Ladybug Birthday

Audrey's birthday turned out great!  I'm glad we had it earlier in the day so it wasn't too hot.  Yes, it was still hot, but we lucked out with some clouds so the sun was glaring down on us.  I was a frantic woman in the morning trying to get it all ready, along with an almost 1 year old.  Let's just say I was a tad "snippy."  I changed my tune once the event got going, but I was on little sleep.  My sister in law came over the night before so we could decorate the cake and the cupcakes.  She did a great job with the cake.  I baked, she decorated. I decorated the majority of the cupcakes, which were little ladybugs to fit the theme.  We were up until 12:15am working on these bad boys.  WELL past my bedtime!  We had a good turnout with family, friends, mommy group and kids, and everything in between.  We had it at the park down the street from our house so the older kids could play and not get bored. Elijah cooked up some hot dogs and burgers and we had a black bean salsa and mac n cheese as sides.  Audrey got dolled up in her custom onesie and mommy made tutu.  She had to change her outfit to eat her cupcake because we didn't want a mess!  I laughed because she was Little Ms. Dainty when it came time to eat her cupcake.  We had to smash her hand in there just so she would get a little messy!  She got so many cute clothes and tons of toys!  She's set for the year!!

Super cute ladybug cake

Audrey and her daddy.  Audrey says, "Wassup!!"

The yummy station

The grill man and the decorater

I'm not really sure what I'm pointing at in this photo.  Obviously something amazing.

Audrey "borrowing" a sippy cup

Honey, I think they are already dead.

Walking over the bridge

Jamming with the bells.  Do you like how the skirt is eating her alive?

Now this was amazing!  Ever since my mom passed away we always talk about how doves represent her.  I love to see the little doves sitting on the wall outside the living room window.  Well, this little dove decided to hang out with us almost the entire party!  Was it a coincidence or was my mom watching over her grandbaby during this very important day?  We all got a little misty eyed seeing this.

Everyone hanging out as the dove watches over.

Cupcake time!

#1!

Maureen and I guarding the flame.

Taking tiny bites

Come on Audrey, just smash your hand into it!

I had to do it for her.  Dainty Princess she is!

3 of the cutest boys I know!

Always pointing at something

Look at this Audrey!

Let's read the card

Hi!!!

Audrey, look at what mommy and daddy got you.  A super cool water table.  Do you want to see it?

No mom, I like licking this really old soccer ball.  

And to end a wonderful day we decided to feed the little chipmunks some of the treats.  They REALLY liked the cupcake!

Nom nom nom!

We had such a great day at the park!  Thank you to everyone who came to enjoy our day with us! 

Happy Birthday

One year ago I was in the hospital waiting on the arrival of our first born.  I was ready to go...we were just waiting on little Ms. Stubborn to move on down and turn over.  At 10:52am after an hour of beyond painful pushes (but would do it again to have her!) we got the world's greatest gift!  Parenthood.  I became a mommy for the first time and Elijah became a daddy for the first time.  I cried when I saw her.  She was the most beautiful baby in the whole wide world.  And she was mine to care for, love, cherish, and teach.  Instead of being the 5 1/2, maybe 6lb baby they thought she would be...she turned into a 6lb 14oz cutie who apparently was living in my back! This year has flown by and has been filled with so many firsts.  Rolling over, sitting up, eating solids, getting 3 teeth (and 2 more just starting), walking, and of course jibber jabbing in her own little language.  Her personality comes out more and more each day and my love grows for her as each minute passes.  I love you with all my heart, my dear Audrey!  Grandma is your Angel watching over you each and every day!  Happy 1st Birthday Ladybug!!!

From the moment you were conceived, you were loved.

Birth

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

1 year!!

Party Preperations

It's been a while since I've blogged.  Well, that may be because I am a working mom again.  The school year is in full swing now and I have been back at work for 2 weeks and counting.  This is the 2nd week for the kiddos and they are adjusting nicely.  On top of being back at work I have been party planning for Audrey since July.  I ordered her the cutest onesie off of Etsy and made her a tutu.  This weekend was spent getting all the food, finishing the tutu, talking to my sis-in-law about the cupcakes and cake (she's so kind to help make them!!), and all the other details.  I can't believe her party is Saturday.  And in a week and a half my baby will be 1!!! Where did the time go?  Here is a sneak preview of some of the things for her party!

