Not to mention Maggie is just the right height for snuggles from Syd!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Happy 1st birthday Piper!
Last weekend we traveled to Delphos to celebrate "baby" Piper's first birthday! (we can't call her Baby Piper anymore! :( ) We had such a fun time and the kids did too as they ran around and played with their cousins! It was great to see them interact with one another!
Gavin and the balloon Piper shared
Gavin and the birthday girl!
Little Miss B!
All of the great-grandkids....it gets harder every time to take their picture!
Cousin love... it's funny to think that these two girls were our family's "first babies" in nearly 18 years. Now they are the big kids!
Gavin and the birthday girl!
Little Miss B!
All of the great-grandkids....it gets harder every time to take their picture!
Cousin love... it's funny to think that these two girls were our family's "first babies" in nearly 18 years. Now they are the big kids!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Summer!
Here at the Helget household we are having a great summer! The saddest part about it is that it is FLYING by! I cannot believe it's already the middle of July! So since I was so kindly reminded that it's been a MONTH since I last posted, here's the last month in fast forward. :)
We grew tomatoes....
We went to Potwin Pottery in Topeka with our friends, the Dunns for a special Father's Day morning. The kids listened to a Father's Day story and then painted a mug for their daddies!
The kids learned to share....
G learned to eat with utensils!
We celebrated Daddy!
Got in to lots of lotion during nap time....
Covered lots of miles in a hot red Mustang!
Joe and I found out that Maggie walks better for Sydney than she does for us....
Fishing and 4th of July in Colorado!
G found out just how much he enjoys playing in suitcases!
...and with toilet paper!
Our first family day in approximately 4 1/2 months--to Deanna Rose farmstead!
We grew tomatoes....
We went to Potwin Pottery in Topeka with our friends, the Dunns for a special Father's Day morning. The kids listened to a Father's Day story and then painted a mug for their daddies!
The kids learned to share....
G learned to eat with utensils!
We celebrated Daddy!
Got in to lots of lotion during nap time....
Covered lots of miles in a hot red Mustang!
Joe and I found out that Maggie walks better for Sydney than she does for us....
Fishing and 4th of July in Colorado!
G found out just how much he enjoys playing in suitcases!
...and with toilet paper!
Our first family day in approximately 4 1/2 months--to Deanna Rose farmstead!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
change
Transformation is not a future destination, it is a present activity.
After working out with Jillian Michaels each morning for the last...well, too many mornings, this is a quote that has become ingrained in my memory. Over the last month or so I have found myself become increasingly more aware of the truth in this statement. When I began this health/fitness/losing weight journey, I put very little thought in to the portion sizes on my dinner plate, or the snacks I would have, or even the treats that I "deserved." I thought very little of the calories that were included in the food I was eating. It was always in the back of my mind of course, but I think I thought if I really knew how many calories were in this or that, then it would just ruin it for me. :) Now that I have been on this journey for several months it is more apparent to me now that because of those choices I have made along this "journey", my body is now used to certain foods and certain portions. It has been incredible to reminisce on my past dinner/dessert/snack choices and have that a-ha! moment. (A-ha! THAT's why I couldn't ever lose the weight!) I would think nothing of having seconds or thirds of spaghetti, an entire Ghirardelli chocolate bar (but I would only piece on one square at a time so that isn't the same as eating it one sitting...right?...), I would put as much butter on my bread/pancake/toast as I'd like--same for peanut butter.
Luckily I am much more aware of all of that now and my priorities and tastes, have changed dramatically. We have an entire bag of Halloween candy sitting on our kitchen counter that I haven't touched, and can honestly say I have no desire to indulge in anything in that bag. It would take up too many of my precious calories! :) Priorities, priorities! Most recently while enjoying the quiet time right after bedtime, I wanted something sweet (can't lose that sweet tooth!) and opted for some fresh watermelon over anything else. It was not a painful decision by any means, it sounded good to me, plus I knew I could have as much of that as I wanted without "ruining" my good day. I have found that I still crave sweet stuff, but I feel more in control about how much I will enjoy.
