Caleb and Gracie's Birhday Parties

Over the weekend we had Caleb and Gracie's combined birthday party.  I really strugged with whether or not to do a combined because I really wanted Caleb to have his own 1st birthday party but it just didn't make sense to ask everyone to come over two days in a row or at two separate times so we just had one big party.

Last year, I ordered Gracie a #2 birthday shirt and I wanted to get a #3 for her and a #1 for Caleb.  I didn't want Kanin to feel left out so I got him a shirt that had a "K" on it.  I had Nicole make them in a 4th of July theme.

Of course, before the party started I had to have a little photo session.

It was time to open presents and I was trying to figure out how to do everything (food, presents, cake, waterslide) all in one day without boring all of the adults.  Instead of having each kid open up presents individually, we just had them open them both together

It has kind of become a tradition that Gaga makes the birthdy cake.  Caleb's cake was a red, white and blue #1cake.  We started to take this picture but Caleb had already noticed the cake and stuck his fingers in it.

Gracie insisted on holding this toy for the picture.

Scott wasn't a big fan of the hat I had picked out for Caleb to wear but Kanin and Gracie both had these little hats for their 1st birthdays and I thought it was cute.

Blowing out the candles.

"More" cake, Mommy!

After presents, cake and the waterslide were finished, we all went outside and hung out on the driveway.  Scott got out the microphone, too, and we impromptu karaoke.  Kanin has been walking around singing, "Hey, soul sister.  Hey there, mister, mister on the radio, stereo the way you move ain't fair, you know" so Scott played it for him.

Caleb was such a good baby and was content just to lay outside and listen to the music.

Our neighbor, Paul, had Bomb Pops and they were definitely the hit of the night.  I think this picture is so cute.  Jacob really looks up to Kanin so he thought he was a big boy.

Ali and Aidan liked the Bomb Pops, too.

Of course, GracieAnn didn't want to get sticky so she ate hers out of the bowl.  Could you not just die for those eyes?

One of the highlights for Gracie and Kanin was that they got to hold their first sparkler.

Here's what our houses looked like from the cul-de-sac.  At one time we probably had about 30 people out there.  It was a lot of good, wholesome, family-fun.  Great memories for the kids.

Happy 4th of July

When I think of 4th of July, I think of:

Yummy BBQ

Colorful desserts

Our Flag

Fireworks

Our military and all who have served.  I think of those who wish they were back home with their families eating bbq, watching baseball and just enjoying each other.  I think of my Army buddies who have been over there 2 and 3 times.  I think of all of the soldiers who came before us including way back in the Revolutionary War where they fought for freedom, they fought for human rights, they fought to have a better life.  They fought for their future--US!

My Sweet Baby Caleb

During my pregnancy with you, I wandered what kind of child you would be.  The pregnancy wasn't an easy one so I was very ready when you decided to finally make your entrance.  But, then, you had to go and put me through 26 hours of labor before you decided the time was right to meet your family.  

You had some challenges that had you sticking around the hospital for a few extra days while I was sent home.  You definitely weren't giving me any breaks.      

After about a week, though, you decided that you liked us and you would rather be home with your family than in that hospital.  You straightened up and you have been an angel ever since.

You showed your love for the Cardinals right away and demanded to be taken to your first Cardinal game at ripe old age of 3 weeks.

You took after your brother and sister and fell in love with Fredbird right away.

When your first Halloween came around I just had to put you in your big sister's first Halloween costume just to see how you would look. 

But, you ended up getting your own puppy dog costume.

You wore your Daddy's Baptismal outfit and you were so cute in it.

While you came into this world a little cantankerous, you quickly shifted gears and became a sweet, happy, loving baby.

You loved sitting at the "big people" table for your first Thanksgiving.

While Daddy wasn't a fan of the Santa Claus hat, you rocked it like a champ.

You never tire of me taking pictures of you and are always eager to give me a bright smile. 

You have learned about so much in your first year.  You discovered Easter eggs and played Easter bunny for a bit.

You found your very best friend during the first couple of weeks in life.  You sleep with, eat with, puke on, chew on and love on "the friend".

That smile of yours and those eyes melt my heart everytime I see them.

Your red hair was such a surprise to us and I hope that it stays with you.  I will say, though, that the temper of a red-head does come out every once in a while.

From that little 6lb, 5oz baby boy who had trouble breathing, to a 26lb baby boy who has trouble staying out of the pantry.

Each day with you is never boring.  You brighten up every aspect of my life.  You are a true Mommy's boy and I wouldn't have it any other way.  

Happy 1st Birthday to my Sweet Baby Caleb Scott James!!

