Wordless Wednesday {Under Toys}

Christmas 2010

Wow. Christmas is over. It sure came and went pretty fast. We had a wonderful Christmas this year but I feel like I can take a deep breath right now. All the crazy, busy running around is over with and I'm looking forward to getting back on schedule.

Christmas last year. This kid slept ALL through the Christmas celebrations and was awake ALL night.

My favorite family photo from last year.

Some photos from this year.

I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas this year!

Everett's 1st {Belated} Birthday Photos

I finally got Everett's 1st Birthday photos from his nanny. Finally! Here they are!

Thursday Blog Thoughts

My sweet baby boy is napping away and I've been running around the house like a crazy woman trying to declutter and find a spot for everything. I've let our place go a week too long without cleaning and doing it a bit here and there has seemed to be about the only way to get anything done. The place we live in offers a bare minimal amount of cabinets and storage. You would think that a 2-level, 1310 square foot home would have decent storage space but it is one of the downfalls. We don't pay a mortgage or rent on it so I think best that I should probably stop complaining. Tis the season to be thankful and really, I am very thankful.

I took Everett to see his pediatrician this morning to check in on his cold that has been lingering for the past week and worsening as the days go by. Well, I wouldn't say it's getting worse but it wasn't getting any better. I wanted any sort of infection to be ruled out and I left there with the relief that it's just a cold and something that will have to take its course. No meds needed=big plus. He's eating and sleeping well and is in good spirits at least. That's my boy!

I failed to post on Monday but it was a milestone day for me. I hit the big 3-0. Yup. And what is that saying? "Thirty, flirty, and thriving?" Yes, I am thirty. Can't argue that one. Flirty? There's no flirtin' going on in this girl's life. My husband and I have mentioned we need to start taking more quality time together to steam our relationship back up. Having kids will do it to you. Thriving. This year and my years of 30-ness, I do hope to make it the best and to become the best I've ever been. You hear about woman in their 30's and 40's who make some big life changes (such as working out, losing weight, going on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation...) and they say that they've never felt better in their lives than they do now. I especially like the ones that say that they are more fit and in shape than they were in their teens and 2o's. I want to be one of those that say's that! Anyway, Monday wasn't a super eventful day as I woke up sick and spent most of the trying to lie down at any opportunity and get a moment of rest while taking care of Everett. My wonderful husband came home at noon though to give me some relief, and even brought me home some Vietnamese food (my favorite!) and took over Everett duty while I napped. I took naturopathic remedies galore and beat whatever I had in about 3 days. The day after my birthday, I wasn't feeling sick but at the same time, didn't quite feel back to 110% but 3 days total, whatever I had went completely astalavista.

This is my favorite, recent photo of Everett lately. He was hanging out on his scooter and dazing outside. He looks like such the big boy!

Belated Birthday Photos

I had Everett's nanny take photos of Everett's birthday party and I've been waiting to post them but with her school finals, she's been a little delayed in getting them to me but I wanted to share these photos that a friend took:

Everett's birthday was absolutely perfect and all our close friends and family were there to share this special day with him!

Giving Loves

We call hugs, kisses, and cuddling "loves." Everett was sure full of giving "loves" to everyone at Nicolas' birthday party last weekend!

Giving "loves" to Nicolas on his birthday. He was trying to escape though.

Giving "loves" to Cameron. Look at Cameron's sweet face!

And "loves" to Amber too.

What a sweet boy I have!

Self Feeding and Finger Foods

When it comes to self-feeding and Everett eating finger foods...well, it just doesn't happen. One of the very first finger foods I offered him were the Gerber puffs. He loved them and would pick them up and stick them in his mouth. That lasted just a few times. This was about 3 months ago. He eats solids foods well but only if someone feeds him. Each time I lay out small bites of what we're eating, he grabs the food between his tiny little fingers and throws it on the ground. This goes for sippy cups too. Anything I set in front of him, he drops it. Is this a common phase that babies go through or is it just my son?

He is clearly upset when I spread out food in front of him (fusses and arches his back) and this is when he'll just begin dropping each bite of food on the ground until it's all off his highchair. But if I take a piece and put it up to his mouth, he'll eat it and say "mmmmm!" afterwards. While I know each child is on a pace of their own, I feel that Everett is a step behind on self-feeding. It just doesn't exist. I'm not worried by any means but just wish he had more interest in it.

Speaking of food and not a whole lot of eating, I myself am down to 120 lbs. When I recently wrote the blog about the Special K Challenge, I was three days into the diet and was 122. I was 124 when I started and when I saw 120 on the scale this morning, I got a big jolt of excitement. I am really looking forward to getting in the "teens." Perhaps in a day or so!

On other news other than food related, here's a cute video of Everett playing with his xylophone:

Everett's 1st Birthday

My little man turned ONE today!! This past year has been the best of my life. It's been the most challenging but because of Everett, I have become a better person. I've become more patient, more understanding, more passionate, and more appreciate of everything that life has to offer.

We started his special day by taking him out to breakfast at our favorite cafe in Historic Downtown Gresham.

Everett tried scrambled eggs and made it very clear that he did not like them by means of gagging. He got his gagging reflex going pretty well and ended up projectile vomiting most of his morning bottle. I'm sure his idea of an enjoyable birthday breakfast didn't involve sitting in puke-covered clothing while mom and dad hastily finished their meal. I don't think he terribly hated it though because he gave us the biggest smile seconds after his puke session. What a guy!

Everett loves playing fetch with himself and will spend much of his playtime throwing a ball and chasing after it. We decided to get him a few new balls. (I admit I couldn't help from laughing to myself while I typed that last sentence. I should be ashamed.)

We spend the rest of the afternoon at Omsi. This place is stimulation for the child's mind galore!

He was smiling and flirting with this lady across the table.

I had such a fun day at Omsi exploring with him!

The last two nights, I've been working on making the sweets for Everett's birthday party.

Today was such a wonderful day and has left me in more realization of how blessed I am. Everett is the reason why I live and breath today. Happy birthday to my BIG boy!