I did not write this as an AW look at me, blah blah nor as a preach-y type message, but as a person who has set out to lose weight multiple times before and was never successful enough to notice these changes. It's been an amazing experience to be able to reflect on past eating habits and feel and see a definite change-not just with food but with being more physically active as well.
After working out with Jillian Michaels each morning for the last...well, too many mornings, this is a quote that has become ingrained in my memory. Over the last month or so I have found myself become increasingly more aware of the truth in this statement. When I began this health/fitness/losing weight journey, I put very little thought in to the portion sizes on my dinner plate, or the snacks I would have, or even the treats that I "deserved." I thought very little of the calories that were included in the food I was eating. It was always in the back of my mind of course, but I think I thought if I really knew how many calories were in this or that, then it would just ruin it for me. :) Now that I have been on this journey for several months it is more apparent to me now that because of those choices I have made along this "journey", my body is now used to certain foods and certain portions. It has been incredible to reminisce on my past dinner/dessert/snack choices and have that a-ha! moment. (A-ha! THAT's why I couldn't ever lose the weight!) I would think nothing of having seconds or thirds of spaghetti, an entire Ghirardelli chocolate bar (but I would only piece on one square at a time so that isn't the same as eating it one sitting...right?...), I would put as much butter on my bread/pancake/toast as I'd like--same for peanut butter.
Luckily I am much more aware of all of that now and my priorities and tastes, have changed dramatically. We have an entire bag of Halloween candy sitting on our kitchen counter that I haven't touched, and can honestly say I have no desire to indulge in anything in that bag. It would take up too many of my precious calories! :) Priorities, priorities! Most recently while enjoying the quiet time right after bedtime, I wanted something sweet (can't lose that sweet tooth!) and opted for some fresh watermelon over anything else. It was not a painful decision by any means, it sounded good to me, plus I knew I could have as much of that as I wanted without "ruining" my good day. I have found that I still crave sweet stuff, but I feel more in control about how much I will enjoy.
I did not write this as an AW look at me, blah blah nor as a preach-y type message, but as a person who has set out to lose weight multiple times before and was never successful enough to notice these changes. It's been an amazing experience to be able to reflect on past eating habits and feel and see a definite change-not just with food but with being more physically active as well.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Lucky Number 7!
June 5th marked the seventh wedding anniversary for Joe and me. It is very surreal to think that it's been seven years since we were married. Mostly because I remember that time of my life and I remember that day very vividly. On some accounts, it feels like a long time, but I feel like we're the same couple as we were seven years ago, but better in so many ways. A LOT has happened and changed over the past seven years. We have experienced some wonderful moments along this journey and some awful, heart-wrenching, maddening moments as well. However, we're still here, together, determined as ever to continue the journey, now not just as a couple, but as a family.
To celebrate Joe and I were able to take off on Saturday and spend the evening in "the city" (as we small town folk like to refer to Kansas City). Aunt Bailey, bless her heart, took on our two little cherubs while we enjoyed some relaxing time together! When we arrived in KC we first found our hotel and then roamed around downtown. We found Union Station and decided to walk around.
Fountains in front of Union Station
When we were done there we were going to walk to Crown Center but as we crossed the street realized that Liberty Memorial was "just right up the hill" (ha--it was 95+ degrees so that hill felt more like a mountain--but, thank you Jillian Michaels for kicking my butt every morning so I could climb this baby and not pass out at the top! ;) ) Now, to preface, I had heard of Liberty Memorial before. It is where Rockfest is hosted every summer. However, I did not know that it was home to the NATIONAL World War I Museum. So, this place is a pretty big deal. And I didn't even know it was here. I am a horrible Kansan I know (or Midwesterner-since it's on the MO side...whatever). Anyhow, we decided to go in and explore and I am so very glad we did. Joe and I are history buffs, but WWII has really been the only world war that has really interested either of us, so it was a memorable experience to listen and read the history on WWI. I know we both left with a much greater "appreciation" (for lack of a better word) or understanding on how WWI came alive, so to speak. Pretty depressing venue for a celebratory weekend, but it was great experiencing it together. (Next up, WWII museum in D.C. in August!)
