Everly Turns One

Well, today was the day. Everly turned one year old! Just in the past week, I have almost felt like she is one year old. Her size has gone from little baby to precious chunky monkey baby. When I carry her on my hip, I feel like she is a one year old, not a little baby anymore. Of course, I always feel like they are babies until they are 3 years old, but for her, I have felt her transition past that newborn/infant/little baby stage. I spent the day with her yesterday thinking about all of the things we would do that day that were her last as a "less than one year old." I took pictures of the last nap I would lay her down for. And, she was so tired, I just looked over the crib at her and thought about this time last year. I have loved having each of our new babies. I have had very easy deliveries, so it has been easy to enjoy them. I love the hospital time and delivery time and those first few months of snuggling, nursing, cozy, baby time. I'm not going to say that the nursing has ever been super easy to get started with any of my kids, and this time with Everly, it was the toughest. And, I'm not going to say I'm not tired, although this time with Everly, I probably got the most sleep. And while not every moment is easy and I have realistic days of frustrations, I am one of those crazy people that really do enjoy all of those moments. Even when there's hard stuff, I am just so glad that God gave me that child, that I have a hard time complaining because I never want Him to think I'm not thankful for the job he has so intently placed on me. There is something about that first year for me that I love so much. In fact, I love it so much, that it might mean my tough years will be their teenage years...yikes! Now, Everly is starting to get more independent and try new things and get curious and start personality traits that will always be hers. It is just such a big deal for my babies to turn one.

So, on this first birthday morning (or shall I say last night), she caught a cold. She was just stuffy and couldn't sleep well and took some good naps today. I have gotten a cold this past week and my body is tired and my head is stopped up. So, I know what she feels like. But, her first birthday day was spent doing things with the older kids, naps, playing, swinging, taking pictures, and eating her first chocolate cupcake with a candle on top. We will have a big birthday party for her in a couple of weeks, so we held off any other celebrations. But, they are coming! So, here are a few pictures of our baby girl!

 Before school for Grace, she had some sister time. I dressed her in Grace's 1st birthday outfit for the day!

 This was her last nap as a one year old. Sleeping babies (or heck, sleeping 5 year olds too) are so sweet.

 Within the last 5 days, she pulls up on everything. However, I found her like this after hearing her fuss from another room. I came to her and realized she had gotten up, but she couldn't get back down!

 And then today, I was unloading my Sam's Club purchases while she played on the garage floor (yes, the dirty garage floor) when I realized her hair was looking so red in the sunlight and I had to get some photos.

 Here she was clapping for me.

 Here she was running her fingers down her lips to make bubble noises!

 And those baby blue eyes. The kids get those from their daddy!

 And real quick, I had Vic take my picture with her. I am never in many pictures, but even without hair and makeup and looking rough, I am sure one day she will not care. This was her first birthday day!

 For dinner, she had black beans and her first piece of pizza.

 The kids sang to her a few times before birthday cake time!

 And then she got to blow out her candle and eat her cupcake. She played with it a little but after that first taste of chocolate icing, she was all in!

 There were never any smiles; only serious eating.

 I didn't actually let her eat the whole thing; I probably gave her half. But, she loved it!

I know it's gross to look at, but those little chocolatey fingers are still so cute to me! I think I'll do her birthday party cake in vanilla cake and white icing! Happy Birthday Everly!

Kirsten's Wedding Shower

This past weekend, I hosted a wedding shower for Kirsten. At the shower, we realized we met Kirsten for the first time when she was 14 years old. Crazy! So, it was very fun to host a shower for her here in town! And, because I love details, I thought I'd blog it real quick. Plus, I was super proud of myself and of Vic. I loved the decor, the food, the games, everything. And, while we had to do so many things after kids were in bed on Friday night which kept us up until almost 3 am, it was nice to spend time with just Vic. And, I never got stressed out. Vic and I are the best team. While I decorated and organized and cooked, he washed dished for me, got out chairs, setup tables, ironed tablecloths and anything else I asked. And, the next morning he made the quiche before he took the kids to Chris's house and then to lunch to keep them away from the shower. Taking all 3 is lots of work, so I was so thankful to him. Also, this summer when Kirsten gets married, she has asked Atticus and Grace to be a ring bearer and flower girl. It's going to be very fun...if we can get Grace down the aisle in one piece. I think she will do great because Atticus will be there with her, but we all know how shy Grace can be. My sweet girl! But, here's some quick pics from the shower!

