Michael’s First Birthday

You know, I had this giant idea of what Michael’s First Birthday would totally be like. Did it happen that way? No. Did everyone attend? No. But you know what? All of those people who mattered did, and that is what is really important. I didn’t get to enjoy my son’s first birthday because I was so stressed out over every single detail and getting everything so perfect.  I should have just followed one of the Golden Rules in life—Keep It Simple Stupid. There are reasons why cliches are always around….because they are true!

So how did it go? According to everyone that did go (and by that I mean our usual group of friends and our immediate family members, which I should have just planned for like I normally do), it was a blast! We had cupcakes, and old fashion Carne Asada, jump houses, balloons, birthday songs, goodie bags, and a game of Apples to Apples. After all of the “grown-ups” left (and by that I mean our parents, ha ha!) the drinking commenced and that’s when we played Apples to Apples---twas fun! We even had a round or two in the bounce house which was loads of fun.  Maybe that was my lesson this weekend, to always remember that keeping it simple works!

 

Here’s us in the bounce house enjoying our time.

 

The Birthday Boy.

 

A lot of this was going on.

 

See?

 

My husband consoling Michael after we sang and clapped to “Happy Birthday.”

 

The mommy <3

A year ago today (04.04)

Dear Michael,

 

A year ago today, I finally met that little person who would forever hold my heart. I finally met the one who had been tickling me from the inside for the past nine months. The one who taught me what real unconditional love truly is. I finally met you, my little bunny.

 

A year ago today, you were placed on my chest and for the first time, I knew why I was here. You were wailing when being weighed and checked out, but when they placed you on my chest, you knew. You knew I was your mommy and that I was forever yours. You were so tiny, and with your tiny hand, you held my finger.  I’ve been holding on to that day since then because that’s when I knew that everything would be alright in the world.

 

A year ago today, my life changed. Yes I know, I knew it was changing the day I found out you were coming, but when you finally arrived, it was official.  My life changed forever because from that moment on, there would forever be a little person who would always depend on me to keep him warm, happy, and safe. My life changed because it was no longer about me, but about you. I like my new life, thank you!

 

A year ago today,  I learned to stop and smell the roses. To cherish every little gesture, every little hug, every little smile, and every little giggle because I know that one day I will miss them. I now know what real happiness is. Like today, I was rocking you to sleep and you just weren’t ready, yet, you looked at me, and I looked at you--we both smiled. Those little moments will always be in my heart. I can’t wait for the rest of them

 

Love mommy,

 

Your biggest fan.

 

First Hair Cut

This weekend hasn’t even been over and I can actually claim it as bittersweet. Today we went to get Michael’s first hair cut. His bangs were hitting his eyes and he desperately needed a new hair cut. Last time, Stevan and I did a terrible thing where we trimmed his hair and everyone ended up calling him Gohan from Dragon Ball Z. It wasn’t bad looking, just a little too straight and not so natural looking, but the bangs were bugging his eyes. Back to today, we went to Cool Cuts 4 Kids in Elk Grove where they “specialize” in first haircuts and kids hair-do’s. Figured since we kinda had an oopsie with his trim last time, we should let someone else work on his hair (and if they messed up, the blame belongs to them. Ha ha!)

 

Before we went in, I kept hearing this little line that one of my brother-in-laws had told me, “After boys have their first hair-cuts, they become tremendos! (They become “bad.”)” This ended up turning into today’s chant and it would not leave my head. 

 

So we go in. The hair lady sits him down in a little fire truck for him to entertain himself and plops in an Elmo movie. This was the trick. She begins by turning on the buzzer and placing it on the back of his hand and sings, “Tickle. Tickle.” Michael was amused, not by the clippers, but by the chord of the clippers.  She begins by buzzing off the back. I begin to slowly hold back my tears. My baby will no longer look like the “Michael” that I have known this past year, but like a 1 year old Michael. I didn’t want to be one of those mom’s who went snap happy with her camera so I didn’t take any pictures. Luckily, my husband could care less and he taped what he could on his blackberry. Love it!

 

Soon after, he was done. He did good. The hair lady saved us his hair clippings and placed them in a zip loc baggie. She said they were out of First Hair Cut kits, but that I could come back and pick one up whenever.  Which I definitely will.

 

After he was done, we debuted his new do’ to himself via the mirror. Michael did not know what to think—he just starred at it. I’m sure it will take some time for all of us to get used to it.

 

I can’t wait to show off his new do’ to everyone this week (from Grandma’s birthday, to his birthday on Wednesday, to his party on Saturday!

 

 

Oh, did I mention that he was a bad boy all day after we left the salon?. Yeesh!

First Birthday.

In about 3 weeks, my little bunny turns 1. How did time go by so quickly? The other night I was just browsing through videos on my blackberry and I actually started to cry from nostalgia. Steve ended up joining me on the crying-fest. He said he was sad. I said, "Yes, I am sad too but I am much more excited to see what else he has in store for us." Then I began to confess how head-over-heels I am in love with Michael. I knew I could love, but this little man has shown me what true unconditional love truly is.

How did we go from this to this, in a year?

So now I am planning his First Birthday. Everyone we know wants to pitch in and help. Let me tell you, we are so blessed to have so many people in our lives that love us like they do. Now that I have brought up the party.....

This is my theme: I blame Pinterest since it's where I got my ideas. It's a "Yellow/Teal/Orange/Lime-Green/Purple" Monster Bash First Birthday Theme. Ha! Right? Everything will be color coordinated and I'm hoping that it will look fantastic. However, I would love to go overboard, but I must be realistic. Once I start doing the "crafting" for it, I'll post pictures a little at a time. Right now they are ideas in my head and am hoping that my ideas can meet reality. I'm really excited over this. This is my first party (aside from baby showers that I planned and hosted) where it's all for me/my baby. I can't wait!