View of downtown KC from the top of the memorial
an old fighter plane
the "bridge" leading in to the museum; below the glass bridge are poppies. 9,000 poppies, each one representing 1,000 lives lost in WWI. (We didn't know what they were for until as we were leaving someone else asked!)
Overall we had a fabulous, relaxing weekend and were welcomed home by our two wonderful children and Aunt Bailey. :) I feel so blessed!!!
To celebrate Joe and I were able to take off on Saturday and spend the evening in "the city" (as we small town folk like to refer to Kansas City). Aunt Bailey, bless her heart, took on our two little cherubs while we enjoyed some relaxing time together! When we arrived in KC we first found our hotel and then roamed around downtown. We found Union Station and decided to walk around.
Fountains in front of Union Station
View of downtown KC from the top of the memorial
an old fighter plane
the "bridge" leading in to the museum; below the glass bridge are poppies. 9,000 poppies, each one representing 1,000 lives lost in WWI. (We didn't know what they were for until as we were leaving someone else asked!)
We had a lovely dinner at Skies Restaurant which was atop our hotel. This was the view from our table! (The floors rotated which was double whammy for Joe....heights + moving backwards (because of the direction of rotation and his seat :) ) The food was delicious and so was the experience!!
Overall we had a fabulous, relaxing weekend and were welcomed home by our two wonderful children and Aunt Bailey. :) I feel so blessed!!!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Flowers, garden...weeding!
Last summer we planted a very small garden of only tomatoes and a couple of bell pepper plants. (we tried onions and carrots but neither were successful!) This summer we really wanted to do more, so Joe tilled and marked off a large area in the backyard, outside the fence. We have quite a few things planted so we are just hoping to yield some YUMMY results. :) I am so determined to do all in my power to ensure that we yield those results that I have taken up weeding. Yes, weeding. I have become obsessive over it and honestly, I don't know why I didn't pick up on it sooner! I remember in summers past taking Sydney outside and just sitting there, wondering "how could anyone spend so much time out here doing yard 'stuff'"--pathetic I know. Well I have figured it out. Give me my gardening gloves, a five gallon bucket, and just a few minutes of uninterrupted time (HA!) and I will get on a roll with those weeds. I am obsessive compulsive about very few things but weeding has become one of them!
So we are still somewhat beginners in the gardening bit, but we have also bought several flowering plants and just today did a small landscaping project around our mailbox for some curb appeal! Cherish these photos and really let them sink in...I am notorious for killing pretty much all living things (non-human/animal of course ;) )--so I am going to do what I can to ensure they stay alive, but I do not have the best track record when it comes to plants!
Our curb appeal project today!
The daisies Sydney got from Papa Rod--they HAVE survived! Except for that one stem, right in the middle that used to bear a blossom....we are thinking our 4 legged child is the culprit involved in its disappearance.
My failed attempt at a close-up of the pretty pink blossom!
So we are still somewhat beginners in the gardening bit, but we have also bought several flowering plants and just today did a small landscaping project around our mailbox for some curb appeal! Cherish these photos and really let them sink in...I am notorious for killing pretty much all living things (non-human/animal of course ;) )--so I am going to do what I can to ensure they stay alive, but I do not have the best track record when it comes to plants!
My nap-time project yesterday (with Sydney)
Our curb appeal project today!
The daisies Sydney got from Papa Rod--they HAVE survived! Except for that one stem, right in the middle that used to bear a blossom....we are thinking our 4 legged child is the culprit involved in its disappearance.
