The Progression of THE STRUT!!!

It's amazing how when a baby learns something, it becomes an obsession, and they don't stop until it is mastered. Well, at least that is how Ryden does things.

For the past month or so he has been letting go of something while standing, but he hadn't thought to take too many steps. Until his birthday- funny enough.
On Wednesday, I think he took one or two steps throughout the day, but that was it. What happened from Thursday through Saturday just amazes me. Luckily, I taped one video each day.

Thurday... look mommy, I can take a couple steps.






Friday... hmmm, maybe I'll try a few more before falling on my behind.






Saturday... and SHA-ZAMM!! I can do this everywhere and a lot!!!!!




so cute!
Even though he is just a wee little man, who still has years to become the person he is going to be, I am just enamored by his persistence. I can so already see his personality developing.
Now, he only crawls to get to something where he can pull himself up. We even saw him whine and slam his toy on the ground because he kept falling. Totally frustrated, but he powered through.

Did I mention that I love him and I think he is just super fantastic? =)

just had to share,
michele

All in a Year.

I never thought I would be upset, but as I sit here and type this, tears are welling up in my eyes. I am so happy that my little man is turning one, but knowing he is no longer a little baby is a bit heart breaking.
It is also very emotional when I think about the fact that this time last year, my water was breaking at this very moment. What a truly special night that was. Everything was so unknown and new. I was so in awe of the whole process, and all I wanted to do was just take it all in. Not to mention, all the fantasticness that happened the following day........
one of the happiest moments of my life

With all the gushing aside, my little man is turning one tomorrow. He is really becoming such a big boy and he truly has such a kind heart. He loves animals and he loves kids of all sizes. He is still unsure about most adults, but hey... that is a trait everyone should have.
I read a little while ago that when a baby becomes mobile they naturally become more clingy to their parents. Physiologically and biologically speaking, this is what would have kept them from running off into the woods, unprotected, many years ago. It makes total sense. So, for now, I will be sensitive to his unsureness of others, but always give him the security to explore and investigate further.

Right now, one of his favorite things to do is to shut the bedroom door and then immediately crouch down onto his hands and knees and peak underneath it. When I first looked under the door, form the other side, I never thought I would see him looking back at me. How brilliant is he to know to do that?!?!? I just really love his little mind.

Sunday we had his birthday party. It was really spectacular, even if I did get in a bit over my head. Thanks to Eric, Chava and some really kind friends we got things under way. I think Ryden enjoyed it and he really was in good spirits the whole time. Thank you to everyone that came and celebrated such a monumentous milestone in my sweet little pea's life. I will always remember it. And thanks to Ryan Dearth for taking such nice photos, I can always look back on it.

and if I were to call anyone a BFF, it would be my friend Chava. Amazingly, she was able to come down for the party and a really nice visit. It was so great having her here, and I know we wouldn't have been able to pull the party off without her!!!


If you haven't seen the pics, here is a little slideshow.

Birthdays and Buddies!!

Since this is Ryden's birthday month (shockingly, I have now accepted this and am ok with it), I have already started to plan a grand soiree for him. The theme is Rootbeer & Summertime, and I think I actually have all the details under control. Since we are making all the food, we'll see how I'm handling it when I am down to the last minute. I really can't wait and I have already started to do some test baking (cooking the cupcakes without dairy and soy). Everything has turned out great.
Eric even went to Macy's on sarturday and got us one of these to make all the mixing so much easier. and I love it by the way.


Here are some of my decorations I have already gotten or made. The old radio flyer I am going to fill with ice and root beers. and if you can see the Kern-mason jars, I am going to fill them with ice cream and put on ice near the root beers.

So, people can make their own floats. I'm also going to buy some of those old, paper straws.
This is some of the flag garland that I made.


Here are the cupcake holders that I am going to put the cupcakes in (and last night, I found recipes for root beer cake, so, I am going to give that a shot!!!). Who knew they make root beer schnapps.





and here is the cutest, littlest, itty-bittiest bunt pan that I found at an antique store that I am making my DS's cake in. Probably just vanilla.



I am super excited!!!

and just for fun, here are two videos that I shot of Ilsa and Ryden playing htis mornig. Really, who said you needed an older sibling to have fun.... =)





love, us