A Birthday Party to Remember

A snowstorm the likes of which I've never seen since my family moved to Virginia Beach in 1989. A diamond solitaire earring I received from my husband for our first wedding anniversary- lost somewhere in the snow. A whole roast pig complete with an apple in its mouth- a Filipino tradition. A forgotten candy-filled Hello Kitty pinata. Three outfit changes for the birthday girl. And dedicated guests who braved the inclement weather to celebrate a sweet girl's first birthday. In a nutshell, this was how Grace's birthday party went down.

The night before the big party, I was up until two in the morning making ice cream cone cupcakes. I looked out the window before heading to bed and when I didn't see any of the white stuff that was predicted to fall, I fell asleep to hopes that maybe the weatherman was wrong after all.

But for some reason, I woke up at 4:30 with an uneasy feeling. The window seemed unusually bright for the time of day, and my heart sank when I took a peek through the blinds. My fears were confirmed. The brightness was from the moonlight reflecting on all the snow. Lots and lots of snow.

The next four hours I spent worrying about the weather and wondering if the big bash should be postponed. But after consulting with the grandparents, it was decided the party would go on as planned. We're hardcore around here. Even a blizzard wouldn't stop us from partying.

I knew that for us to get to the party on time, we had a tight schedule to keep, but I had to squeeze in some playtime in the snow for Grace. She didn't quite know what to make of it, but I think she enjoyed herself nonetheless.

Then it was time to clear off the snow from the cars and driveway. I was planning on just letting my brothers handle that job, but we were starting to run really late, so I decided to help out. The experience taught me a couple things- I am definitely not made for hard physical labor and it's probably easier to clear off snow wearing something other than high heels. The drive to the restaurant wasn't any better. I went no more than 10mph the entire time.



Once we got to the restaurant, we quickly decorated and then waited to see who else was as hard core as us. Apparently, there are quite a few. Despite the horrendous weather, Grace had plenty of guests at her party to keep her entertained and happy. She had a blast running around with her friend, Frank, and when it was time for cake, the birthday girl was yawning she was so sleepy. I even got a special treat when Mike called to see how the party was going.



The party continued while the birthday celebrant napped. There was music, dancing, and even karaoke. Only after all the kids left did I remember the pinata that I had filled with 'good' candy- chocolate candy bars and m&m's. At least I remembered to give out the party favors since I got them while we were still in Japan and saved them specifically for this occasion.

In the end, the dreaded snow storm didn't ruin Grace's birthday like I feared, it only made it more memorable.

No Snow!

I love snow days. I have so many fond memories of excitedly waking up to a winter wonderland and heading outdoors with my brothers to play in the snow. I can't wait for Grace to experience her first snow day, which I thought would be awhile since we now live in sunny Florida.

When the weather forecast said a snowstorm was heading our way, my normal excitement was replaced with dread. Tomorrow is Grace's big birthday bash and snowy/icy roads are the last thing I want for her guests to deal with. I'm praying the snow will hold off until Sunday.

We went to Walmart this afternoon to pick up some last minute things for the party and you could tell that something was up- the place was packed and people were piling their carts high with provisions. With the frantic atmosphere, I was beginning to stress out, and I started to wonder if I should be stockpiling too.

But Grace was the very image of carefree attitude. Despite being strapped in, she somehow managed to lay down and get comfy in that Walmart cart. Seeing her like that made me laugh and remember that I'm the kind of person who can live on cereal and milk and we had plenty of that at home. No need to stockpile, no need to stress.

Late Night

I suppose it couldn't last forever- these easy breezy bedtimes that Grace has had lately. I was secretly hoping that we were stumbling upon a new routine and breaking our late night bad habits. But it is now 11:16 and the girl is still wide awake and absolutely refuses to be put to bed. She may not be ready, but I was ready two hours ago.

I finally finished putting together the party favors. For a while there, my mom's dining table looked like all things Hello Kitty exploded on it.



We had lunch with the Uncles at Ruby Tuesday. Grace loves her french fries and was only happy when she was double fisted with them.


This picture was from yesterday and I forgot it was on my other camera. I caught her going through my purse- chapstick in her mouth, lipgloss in her hand.

Wonderful Wednesday

We had a wonderful Wednesday from beginning to end. Grace slept in until 10am. Then we got a phone call from Great Grandma Augustine and had a nice little chat. Afterwards we quickly got ready and headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's for a day of spoiling.

Grace shopped with Grandpa and got whatever she pointed to.

She had fun cooking dinner with Grandma.

Ate an apple for a snack.

And got to play with her Daddy's very own first teddy bear.



