Fun in the sun... in February

Dear Gage,

This winter has been unseasonably warm. We have only had one real snow fall, and that didn't even amount to much more than a dusting. This past week, the temperatures got up into the 70's! We took advantage of this wonderful weather and played outside. We kicked your ball around the yard and took a ride on the bikes. You really love riding in your bike seat, but you aren't a huge fan of the helmet. You're going to have to get used to wearing one though, because it's safety first.

"I'm ready to go!"

Carrying the ball up the hill

We went down to the creek yesterday and you helped Dada skip rocks. You walked around a little bit, but it was hard to balance on all the creek gravel. You really enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the sound of the water. It was very relaxing.

Skipping rocks with Dada

Posing with Mommy

Walking around by the creek

  

I really look forward to this spring and summer. You'll be able to do more and I think you're going to have a lot of fun.

I love you,

Mommy

Little Walker

Dear Gage,

You have been walking since your 11 month birthday, but around mid-January, you became the walking expert. I have been very late at putting this video up, but this was shot on January 28th, after your birthday party. You are a walking pro!

I love you,

Mommy

Four Wheeler

Dear Gage,

You've had a little four wheeler (Power Quad) for a few weeks now, but you haven't been able to actually operate it on your own. The button on the handle is a little tough for you to push, so we've been walking behind you as you ride around the house. Yesterday, you were finally able to push the button and take off on your own. You're still working on keeping the button pressed, so your ride is a little jerky. But with practice, you'll be the expert soon enough!

I love you,
Mommy aka "insy"

Happy 1st Birthday!

Dear Gage,

On Saturday, January 28th, you celebrated your first birthday! It's hard to believe that a year ago you entered this world and our hearts! Time sure has flown by. It has been the greatest year of my life to watch you grow and develop. I wouldn't trade it for anything!

We celebrated your birthday at the Sleep Inn Conference room surrounded by 50 family and friends. We had people come all the way from Indiana, Bardstown, Glasgow, Scottsville, and Bowling Green to celebrate this wonderful day with us! The only show that actually keeps your attention is Yo Gabba Gabba! so it seemed fitting for that to be the theme of the party. We had all sorts of homemade decorations and even played the show on the projector. I made shirts for each of us and you got a bonus bib! You took on the role of Brobee, while Dada was Muno and I was Foofa.

We had lunch with a big spread of food. We ordered the chicken strips from a nearby shop, but the rest of the food was prepared by yours truly and your Granna D. We had baked beans, potato salad, broccoli apple salad, 7 layer bean dip, salsa (black bean & corn and regular), a relish tray, and a basket full of sourdough rolls! You enjoyed a little bit of everything, but I think you liked the chicken the best.


Happy Birthday!

After we finished our meal, it was time for dessert. I made confetti cupcakes with orange cream cheese icing and a mix of chocolate and golden Oreo balls. I dipped them in different colors and decorated them with an accent to match each character. Muno - red with one eye, Foofa - pink with a flower, Plex - yellow with a red hot on top, Brobee - green with green coconut for fur, Toodee - blue, and DJ Lance - orange with orange coconut on top for his hat. We also put together some punch with rainbow sherbet.

Dessert table

 

Character Oreo balls

You got your very own jumbo cupcake and you weren't really sure what to think about it. You couldn't decide if you were allowed to touch it or not. Once you got over your cupcake phobia, you gave the icing a try. You were a little surprised by its sweetness, so we broke open the cupcake so you could get down to the cake part. You really dove in after that and made a big mess! You loved it!!

 

You got your very own jumbo cupcake



Yes sir, it's all for you

Yummy cake

Messy boy

After everyone had their fill of dessert, it was time to pass out the goodie bags to the children and let you open your presents. I had to help you with most of them, but you enjoyed looking at all of your new goodies. You got a ton of clothes and so many toys. We're going to have to really think about getting you a toy box for all your new things.

Your gift table was overflowing with presents!

Your most favorite present: a package of balls to go with the new ball pit from Mommy and Daddy!

Playing with your new ball pit at home! Happy Birthday sweetheart!!

We had a great time celebrating your first birthday and you were such a friendly and lovable birthday boy. You were walking around all over the place, playing with all the kids, and visiting with everyone. I still can't believe my baby boy is a year old! It has been the greatest year of my life! I can't wait to see what the years ahead have in store for us!

I love you so much, Gagey bear,
Mommy

First Haircut!

Dear Gage,

Today we took you for your first haircut! After hearing you called the most beautiful little girl in the world one too many times, we decided it was time. We took you to a little place called Nico the Salon, that's owned by a friend of mine from high school. You were such a good boy for your haircut and Brit did a great job. I can't believe how much different you look now. You look like a little man! Thank you so much for being such a good boy today. I'm sure Brit appreciated it too!

The "before" picture

Trimming the back

Such a good boy!

The "after" picture. Such a handsome little man!

I love you so much,
Mommy

One Year Check-Up

Dear Gage,

Today we took you to see Dr. Chris for your 12 month check-up. It's been a little over a week since you turned one, but I worked last week, so today was our first chance to take you. You weigh 21 pounds & 12 ounces and are 30.5 inches long. That puts you in the 75th percentile for height and 50th for weight. I'm glad you've put on some weight. We were a little worried when you were down in the 30th at your 9 month check up. But you seemed to have bounced back!

Dr. Chris has cleared you for whole milk and you no longer have any dietary restrictions. I'm still nursing you 4 times per day, so we'll start cutting out one feeding at a time until you're on whole milk alone. We'll have to get through the arsenal of milk in the freezer too. So today for lunch you ate your first peanut butter sandwich and had some whole milk. You weren't really sure what to think about the sandwich, but the milk was a hit. You really liked it and you have tolerated it well.

I know I say this all the time, but I can't believe how much you've grown! You are getting to be such a big boy! I love you so very much!

I love you,
Mommy