My failed attempt at a close-up of the pretty pink blossom!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
yet another example of sibling love
Today at lunch Gavin finished eating before Sydney (shocking, I know). He hopped down and picked up the leash of this adorable, fluffy little stuffed dog. Some background on this dog:
- Sydney received it as a Christmas gift from Aunt Donna and Uncle Deryl
- "She" was initially named for Sydney's dear Aunt Bailey...we thought "Bailey" had stuck, but when asked today Sydney stated that the dog did not have a name. (you lucked out Bail!)
- "She" goes through spurts of popularity in this house and today just happened to be her lucky day because both, yes both, children wanted to play with her.
Here she is; the object of their affection.So, back to the beginning--Gavin finished lunch first and this puppy just happened to be laying right next to his chair. He picked up the end of her leash and started walking her around the hallway and kitchen area. Sydney promptly finished her lunch and ripped, yes ripped, the leash out of Gavin's hand. Which lead to tears from him. Which lead to me explaining that he had "her" first so she needed to give it back. Which lead to tears from her (why I don't know--she's 3, that's all there is to say). Here is what happened following this lovely exchange--Gavin knew she wanted that dog. He also knew that it was "his turn"...so he strolled past her every chance he got. Would stop....would stare....would smile...and keep right on strolling. Sydney of course was just beside herself and you will hear her protests in the background of this video.
After a time, Gavin dropped the leash by the table and took off after something else (a cabinet door I think?). Sydney saw her opportunity, looked at me, then grabbed the leash. Seeing this, Gavin of course was instantly interested in the dog again. And so began another exchange (though not as wordy as above). G ripped the leash out of S's hand....she cries....I grab the leash from G, return to S....he cries. S stares, strolls, smiles....G follows, fusses, and frowns. (Not really did he frown, but it fit and I like alliteration!) Here's what the inverse video looks like...it's a stand-off!
Life really is exciting with these two. In every single meaning of the word!
rEaDiNg!
Sydney has always loved to be read to and now she can read a few books herself (from memory of course)! Gavin is slowly starting to become interested in books. If I'm in the kitchen cooking and he wonders off, 9 times out of 10 he has wondered in to his room and has begun flipping through a book! (Which I just LOVE!) When I'm reading with Sydney, he doesn't slow down long enough to sit through the whole thing, but he'll walk by and smile at the pictures and occasionally (okay-rarely), will plop down in my lap for a spell to listen. With that said, both of my kids love books in their own unique way.
or where they're supposed to.
But in the end...it doesn't really matter to me!
They love to read, just maybe not when they are supposed to....
or where they're supposed to.But in the end...it doesn't really matter to me!Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sibling Love
When I was pregnant with Gavin, most of you know, we had not found whether we were having a boy or a girl. So it was somewhat difficult to imagine our family plus another little one when I didn't know who to picture! I looked forward to seeing Sydney in her new role of "big sister" but had worries about that of course too. Plus, there was the nervous feeling of whether or not I would be able to love this new little person as much as I loved Sydney (which in and of itself was an unimaginable amount). Everyone told me I would but you just can't help but wonder how it's possible to have such an immense amount of love for TWO little people. Anyhow, Gavin arrived and my worries immediately diminished. It was instant love, just like it had been with Sydney. Then came the fun part....balancing a toddler and a newborn. :) I won't lie or sugar coat....it was harder than I ever imagined; but like with everything else we moms do, we just go with it and do it (and look back and wonder HOW we did it!) We are at such an extremely fun stage right now with our kids--Gavin is interacting with Sydney and playing and being goofy and Sydney just loves her little brother to pieces (most moments of the day!) This was one of those moments and I am so glad to have captured it (sorry facebook friends-you get to see it again!). I was fixing supper and my two little loves were loving on each other...well, kind of. **Watch closely....Gavin is sure to let Sydney know his true feelings. :)**
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Summer time! LONG update about us to jump start the summer:)
Now that school is out for the summer, my hope is to get back on the wagon with this blog! My posts have been so sporadic, I will try to play catch up. My hope is that this post will be the fresh start of summer blogging. :)
What we've been up to:
Joe has been working the outage at Wolf Creek since the beginning of March. If you don't know what the outage is, no need to, just know that it sucks--in more ways than one! Poor Joe is at work by 6 (at the latest) and gets home every night around 7:30. There is really no end in sight, the completion date has been moved back to June 3rd, which means nothing to anyone because it's been moved back multiple times already. We have been "done" with the outage for quite some time now...it's really wearing on everyone involved! Another wife referred to herself as a Wolf Creek widow and that's just how I feel! Anyhow--no more whining--we are blessed that he has a secure job with benefits, etc. We are just reeeeally looking forward to the end of it!
