Birthday Cake, Balloons, and a Pinata...oh my...

Well, the all important 1st birthday party has gone and passed.  We had balloons, a pinata, cake-n-ice cream, a slip-n-slide, a water slide, a bounce house, tons of treats for the kids. All in all it was a great party, but the poor birthday boy slept through most of it because he was still not feeling 100%.  Gabe woke up just in time to open his presents, but he missed cake and ice cream so we did that the day after at our house.  We had a great turn out of guests.  All our closest friends and family were there to help us celebrate.  All the kids had a great time and got to fill up on a bunch of cake, ice cream, and candy.  When it was time for the Pinata we got it all set up outside, but then the rain came so we brought it inside and moved the furniture and let the kids go crazy.  Nothing is funnier than watch a bunch of kids dive in the floor to get candy falling from a Pinata.

Now...what to do for the 2nd Birthday???

Gabriel's Birthday Turtle Cake!

OK...all I have to say is next year we are buying Gabe's birthday cake.  I spent 7 hours baking and making marshmallow fondant yesterday and then 4 hours decorating today...I definitely have a new found respect for cake decorators.

Here is Gabe's 1st Birthday Cake.  I know he isn't the prettiest turtle, but I am proud of him. :o)  I also made his smash cake.

What a fast and crazy year!

One year ago...today, Eric and I welcomed a wonderful little bundle of joy into our lives...I just can't believe that this is what we were doing this time last year.  This past year has been such a blur, but when we try to remember what it was like before you...we really can't.  Life has changed so much, but all for the better.  You are what I was waiting for my whole life and I love you with every ounce of my being.

Gabriel...let me take this opportunity to tell you how much of a little booger you are!  You are your daddy and me rolled into one and I wouldn't have it any other way.  You are into everything!  You are so fast, I can't even blink or you are gone!  You are so smart and you learn new things everyday...you just amaze me.

You have changed so much over the past year...From 5lbs 15oz & 19in long to 22lbs 12oz (haven't measured yet) and we have over 3,500 pictures and videos to prove it...yea...I checked!

From this...

To This...

Over this past year we have had bumps and bruises, scrapes and screaming matches, but you are a very happy and healthy little man who is very much loved.

At ONE year our big boy is...

• Still Breastfeeding, but we are officially starting the weaning process :o(
• Not walking yet, but is very close...He cruises a lot now
• Eats EVERYTHING and is drinking 2% milk
• Wears mostly 12 and 18 month clothes
• Wears size 4 diapers
• Still laughs at everything Mommy and Daddy do
• Is into everything and nothing is safe!
•  Seems to be going through a Daddy phase...you just must have Daddy if he is home
• Sleeps with Mommy sometimes because Daddy is working nights...I know it's a bad habit, but it is the only way Mommy gets any sleep.

Funny things that Gabe does...

Gabriel!  You are a nut, but I know I played a hand in it so I can't blame anyone but myself! :o)  You are so silly and do some funny things.  You have all of a sudden started getting down on your belly and then you proceed scoot backwards...not really sure where you got this from, but it looks like you are trying to be sneaky.  You laugh out loud when Mommy fake cries...I usually do this when you are getting fussy and it completely gets your mind off of what is upsetting you.  You think that it is just too funny when I bite (softly) on your fingers and toes.  Your obsession with doors and cabinets is something that I don't see subsiding anytime soon...not sure why you derive so much pleasure from playing with doors but it makes you happy so I am happy.

You are such a happy little thing...I just can't thank God enough for you.  I love you so much!

For the Fans...

I got to thinking today that we have got to be getting close to a new Season of Vampire Diaries.  Well we are still  a few weeks away, but here is a count down tracker and a sexy picture to help us with our wait. :oP

2 weeks and 2 days...

Gabe,

I am sitting here in bed thinking about this past year...this has been the most wonderful, crazy, beautiful, and blessed year of my life. I just can't believe that this time last year you were still in my belly.  Giving me all kinds of back pain I might add.  You are getting so big and I can hardly remember you being only 5 lbs and 15 oz. When I look at you I see your Daddy and it just makes me smile when you smile. You are such a happy little man...always laughing and smiling. It makes me feel like maybe I am doing something right. :o) You find everything funny and as far as I can tell you think that Mommy is just about the best toy in the world. Right now you are sleeping just in the other room...dreaming something wonderful I hope. I love you so much and I couldn't imagine my life without you. You are my greatest accomplishment and I am so proud of that and you.