 Super cute onesie with her name on it.  After putting her tutu on I realized I made it way too long (so I later shortened it and it actually looks fuller) and that it was too big in the waist.

 She is totally enveloped by this tutu!

 Super cute hairbow that I got as a baby shower gift from a great friend and parent of a former student.  It has cupcakes on it and with the colors that match her outfit!

 This picture I thought was just funny because she is doing a sassy hand! Haha!

 Here she is before her tutu got trimmed, but after I added suspenders to keep it up. What's cool is that they are made of ribbon so I can just untie them and she can wear the tutu when she gets bigger.

 I made this Dum Dum flower arrangement to add pizazz to one of the tables.

I also painted pink ladybugs on the side to go with the theme.

I can't wait to see all the balloons and decorations all set up.  I hope it all goes well and the weather is nice (not to hot)!!  1 week...wow!

7 more steps to freedom

Audrey is taking longer strides now and does so even when we don't put her in a position where she has to walk.  We will be sitting in the living room and the next thing you know she is walking from the ottoman to one of the dogs.  It is so cute!  She likes to do this with a big grin on her face, hand in the air with fists clenched.  She will even squeal very loud because she is so excited..just like in this video!  I won't be surprised if she is running around come her birthday (2 weeks!!...tears)!

Three Steps for Audrey

As we were hanging out in the living room tonight Audrey decided to get a bur up her butt and take some steps. She kept going from the couch to the ottoman and back.  I don't think they are full on walking steps yet, but she is well on her way. Maybe she will give mommy her wish of Audrey walking before she goes back to work.  She has about 4 days left!!  In this video Audrey also biffed it pretty good, but she was fine after 3.2 seconds.  Notice the end table being shoved by someones head.

This next one is the same sort of stuff, but with end table protection so the little one's head doesn't get knocked a good one!

Visitors and a Birthday

So for the past week and a half we have had family staying with us.  This would include Elijah's Uncle Brad, Aunt Amber, and my Goddaughter, Willow.  We are not really used to having house guests so it has been a bit of an adjustment. I also venture back to the workforce on Monday and am rather sad/bittersweet about it.  Audrey will be staying with a great babysitter and it's probably going to be more hard on me than her.  Anywho...Willow and Audrey are only 2.5 months apart.  They have completely different personalities.  One being quiet and the other is loud.  Can you guess which one mine is? Willow is a "vocal" child to say the least.  Audrey is starting to learn how to scream like Willow and I just can't stand love it!  She is also cutting her first top tooth and that may be the cause of her rough like behavior these past few days.  We have enjoyed 1 bath session together.  Not me and the adult company...the children!  We have also learned that they have the same jammies and a love for this stupid mini shopping cart that seems to be more of a hazard than fun.

Bath time.  Notice the bump on Willow's forehead.  It had a date with the table. 

Typical Willow.  She's so happy!

My special lady.

Matching jammies and a cart

Audrey is telling Willow to blog.

Ready for a hit.

 During their stay we also went out to dinner for my birthday at a local restaurant, El Pinto.  The patio is gorgeous and the food is yummy!  I chose this place because we also had guests from out of town who were here for the wedding.  I think everyone enjoyed themselves!

I'm not sure why my dad is playing with his ear.  It's probably all the hair.

Audrey and Willow

Jeff and his hand gesture...and my aunt next to him.   

Some more hand things.

Serious

High five.

Amber and Brad

Jeff, Susan, and Elvira

Elvira, Dad, Cheryl, and Tamara getting her drink on.

Elijah and I

Me and the ladybug...and an excited Willow in the background

Oh my gosh I could eat her.

Flantastic.  Not so much.  I dislike flan.

Jeff trying to get Audrey to like him.  It never works.

After we had dinner we went and celebrated the last couple of days of Tamara's singledom with a night out in downtown Albuquerque.  Let me just say that I'm too old to be downtown and half the girls look like they left the strip club after a night of pole dancing.  At least I looked young and not like an old hag trying to be young.  By the way....sorry for half the pictures having red eye.  Apparently that's the new and cool way to take pictures.  You should try it!