Being spoiled must be exhausting because she took a long afternoon nap and then after her bath tonight, Grace went right to bed without any fuss. What a perfect ending to a wonderful day.

Dadda

Being apart from your baby for 7 months is tremendously difficult. I know I couldn't do it. Mike is having a tough time missing his baby right now, especially since he wasn't here for her first birthday. His biggest fear is that Grace will not remember him when he gets back. Quite often his emails end with "...don't let Grace forget about me."

To follow through with his request, a few times everyday I showed her pictures of her Daddy on the computer. But she kept wanting to kiss the screen so I bought a little baby album and filled it pictures of Daddy. It's become one of her favorite books to look at. She'll bring it up to me saying, "Dadda." And if I point and ask her who is in the picture, she'll say it's Dadda in the sweetest voice imaginable.

When I point to a picture of me- silence. Sometimes she'll look at me and giggle. She still doesn't say Mama unless she's upset, tired, or hungry. And by then, she's in such an irritable mood that my name is always said in a grouchy way. Just once I'd like to hear her say Mama with the same sweet voice she uses to say Dadda.

Grace is a Daddy's girl for sure. And I really like that. Every good Daddy should have a Daddy's girl.

One

My baby is one. I did my best to cherish the moments from the past year because I knew they would pass by all too quickly. And sure enough, in what seems like a blink of an eye, my baby is officially no longer a baby, but a toddler. I've been receiving weekly email updates since the moment I found out I was pregnant, and today, instead of saying "Your baby is 11 months, 4 weeks", it said "Your toddler is one." I have to admit, I got a little teary eyed when I saw that. But I don't care what those emails say, Grace is still, and will forever be, my baby.

When I think back to exactly a year ago, I remember some pretty rough times. Newborn days are so hard! I knew they would be, but until you actually experience it, you just really have no idea. I was still so sore from the c-section, getting absolutely no sleep, and having a horrific time with nursing. Thank goodness I had such an awesome baby team, my husband and my mama. We were all so in love with our tiny little baby that the pain, the exhaustion, and the traumatized nipples (official terminology in my nursing book)- it was all worth it. I also knew there were better times in store for us and if we could just get through this boot camp portion of parenthood, we would be good to go. At least until adolescence.

Today, the pain of the c-section is gone and is replaced with one nasty looking scar, I still don't get enough sleep, and my nursing days are numbered. Each new phase of her life gets more fun, but it also has it's own set of challenges. When she learned to roll over, I worried about SIDS because she suddenly liked to sleep on her belly. When she became more mobile, I worried about her getting hurt. When she started solid foods, I worried that my milk would dry up and she wouldn't get the proper nutrition. Motherhood is filled with lots of laughter and fun, but it's also a big ball of anxiety. I was never much of a worry wart. Until I became a mother.

Grace has filled our lives with immeasurable joy. She is such a happy little person. Her smiles and laughter are contagious. She is completely charming, and I think she's starting to realize that. She'll show you 'beautiful eyes' and a 'stinky face' if you ask her and she'll dance to any tune. She knows how to show love by hugging and gives the sweetest little kisses.

But if she doesn't feeling like showing you any of her tricks, there's no forcing the girl. She can be quite stubborn, actually, especially during bed time. Maybe determined is a better term.At the age of one, she already knows her own mind. I can't count the number of times she'll try and try again at a skill until she's mastered it.

She's quite a copy cat right now and it's so easy to teach her new things. When we pray, she knows to fold her hands when we say 'Amen'. Just today she learned how to 'shush' by putting her finger over her lips. Occasionally the finger slips and goes straight into the nostril. But I think she does it on purpose because she knows the reaction she'll get if she does that.

My girl is so much fun right now. I'm excited to see what her next year will be like. I only hope it doesn't go by too fast. The old adage 'time flies' takes on a whole new meaning when you become a parent. Only then do you truly realize how quickly time slips away. As always, I will do my best to cherish each moment.


We had a little birthday celebration with family tonight. I made our family's traditional birthday dinner, spaghetti, because the noodles represent long life. The party extravaganza is scheduled for Saturday.


Didn't quite know what to think of her slice of birthday cake. Grandma baked it, Uncle Josh decorated it.

Daddy couldn't be with her, but he sent gifts!



A kiss for her new doll. She loved it!

She loaded up all her gifts from Daddy into the tricked out stroller Lola gave her.

Uncle Josh Must Love Grace

Uncle Josh is fourteen years old and he's your typical teenage boy. He has a strong aversion to cleaning and enjoys his flat screen TV. If there was any doubt about whether or not Uncle Josh loves his niece, today is absolute proof.

