alive to be married to her!

Happy Birthday and Mother's Day Mom! I love you!

Photo's courtesy of Janice Chandler . . . Thanks! You did a great job!!!