This Moment

This Moment

Testing the new ride

Max's First Birthday

Max turned one on sunday.

We celebrated his big day at my parents' house. What originally started out as a small get-together, quickly morphed into quite the gathering. It was absolutely perfect though.

It was fun to watch Max interact with other kids. We don't make a huge effort (or any effort, really) to have play dates yet. I only have so much time with him on the weekends, and I don't want to share him! He did a great job with everyone at the party, never getting shy or mean. Max plays well with others!

He was not at all interested in opening his gifts, surprise surprise. But he got some great ones. Lots of clothes and great books. A bubble machine, a whale for the bath, a push bike, musical instruments, and other great toys. Grandma and Grandpa Gardner were even able to attend via Skype. He's a lucky duck!

My mom and sister made Max's birthday cake. We decided on an apple spice cake recipe we found here. They also made a banana glaze, also found here. We topped it all off with Max's favorite food: blueberries! We are continuing to feed Max as healthy and organically as possible, so a big store-bought cake just wasn't for us.

Max loved playing in the new sand box, showing off his walking skills, and playing with everyone (especially his cousin Anthony!).

A huge thank you to Megan and my parents for putting it all together. It was a perfect day.

This Moment

Bottle Rockets in Pre-K

A house full of sickos

Well, today was a doozy. Max has been sick with a cold for a few days; he woke up all crusty nosed and coughing this morning. Elway was diagnosed with Valley Fever. Jeff's doctor believes he has Celiac disease and Strep throat. And while I am obviously bummed about all the illness, it is nice to have answers.

Luckily Megan is in town visiting, so she was able to take care of Elway and Max, so Jeff could take care of himself. My parents have been staying late to help me with Max in the evenings. I really appreciate all the help. After a pretty stressful day it helped to come home to Max who was in a tremendously good mood. He was giggly and playful and just so fun to be around. I hope his cold is completely gone for his birthday on Sunday. Not that I'm saying out loud that he's turning one. Cause then I might cry.