How fun is this favor? Hairbands as a favor? Useful and cute and I got 100 of them on amazon for $11. Amazing! Favors can usually get expensive fast...but this was so great!

 I asked guests to bring recipes. I love recipes and as a newlywed, these were great too!

 I love this type of banner lately. Give me a bunch of cute fabrics and I am set.

 So, we learned that hydrangeas wilt...fast! They need tons of water and we just crossed our fingers they would make it after I cut them off the plant. They survived, but only about 36 hours.

 So, these are my two favorite muffin recipes ever. I have a cookbook called Mad about Muffins that GG got me many many years ago. It has lots of great muffins in them, but these have always been my favorite. They are always pretty, always delicious and give pretty color to a muffin. I make them anytime I need a pretty muffin!

 So, I decided to make these diamond ring cookies. Oh how I want to take classes to learn to do this better. And I never got a great picture of them, but they turned out ok. I did learn how to use this shimmer dust that you mix with lemon flavoring and paint on top to make them shiny!

 These two got in a picture before they left for their outing.

 Mimosa bar - so fun!

 Cady & Katerina - always fun and always so helpful! I actually called Katerina a week before to see if she would come be "my friend that knows my kitchen and can help with everything in a pinch" for the shower.

And here is the bride to be! Kirsten will be #rushingtothechapel on June 3rd! Oh and side note, I thought it was so funny because her hashtag is #rushingtothechapel because her new last name will be Rushing. But, she thinks it sounds like this must be a shotgun wedding with that hashtag. ha!

Roly Poly Bugs and Bonnets

A couple of Sunday afternoons ago, Vic took the kids outside to play in the sandbox. When I went out there a little later, I learned they were catching and trying to keep roly poly bugs in a jar. Nothing is more fun than roly poly bugs and how much kids love them. And by then, Everly woke up from her nap and I took her outside to the sandbox also. Well, she IS my little fair skinned redhead, so I put a big tshirt on her and a bonnet I wore 30 years ago and felt like she was protected from the sun. We expected her to jump right into that sand, like she did at Port Aransas in January. But, it took her a little while. I think she will love it this summer though.

 Grace...upset because Atticus wouldn't share the roly poly bugs that he caught.

 Like a good brother, he gave in and shared his with her.

Baptism of Reid Kalisek

I was honored to serve as a sponsor for my dear friend, Danielle's, little boy Reid. Daniella and I have been friends since I started at TWRI in 2006. We have taken trips together; I was a bridesmaid in her wedding; we've seen each other have babies; and one of the things I miss most about working is seeing Danielle every day! So, when her second little boy was born in December, I was so happy for her and Justin! And, I loved getting to have her and Jase and Reid over for a couple of playdates while she was on maternity leave. Snuggling that tiny baby was just the best. So, when she asked me to be Reid's godmother, I could not say no! I am truly honored and loved being a part of that special day. Back on April 9th, we went to their little Lutheran church in Deanville and watched him be baptized. Then, we went to their country house for lunch and to let the kids play. It was such a beautiful day and they have such a beautiful place in the country! And, I can't wait to watch our kids grow up and continue to share special moments like these with them!

Everly with her bath book

Lately, in the bathtub, Everly will open and close and look at this little bath book again and again as she plays. She will point to it and talk and I tell her what the animals are and what they say. I just think it is funny how babies will get so into one little toy. So, tonight, I took some pictures of her. So cute. Just so cute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sisters

These two spend a lot of time together! Grace will take Everly into one of their rooms to play baby dolls or read books all the time. But, if Everly tries to nudge her way into playing with Grace's toys when she is in the middle of playing, boy is Grace upset! Most of the time, they are so funny to watch; Grace loves to boss Everly with lots of "no no Evuh-lee" in a singsong, sweet voice and Everly loves to laugh at her or follow her or push her away (and the same goes with Atticus). Anyways, I thought I'd post a couple quick videos of these two in everyday life:

Everly Laughing - https://youtu.be/udk95qzW-M4
Grace calling Everly "sweetie" when it's time to go - https://youtu.be/LN0TLjZxl48

Happy Saturday from Everly!

I can't help it; she is so fun to dress and I love to watch her play and laugh and pose and snuggle! So, here's some pictures of her during the TIR weekend in her precious watermelon dress!

And she loves to go into the pantry and play. Here's a quick, nothing too exciting, but fun video of her later that evening!

Everly in the pantry - https://youtu.be/sZy3Z8jDzbk