Rant and Rave Friday

RANT
-It is just a small rant but to that little park ranger guide who directed my friend and I to park "up top" at the park about 1/4 mile away when there was parking right across the street from where the music would be playing, you really annoyed me!  It was especially annoying because we had an infant, a baby, a toddler, lawn chairs, playpen, blanket, cooler, baby bassinet and 2 candles all being carried in a wagon.  Really?
-All of the local recreational places that offer swim lessons.  Kanin just went through Level 1 swimming and I need to sign him up for the next session but they are all offered in the early mornings.  While I thought it was a good idea the first session, I learned my lesson.  For the past 2 weeks we could only do swim lessons because then came lunch and naps.  I wish they would offer more at night.
-The St. Louis Cardinals for not having their act together.  This could be an entire post by itself but I won't bore you!

RAVES
-My two babies who both have birthdays this week. 
-The free music offered in the O'Fallon park every Tuesday night all summer long!
-My friend, Boris, who is currently in Afghanistan.  He has decided to adopt an orphanage and it a started a grassroots movement with all of our friends.  It is great!


RAVES

Trainer Workout #16

Warm up for 5 minutes, nothing too strenuous.

Do the following rotation 3x:
-Utilizing 2 of those half balls, turn them over so the ball part is on the ground and the flat part is on top.  Balance your hands on the flat part and do 15 boy push-ups.
-Utilizing a pull-up bar, jump up and try to keep your head up by the bar as long as possible.  When you start to fall, slowly lower yourself all of the way down.

Rest 1 minute

Do the following:
-Utilizing a pull down bar, change the handle to the "V".  Using your "pull-up" muscles, pull down the "V" handle straight in front of you to right under your neck.  Sit up straight with your chest out (don't lean back for more momentum) 12-15 reps
-Using a weight bench, bench press the bar 15 times
-Do mountain climbers for 30 seconds

Rest 1 minute

Do the following:
-Utilizing a pull down bar, change the handle to the "V".  Using your "pull-up" muscles, pull down the "V" handle straight in front of you to right under your neck.  Sit up straight with your chest out (don't lean back for more momentum) 12-15 reps
-Using a weight bench, bench press the bar 15 times
-Do up/downs for 30 seconds

Rest 1 minute

Do the following:
-Utilizing a pull down bar, change the handle to the "V".  Using your "pull-up" muscles, pull down the "V" handle straight in front of you to right under your neck.  Sit up straight with your chest out (don't lean back for more momentum) 12-15 reps
-Using a weight bench, bench press the bar 15 times
-Do 10 up/downs with 10 mountain climbers in between.  So, once you are in the "down" position do 10 mountain climbers then come back up.  Repeat 10 times for a total of 100 mountain climbers

Rest 2-3 minutes

Do the following rotation 3x:
-Utilizing 5-10lb dumbbells and a bench, lay down on the bench with the dumbbells raised overhead.  Alternate pressing each dumbbell down and back up.  12-15 reps
-Utilizing 5-10lb dumbbells and a bench, lay down on the bench with the dumbbells raised overhead and press them both at the same time up and down.  12-15 reps
-Using 1 of the 5-10lb dumbbells, put your right knee on the bench.  Put your left hand up and over toward the right side of the bench for balance and lift your left leg.  Lower the weight down almost to the ground and pull up level to your abdomen.  Do not use momentum or twist your body.  Just use and up and down motion.  12-15 reps per side

Rest 2-3 minutes

Plank for 1 minute

Using a weighted ball, lay down on your back and hold the ball straight out over your head and your legs straight out but in a spread out position .  Sit up, with your arms straight and carry the ball out until you touch the ground in between your ankles.  Then slowly lower yourself back to where you are flat again.  10-12 reps

Plank for 1 minute

Lay down on your back with your arms straight over your head and your legs straight out in front of you.  Sit up bringing your arms and one leg to meet in the middle and then lower back down.  15 per side.

You are finished!

To My BFF

Gracie-girl, Gracie Sassy Pants, Sister, Missy, Babydoll, Sweetheart, BFF~

The joy I felt the day I found out I was having a girl cannot be put into words. 
(12 weeks)

(28 weeks)

A girl, a babydoll to dress up, a sweet little angel.

Full of laughter, energy, love, sweetness and mischief.  Strong-willed Mommy-look-alike with Daddy's beautiful blue eyes and shoulder dimples.

You can be sassy.

You can be sweet.

You can be shy.

You can be a diva.

Whatever mood you are in, you always make me laugh (even if it isn't until after I have cooled off later on).  

I love watching you grow and learn everyday.  I wish I could freeze time and keep you little but I'm also excited to see the type of young lady you will become.

My life would be incomplete without you, BFF.

Happy 3rd Birthday, GracieAnn Elaine!!!