Sydney is playing the part of 3 year old just perfectly. We have the wonderful, imaginative stories--we have the loves and snuggles--and we have the slamming doors, stomping, pouting, and shouting---among other things. :) She has always loved to read books and has memorized many of her favorites. The other night however, she shocked Joe and I by reading the entire Disney Princess Bride book on her own. We pointed to the words (and while I do realize it is all memorization at this point, I figure it doesn't hurt to direct her attention to the words!) She was so proud of herself! She loves playing dress-up and playing "Moms and Dads." No one else has the chance to play Mom--that is always, strictly, her role. She plays it well too. :) It's an opportunity for me to just sit back and realize that she really does listen to what I say, even when she is pitching a fit!
Gavin--oh Gavin. He is the extreme opposite of his big sister. I am so thankful that I get to experience having a little girl and a little boy because I am amazed every day at just how different they are. It has been so exciting to see what Gavin picks up on and to see firsthand the truth behind the saying "he is all boy." Because he definitely is! His motor starts going when he sees his car/tractor/truck and even the other day he heard Sydney say the word "tractor" and he started making the noise! He would rather launch things across the room than look at a book--if he does look at a book it is while he is walking past us reading. He loves destroying block towers, lego creations, book shelves, my bread cabinets in the kitchen, you name it. If it's in order he will shake things up. :) He is still a little lovebug and will just randomly walk over and give a snuggle, but it is short lived, so I take what I can get!
Me--well I am just glad that I now have no set routine, no mornings that are rushed. My babies can sleep in if they want or be up with the birds if they want! I can enjoy my morning coffee at my leisure and have another cup if I want to. :) I also have a few new goals for myself this summer. For the past several months I have been exercising and just trying to be healthier overall. I started in January exercising every day and using the website http://www.myfitnesspal.com to track my calories and exercise and reached my goal weight last month. Knowing that I had accomplished that goal I felt the need to challenge myself again--how? I am still kind of unsure, but I am seriously considering beginning a running program. Currently I am doing another little fitness challenge using a video of Jillian Michaels called "Ripped in 30." I can't wait until I know the moves well enough that I can mute her and just listen to my Pandora stations while I exercise. :) It's been a great journey and it is a huge ego boost to know that I (finally) put my mind to something and was successful!
With all of that said....I am hoping to update a lot more this summer! It should be a bit more eventful than last summer. :) Here are a few recent pictures of the kids!
One morning Sydney wanted to hold her little brother--lucky for her he had just started drinking his bottle so he was more willing to sit still with her!
Sydney and Gavin at Aunt Deanna and Uncle Jim's farm
What we've been up to:
Joe has been working the outage at Wolf Creek since the beginning of March. If you don't know what the outage is, no need to, just know that it sucks--in more ways than one! Poor Joe is at work by 6 (at the latest) and gets home every night around 7:30. There is really no end in sight, the completion date has been moved back to June 3rd, which means nothing to anyone because it's been moved back multiple times already. We have been "done" with the outage for quite some time now...it's really wearing on everyone involved! Another wife referred to herself as a Wolf Creek widow and that's just how I feel! Anyhow--no more whining--we are blessed that he has a secure job with benefits, etc. We are just reeeeally looking forward to the end of it!
