Mason Turns ONE!

Seriously? My baby (actually, my toddler) is already ONE?? Where has the past year gone? I've been thinking about his birthday party for a couple of months now, but thinking is as far as I've gotten. I ran through themes in my head (perhaps a train theme, or a monkey theme, or maybe a book theme) but nothing really stood out to me. So, I decided to scratch the theme idea all together and just make it a simple birthday party. After all, it's just another day to him. I an TERRIBLE at creative ideas, but luckily I have a mom who is pretty good at coming up with ideas (she would deny it all day long, but she is actually really creative). My mom came in town on Wed and spent three days helping me plan this party (thanks mom!). Mason was very blessed to have his family and friends with him on his big day. Here are LOTS of pictures that capture the excitement.. hang on and enjoy!

Everyone wonders how their child will react to the cake. Since Mason puts everything in his mouth, I figured he would dive right into it and eat it all up. He definately "smashed" it, but was a litle hesitant to actually eat the cake. I wish I had a video, but I do have LOTS of pictures because it was so darn cute.

Mason got some great presents for his birthday...lots of toys and clothes (always needed!). I should say I opened presents while Mason played with the paper, but regardless it was fun.

Thank you to everyone who came and enjoyed this special day with us. I say it a lot, but I am truly truly blessed to have such amazing family and friends!

Baby Dedication 2012

Each February, Otter Creek has a dedication that honors all the babies born in the past year. Mason barely missed it last year, so he was one of the oldest babies to be honored this year. Baby Dedication is a HUGE deal ot OC... as Josh put it, it's like the "Super Bowl for moms". The parent's stand before the church and make a commitment to bring their child up in a Godly home, knowing God and being an example of what it means to love Jesus Christ, while the church makes a commitment to be accountable to the parents and teach their child along the way.  Melanie and Janet  (the Childrens Ministry coordinators) gave each baby a New Testament and a Baby Blessings book that was put together by "rookie"members of OC.There were a lot of babies this year- 38 total. My parents, brother, and grandmother were able to come in town to celebrate with us. After the church service, there was a lunch that was hosted by the parents who dedicated their babies last year. (I am convinced that church ladies have their own cooking club because it doesn't matter what church you go to, the potatoe casserole is ALWAYS amazing! And I never see it anywhere else?!) Anyways, each baby had a table decorated just for them- it was very special! Here are some pictures of the big event.

Birthday Sunday

Otter Creek has a long standing tradition of honoring kids (age birth to 18yr) on their birthday. The first Sunday of every month all the kids with birthday's in that month are called on stage while the audience sings them 'Happy Birthday' and a prayer is said for them. Well this was Mason's first Birthday Sunday! I think that is when it hit me that he is seriously growing up and about to turn one. After service all the kids get to enjoy cake. I want his birthday party to be the first time he gets to experience this luxury, so we passed on the church cake. Here are some pics from the big day:

11 Months

I can NOT believe my baby is about to turn one! I guess that means he isn't a "baby" anymore...he's a toddler?! Well this past month came with a lot of excitement, sorrow, and sickness. I have to admit that I haven't taken near as many pictures this past month as usual, but I'm positive I will make up for it at 12 months. Here are some (estimated) stats for 11 months:

~Wt-26 lbs
~Ht- 31 in
~Sleeps 11-12 hrs at night
~Naps 2/day for about 2 hrs
~Eats everything! He is eating about 1/4 baby food (mostly because I am too lazy to make him stuff) and 3/4 table food
~still takes 3 bottles/day (again, DREADING having to stop this)



M has been so curious lately. It's so fun to stop and watch him... he is definately developing some kind of thought process. We have finally put the baby gate at the bottom of the stairs, and he loves playing with the gate. I had no clue it would serve as such a play toy. Only problem is that he has learned how to open the door of the gate, so it doesnt really serve it's function anymore. He can also turn door handles and lock doors. When my dad was watching him one day, he sent me a picture of him outside and Mason inside... he had locked dad outside! He is pretty independent and can play by himself, but definately has times when he wants to be held. Luckily, he still loves to cuddle which is great for me!

loves playing with the pots and pans! by the end of the day i have pans scattered all over my house

                                     

Mason continues to be a great eater (as you can tell). He still gets some baby food, but we are transitioning to mostly table food. He loves avacados, potatoes, peaches, cheese, turkey, pasta and yogurt. Making dinners that you can feed a baby has definately made cooking harder. My amazing husband got me a personal cooking instructor for Christmas so she can help me make foods that are healthy for us and Mason as well. He is learning to feed himself, which actually makes feedings a little easier. I tried to give him a spoon just to see what he would do with it... TERRIBLE idea. Applesauce all over the walls! Obviously we are not ready for that fine motor skill.

this is what happens when you give an 11 month old a jar of applsauce and a spoon

One of the most exciting things is watching Mason learn to stand up. He pulls up on everything and can stand up by himself for a very short time, but hasn't shown much interest in walking yet. I guess he feels he can get anywhere he wants by crawling...no need to walk. He loves chasing Cali around, and of course Cali hates it now that he can move as quickly as she can. It's quite entertaining to watch. He is also starting to pick up on words. He can say mama, dada, dog, sister, and uh oh. I was holding him one day when Cali ran inside, Mason looked at her and said "dog". Now that may have been a complete coincidence, but I claim that he is just that smart already! He was playing with his friend Will during the Super Bowl and said what sounded like "uh oh"... he now says that every time he drops something.

It's been a roller coaster of a month... starting with my grandad's death, then Kyle and I both got the stomach flu, but watching Mason grow is something that ALWAYS brings a smile to my face. He certainly knows how to melt his mommy's heart!

Time to start planning a birthday party!!