He vacuumed the carpet in our room this afternoon without the usual nagging from his mean older sister. And when I mentioned it would be nice if we had a TV in our room so Grace could watch her videos, he gave up his very own flat screen. Now if that isn't love, I don't know what is.

When we had lunch at the restaurant today, one of my parents' regular customers gave Grace an early birthday present. Sweet Grandma told Grace not to spend it, but to save it for college.

Enjoying another empty ice cream cone with the Uncles.

Party Countdown

I have missed Mike since the second we dropped him off at the pier, but it's been especially bad these last few days when Grace's party planning has kicked into high gear. I hate that Mike won't be here to celebrate with us. But at least he was there on her actual birth day, and if I had to pick which event I would rather have him be present, I suppose that would be it. Thankfully Grace's godparents, Uncle Carl and Aunt Megan, are around to help out with the party. We spent the afternoon running around getting things checked off on the party to-do list. We have exactly one week left until Grace's first birthday party extravaganza.

Mike said that Saturdays on the ship are pizza and wings night. We decided that sounded pretty good so we had our own pizza night tonight.

Friday Fun Times

We had lots of fun today and because of that, I'm exhausted, so here's a quick recap of our Friday fun times.

We started off our day with Grace somehow knocking over the baby gate in the hallway. If you look carefully behind her, you'll see it on the floor. This is the facial expression I got when I called her name using 'the tone'. She seemed mighty proud of herself.


We enjoyed a nice Mongolian BBQ lunch with Grandma and Grandpa. Grace showed that she is definitely not a shy baby when she walked around the restaurant waving hello at all the customers. If they were lucky, she even threw in a little dance and gave them 'beautiful eyes'.


After lunch we made a little trip to the jewelers to get Grace's bracelet resized. The girl is only nearly one, but her bling is quickly adding up. There were quite a few customers in the jewelry store, but I don't think they minded the wait too much since there was such fabulous entertainment provided by Grace. She danced and talked and pretty much charmed all the people there. She was so enamored with the jeweler's dog that when he went behind the counter for some refuge, she was determined to follow him. She was quite disappointed when her plans were once again thwarted by her mean mama.


Finally, Auntie Jess came over to visit with Grace and read her bedtime stories. I let Grace stay up way past her bedtime since they were having so much fun together.

Thursday Mishaps

I like to think I'm a pretty optimistic person. Unfortunately, that optimism didn't help prevent some of these Thursday mishaps...

I promised Josh that I would make him dinner this week and when I woke up to a cold and drizzly day, I thought Chili Con Carne would be perfect. So after making a grocery run, I started cooking. Halfway through the process, I realized that one of the key spices I bought was not in the grocery bag. I sent Josh to go see if it fell out in the car. He said he couldn't find it. I went out and searched because, afterall, he is fourteen and they're not known for doing the most thorough job (Sorry, Josh). I still couldn't find it. I had no choice but to run out to the store to buy it again. The whole ride to the store I was fuming at the bagger for not doing his job properly. I came back home- cold, wet, and miserable- and finished cooking the chili.

Later, as I was putting away Grace's baby food, I found the darn spice I was looking for. I immediately felt guilty for mentally cussing out the bagger boy.


As the chili was simmering, I went upstairs to put Grace down for a nap. When I came back downstairs an hour later to check on the progress of the chili, I found this disaster. I must have not closed the cupboard all the way and Lucky dog found a way to get to the trash.


When it was time for Grace's evening bath, I found that the tub in our bathroom wasn't draining properly so to make things easier, I decided to bathe her in Lola and Lolo's soaking tub. It turned out to be much harder than I thought. She didn't enjoy the experience and I pretty much ended up taking a bath with her. I know this is such an unflattering picture of me, but my goal is always to document it all- the good, the bad, and the ugly.

But even before the bath incident, there was a diaper incident. Josh was my bath time assistant and as I was putting Grace into the tub, I handed him what I thought was just a wet diaper, but it turned out to be a little more than he bargained for. Unbeknownst to me, she had left a little present. A present that rolled off the diaper, landed on the floor, and in his shock at the surprise, he accidentally stepped on.


Being the optimistic type, not EVERYTHING was a mishap today. I tried to give her whole milk for the first time since she's just a few days shy of being a year old, and she actually drank it. I had nightmares of her rejecting milk and having to nurse her until she's five. Nursing has not been my favorite thing; it's one of those things I do because I know it's best. I've been looking forward to the time when I can start weaning her off, and I'm hoping that her taking the milk is a sign that the transition will be a smooth one.