Nolan Turns One!!

Yesterday was Nolan's FIRST Birthday! My baby is so BIG! All day long yesterday all I could think of was "this time last year". Every time I looked at the clock I would think, "This time last year I was getting hooked up to my IV" or "This time last year I was holding Nolan for the first time". (I am sure you catch the drift!) It was a very bittersweet day. I was happy that my baby boy was growing, but I was sad because it all went too fast. And I tell you what... Nolan moving into Toddler-hood has made me catch a case of Baby Fever!! But, I think I will wait for a little while longer on that! By the way, that is what we said when Nolan was conceived too!;)

We ended up going out to dinner for Nolan's Birthday. He REALLY wanted Red Lobster, so we gave in and took him there! He was so overcome with excitement that he ended up falling asleep and slept on the bench of the booth for about 35 minutes! After he finally woke up, he enjoyed a couple Cheddar Bay Biscuits, mashed potatoes and some fruit! He MUST be just like his momma... he LOVES biscuits, bread, and... Red Lobster!

After we got home from dinner, we sang 'Happy Birthday' and allowed him to indulge in a cupcake, WITHOUT red icing! (The red icing fiasco at Nolan's Party almost sent daddy over the edge!) Again, he dug right in and made a mess!

Here are a couple of pictures from Nolan's actual birthday... Here's to one of most wonderful years of our lives! We can't wait for the many more to come!!!

Nolan's First Birthday Party!

Nolan had his first birthday yesterday... such a bittersweet moment! I am so happy that my baby boy is growing up, but I am so sad that he is growing up so fast! His party was a lot of fun... It was held at the Firehouse, so naturally, it was a fire engine themed first birthday. We had a lot of great friends and family come (thank you to all that came) and celebrate the big day. The highlight of the day was his cake, of course. And, he was a ham! He was not afraid to delve right in... much to his daddy's dismay! He starting by playing with the icing, placing a little in his mouth. Then he got brave and started taking handfuls. It was hilarious. There was icing everywhere! Daddy mysteriously disappeared half way through... Troy pointed out that Gary was having a panic attack because of the mess that Nolan was making. Definitely a possibility!! Nolan recieved way too many toys, which means that I think he will be set on toys for quite some time. Here are some pictures of the big day... after the cake was done, I didn't get any more pics because I was too busy cleaning up! Can't wait until his actualy birthday gets here... 3 more days!!

Morning Rituals

Many of you are aware that Gary is a workaholic, which in turn makes me a 'single mom' many mornings, days, and nights. Of course, his work is all in effort to provide an awesome life for his wife and son. Many mornings Gary has to leave for work by 600am or he does not get home until 800am, thus leaving Nolan and I alone in the morning to get ready for the day ahead. Over the course of the year, I have finally established a morning routine that allows me to get ready for work in a timely manner and that allows Nolan to basically do what ever his little heart desires! Typically Nolan plays with his toys, watches Baby Einstein, or... 'reads' his books! Here are a couple of pics of Nolan 'reading'. And yes... he pretends he is reading as he jibber jabbers! His faviorite book is the one he is holding in the pictures. I think it is a book about Bears going to the Firehouse... and I am pretty sure that it was courtesy Aunt Mee Mee! (Could be wrong on that one...) Either way... it is cute! Also, check out his Fire Truck PJs. How fitting!

Grillin' With PaPa

Finally... a nice day! The weather today was just beautiful! Mid to High 70s and NO humidity! I wish everyday would/ could be this nice. We went to NaNa and PaPa's house tonight for some yummy grillin'. Oh how I love brats, potato packets, and green beans! PaPa was out at the grill and Nolan was watching him through the window. After watching him for a few minutes, Nolan grew angry because he wanted outside too. So, what did PaPa do? He decided to grill with Nolan in his arms! Too cute! It was definitely a picture worth taking!Nolan watching PaPa from inside.

Nolan in PaPa's arms while PaPa is grilling!

Oh and by the way... Nolan's 1st Birthday Party is this weekend! We all are SUPER excited. One week from today and Nolan will be one. Where did the time go?

Mom mom mommma...

Yep... that is right... he is saying "mama"! Finally! I have been waiting for this moment! He has been saying "Dada" forever now and I have just been wishing that he would say my name. And know what it meant too! I am convinced that he finally knows. He has been saying "mama" quite frequently and I have been trying to show him that I am mama. So, now he mostly says "mama" when he is looking for me or when he is on my lap. Finally... I am getting some much deserved credit! Afterall, I did carry him for 9 months AND give birth to him! :)

Bath Time Never Gets Old

These pictures are freaking adorable! If Nolan could talk, he would tell you that there is no better time in the world than bath time... except maybe when his mommy his holding him!! :) When in the bath, Nolan just splashes and crawls back in forth in the tub. And, he is a little too brave, he likes to put his face under water. It definitely scares the crap out of me, but he tends to think it is funny. I bet we are going to have some great fun at the pool this summer! Here are a few pictures that will be sure to make your day!!

He thinks it is funny when I put the bubbles on his head!

I tried to make him a mohawk... unfortunately, he takes after his Grandpa Jeff and does not have a lot of hair to spare! He ended up looking like Alfalfa from the Little Rascals. Either way, it is so cute!

Happy 8th Birthday Madyson!

Yep, you heard it right, my neice Madyson just turned 8 years old! Talk about growing up fast! Yesterday we had Maddy's birthday party at the bowling alley in Mascoutah and had a great time. Here are a few pics... one with the birthday girl herself and one with Grandpa Jeff.

Madyson is such a big help with Nolan (and Brody too). Nolan just lights up when he sees her and constantly wants to give her kisses. It just makes my heart melt to see the two of them interact with each other.

Nolan and his Grandpa Jeff... two of my favorite guys!!