Sydney is playing the part of 3 year old just perfectly. We have the wonderful, imaginative stories--we have the loves and snuggles--and we have the slamming doors, stomping, pouting, and shouting---among other things. :) She has always loved to read books and has memorized many of her favorites. The other night however, she shocked Joe and I by reading the entire Disney Princess Bride book on her own. We pointed to the words (and while I do realize it is all memorization at this point, I figure it doesn't hurt to direct her attention to the words!) She was so proud of herself! She loves playing dress-up and playing "Moms and Dads." No one else has the chance to play Mom--that is always, strictly, her role. She plays it well too. :) It's an opportunity for me to just sit back and realize that she really does listen to what I say, even when she is pitching a fit!
Gavin--oh Gavin. He is the extreme opposite of his big sister. I am so thankful that I get to experience having a little girl and a little boy because I am amazed every day at just how different they are. It has been so exciting to see what Gavin picks up on and to see firsthand the truth behind the saying "he is all boy." Because he definitely is! His motor starts going when he sees his car/tractor/truck and even the other day he heard Sydney say the word "tractor" and he started making the noise! He would rather launch things across the room than look at a book--if he does look at a book it is while he is walking past us reading. He loves destroying block towers, lego creations, book shelves, my bread cabinets in the kitchen, you name it. If it's in order he will shake things up. :) He is still a little lovebug and will just randomly walk over and give a snuggle, but it is short lived, so I take what I can get!
Me--well I am just glad that I now have no set routine, no mornings that are rushed. My babies can sleep in if they want or be up with the birds if they want! I can enjoy my morning coffee at my leisure and have another cup if I want to. :) I also have a few new goals for myself this summer. For the past several months I have been exercising and just trying to be healthier overall. I started in January exercising every day and using the website http://www.myfitnesspal.com to track my calories and exercise and reached my goal weight last month. Knowing that I had accomplished that goal I felt the need to challenge myself again--how? I am still kind of unsure, but I am seriously considering beginning a running program. Currently I am doing another little fitness challenge using a video of Jillian Michaels called "Ripped in 30." I can't wait until I know the moves well enough that I can mute her and just listen to my Pandora stations while I exercise. :) It's been a great journey and it is a huge ego boost to know that I (finally) put my mind to something and was successful!
With all of that said....I am hoping to update a lot more this summer! It should be a bit more eventful than last summer. :) Here are a few recent pictures of the kids!
One morning Sydney wanted to hold her little brother--lucky for her he had just started drinking his bottle so he was more willing to sit still with her!
Sydney and Gavin at Aunt Deanna and Uncle Jim's farm
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
We are now entering toddlerhood....
This past Sunday our baby boy turned 1. That was quite possibly the fastest year of my life. I am so sad about it, yet so excited about what the future holds for our perfect family of four.
Gavin had a great birthday-day. Joe and I were up to give him his birth minute kiss at 7:44 a.m. (yes, corny I know--we saw it on an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond"-made fun of Marie for doing that to Ray and now we do it to our kids! :))
But, first off: the birthday wreath! 1 straw wreath, 120 balloons, 100 greening pins, and 1 musical episode of Grey's Anatomy later....tada!
The first year banner(s):
We started the day with some ONE toasts topped with some cinnamon.
Just a simple little centerpiece:
The cookies:
The cake!
and of course, the SMASH cake
Next we started getting ready for our big party! First, Sydney needed her "party dress" on and her hair fixed. (We waited until the last possible second to get Gavin in to his birthday ensemble. :) )
Note: this picture was actually taken the day before--I knew that I may or may not have the opportunity to take one just of him so I snagged this chance! He looks thrilled, no?
Next up: presents! He was doing really well "helping" me...
and being helped....
until: Mater came along. Once we opened Mater, there was no going back. I was on my own for the remainder of the presents!
Once he (I) had opened all of his presents, it was time for cake!
In preparation for a complete disaster, his adorable birthday top and hat were removed. :)
He was pretty unsure about that cake at first....in fact I had to help him with the first bite or two...
But he quickly, very quickly, got the hang of it himself....and loved every bite!
