My sweet little baby Asher, I still can't believe that a year ago, I held you in my arms for the very first time and for the third time in my life, I fell in love. I know you won't be this small forever so everyday I am thankful for having you in my life. I will treasure every smile and every moment I am blessed to spend with you. Happy first birthday my love!
Here are a few pictures from Asher's first birthday party!
Dear Liam, From the moment our eyes locked three years ago, I knew you were going to be special and you are. You are a smart, loving little man who can drive me batty but fill me with so much love at the same time (which means you're pretty talented too). As you grow over this next year, I hope that you keep that sparkle in your eye, that curiosity, that spunk but most of all, I hope that you keep your heart. Love, Momma
Here are a few birthday party pictures fro you guys :)
Cars Cupcakes and Cake c/o Eat Cake Love We'd like to thank everyone who came to over to make Liam's birthday extra special. It was hard being here without family around but you guys made us feel loved. We can't thank you enough.
So, I haven't been updating like I should (do you forgive me??). No worries though, things are good here (except for a little car trouble but that's taken care of now). We've been chugging along and things really seem to be falling into place. Liam has turned into Spiderman and is climbing everything. He decided that he wanted the car keys off the dining room table this morning and figured he'd just climb onto a chair and make his way on top of the table. I almost had a heart attack. That boy is trying to kill me!
In recent news (well, sort of recent news). Will and I celebrated our two year anniversary on March 24th. We just went to a nice baby-free dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Houlihan's. If you get a chance to go there, try their Seared Tuna Wontons. Best App Ever!
I mentioned that I am now working as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. I'm still super stoked about this job and really hope I can live up to the expectations of the program. I'm still trying to figure out exactly how everything will work (and so is everyone else since this is the first time the health department has offered this position). Once I get things perfected, I'll definitely do an update.
We also celebrated a low key Easter with family and friends. The weather was perfect and even though we decided to just do a small, fun Easter egg hunt at home instead of going to our town's annual event. Liam did not understand the concept of finding eggs so maybe it was a good thing we put off the actual Easter egg hunt until next year.
We also celebrated another low key event: My 27th birthday! I never do much for my birthday and honestly woke up that morning and didn't even remember it was my special day. The intake manifold on our Mustang cracked the day before so it was in the shop and I got to drive around our roommates Altima (definitely didn't want to give that back). I had a breastfeeding seminar during the day and went grocery shopping with my mom afterwards. When I got home, Will and Marks (our roommate) surprised me with a cake and ice cream. I was not expecting that at all since we had just planned on going to dinner this weekend to celebrate my birthday. That, along with all the Facebook love, made my day super special.
So, needless to say, things are good here. And here's a little visual entertainment courtesy of my Galaxy S2 (since I have no clue where my camera is) for you guys.
#1: Will's R&R
Will had arranged to be home for his two week break in January since my due date was January 10th but Liam decided to make his appearance three weeks early. Although the timing didn't end up being perfect, we still had so much fun with the tiny baby.
#2: Our First Family Photo Session
Even though this happened during R&R, it was definitely one of the top moments of 2011 (I also think it set a family tradition of capturing the growth and change of our family). It was our first time meeting Melissa Bradfield (our amazing photographer) and I'm so glad she has become a part of our lives by capturing Liam's first year.
#3: Our First Wedding Anniversay
Although we celebrated this special milestone thousands of miles apart, it did not make the day any less special. We have experienced a lot during our first year of marriage and although it's not always easy, we stick it out and plan on celebrating many more anniversaries.
#4: Baby Milestones
All of Liam's little milestones fit into this top of 2011. From teeth to "talking", Liam has kept our lives exciting. Here's Liam during the teething phase as well as a shot of his first baby teeth.
#5: Liam's First Halloween
Halloween was a little disappointing for me since I expected Will to be home from Iraq. I had all these ideas for costumes but when I realized he would miss Liam's first Halloween, I put everything aside and planned on staying home. Well, that changed a few days before Halloween, lol. Luckily I was able to find an adorable costume for Liam (and throw together something for me) and I'm so glad I did.
#6: The End of Operation New Dawn
The end of a deployment is always exciting. Having Will home after nine months of Skype, phone calls, letters and care packages was a blessing that we definitely do not take for granted.
#7: Liam's on the move!
Walking! Luckily, Liam waited for Daddy to be home to share in this milestone (although he had been standing on his own and taking a few steps). Walking has made our lives super crazy but so exciting at the same time.
#8: Liam's Cake Smash
To prepare for Liam's first birthday, Melissa Bradfield photographed a cake smash for us. The pictures were absolutely beautiful and we were even able to get a few family pictures as well. Liam had a blast eating the cake and we're glad we were able to capture that moment.
#9: Liam's First Birthday
This was definitely one of the biggest, most exciting events of 2011. Our little guy turned one and reminded us that life goes fast. We had a great party and celebrated his milestone in style.
#10: Our First Christmas as a Family
It was so exciting to spend Christmas together as a family. Although this is technically Liam's second Christmas, it's the first one we've celebrated. It was definitely a blessing and we're excited to spend/enjoy lots more holidays together.
We had a birthday party for Mr. Liam yesterday and although I was stressed out during the day, the party went well and everyone had lots of fun. We decorated with a red, white and silver theme (candy canes, actually). We served Snowflake Cocoa topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, Peppermint and Vanilla Cake Pops (some covered in crushed candy canes), Pizza Pops (or Rolls), Mini Pigs in a Blankets and Sugar Cookies. Nothing too fancy but the kids loved everything. After everyone snacked, Liam was given another cake to smash but this time he didn't seem interested in eating, mostly just sticking his fingers in the cake.
After a little while, we went to the fun part: the presents. He got lots of cool stuff and has been playing with all of them (although Daddy seems to like the Lil' Kawasaki ATV Liam got from Grandpa and Grandma). We'll be back in the next few days with more pictures from our amazing photographer, Melissa Bradfield! For now, here are lots of pictures from Liam's big day.