He received a bath immediately following his (and our) first smash cake experience. :)
All in all, we had a fantastic day with family and friends who came to celebrate with us. It was very surreal to think that this was GAVIN'S very own, special day. Several times I caught myself just watching him play with his toys and crawl/walk around and I had to remind myself that he was 1, that this day was for him. It's tough, but it was so much fun. (aside from our brand new a/c NOT working on the hottest day of the year thus far. Sorry fam and friends! It's fixed now! :)) Thank to all who came and celebrated with us--you helped make G's special day that much more special! Love you all!
Dear Gavin,
Where do I even begin? This past year has flown by. I still remember the very moment you were born as if it were yesterday. I remember the doctor announcing that you were a boy and it's as if I had known that all along-because at that moment I loved you more than you could ever know...more than I ever imagined was possible. You were my own, precious little boy. Immediately it felt as if you had always been a part of our family and we are so incredibly blessed to have you. Gavin Joseph Helget, you are the best little addition to our family-more so than we could have ever dreamed up. I look forward to the memories we'll make as a family, you terrorizing your sister (she has no idea what's coming her way!), hearing your voice and your thoughts, watching you continue to grow and explore new things. To say that I love you so very much would never be enough! We hope you enjoyed your special day as much as we did celebrating it with our favorite little man!
We love you!
Mommy (and Daddy and Sydney)
Gavin had a great birthday-day. Joe and I were up to give him his birth minute kiss at 7:44 a.m. (yes, corny I know--we saw it on an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond"-made fun of Marie for doing that to Ray and now we do it to our kids! :))
But, first off: the birthday wreath! 1 straw wreath, 120 balloons, 100 greening pins, and 1 musical episode of Grey's Anatomy later....tada!
The first year banner(s):
We started the day with some ONE toasts topped with some cinnamon.
Just a simple little centerpiece:
The cookies:
The cake!
and of course, the SMASH cake
Next we started getting ready for our big party! First, Sydney needed her "party dress" on and her hair fixed. (We waited until the last possible second to get Gavin in to his birthday ensemble. :) )
Note: this picture was actually taken the day before--I knew that I may or may not have the opportunity to take one just of him so I snagged this chance! He looks thrilled, no?
Next up: presents! He was doing really well "helping" me...
and being helped....
until: Mater came along. Once we opened Mater, there was no going back. I was on my own for the remainder of the presents!
Once he (I) had opened all of his presents, it was time for cake!
In preparation for a complete disaster, his adorable birthday top and hat were removed. :)He was pretty unsure about that cake at first....in fact I had to help him with the first bite or two...
But he quickly, very quickly, got the hang of it himself....and loved every bite!
He received a bath immediately following his (and our) first smash cake experience. :)
All in all, we had a fantastic day with family and friends who came to celebrate with us. It was very surreal to think that this was GAVIN'S very own, special day. Several times I caught myself just watching him play with his toys and crawl/walk around and I had to remind myself that he was 1, that this day was for him. It's tough, but it was so much fun. (aside from our brand new a/c NOT working on the hottest day of the year thus far. Sorry fam and friends! It's fixed now! :)) Thank to all who came and celebrated with us--you helped make G's special day that much more special! Love you all!
Dear Gavin,
Where do I even begin? This past year has flown by. I still remember the very moment you were born as if it were yesterday. I remember the doctor announcing that you were a boy and it's as if I had known that all along-because at that moment I loved you more than you could ever know...more than I ever imagined was possible. You were my own, precious little boy. Immediately it felt as if you had always been a part of our family and we are so incredibly blessed to have you. Gavin Joseph Helget, you are the best little addition to our family-more so than we could have ever dreamed up. I look forward to the memories we'll make as a family, you terrorizing your sister (she has no idea what's coming her way!), hearing your voice and your thoughts, watching you continue to grow and explore new things. To say that I love you so very much would never be enough! We hope you enjoyed your special day as much as we did celebrating it with our favorite little man!
We love you!
Mommy (and Daddy and Sydney)
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