Birthday, For Real This Time

On a little boy's first birthday, he really should have his pick of birthday outfits. As evidenced, we were not lacking in this department.


We planned a birthday party for 3-6 pm at Nana and Papa's house. This is MP2's prime time in the afternoon, and gave us plenty of time to prepare. Though, as we were grilling the ribs in 1,000,000,000 degree heat outside, I kind of thought a breakfast would have been a bit better. We got everything prepared though in plenty of time for our guests arrival!

Aunt Sandy hadn't seen MP2 since Thanksgiving, and while he'd changed a lot, it was clear that he was still content to hang out - as he's always been

MP2 also got to hang with his baby bff and possible future prom date SD. Just look at him checking her out - good thing SD's dad was chatting with MP and didn't catch this!

Here, he's trying to impress her with his crazy crawling skills - or maybe he's just sneaking up on her, who's to say.

Some of our oldest family friends were there to meet MP2 for the first time, and I think CH took quite a liking to MP2, I am putting her in the babysitter rolodex for years to come!

No first birthday is complete without some (very healthy carrot) cake to celebrate...plus a lot of singing. MP2 wasn't quite sure what to make of being the center of attention, but luckily CH was there to help him out.

A family photo op!

And one more with our hosts!

MP2 loves playing with all of the other kids, and it seemed like they all had fun as well.

After the party, the fun didn't end (we had one more onesie to model, afterall).

I felt so happy to be able to share this celebration with our family and friends here in Nashville. It was a perfect day to cap off a fantastic year seeing MP2 grow and change. Here's to many more celebrations to come.

What a Difference One Year Makes

So, I am a little behind. Posting for real birthday post separately, but here's a sneak preview...




Not that it matters to anyone but me, but I think it's likely these photos were both taken about the same time of day, just one year apart. MP2 has changed my life - 100% for the better. Our little family is everything I can ever imagine wanting - even though it isn't always easy.
Happy Belated Birthday, Baby Max!

Campaign Season!

4th of July has long been my favorite holiday, and there is a special feeling to a 4th during the campaign season. What better way to be patriotic than to support your favorite candidate!

We were out at the Sylvan Park Neighborhood 4th of July Kids Parade in full force! It was a great time
Where MP2 showed his support for his favorite Council District 24 candidate. Too bad it's still 17 years before he can vote!

The Next Michael Phelps...

...sans drug issues, of course!

Who loves hanging out at the pool more than MP2? NOBODY! Well, maybe Nana and Papa!

We've taken advantage of having a teeny little postage stamp sized pool in our apartment complex in Nashville this summer. MP2 has always loved the water, and it's super important to both MP and I that he be comfortable around it.

We're so glad that Nana's recovering and able to get around a little bit more every single week. I know she's grateful to get out of the house, and we're grateful to have the help and company.



After a little while in the water, MP2 is ready to get out and move around. Unfortunately for him, the pool surround is a little tough on the knees...so he's perfected the crab crawl. In more recent weeks, we bring his little push-toy that he can walk behind (and we keep a really close eye on him not to wheel it right into the pool). He loves being outside, and will sit and play for a long time before he gets too bored and wants to go in.



We really invest in the nicest toys for MP2 - like this old plastic cup!

Nana getting some poolside snuggles and smiles.

Standing up is going great! Walking, not so much. MP2 will stand there for a good minute (not even holding on to anything), and then plop and crawl when he's ready for a new spot. I know people say just wait until he starts walking, he'll be into everything...but dang, he already is, and I am ready for him to get around on his own two feet instead of all fours.

More playing with Nana and Papa in the water.

All in all, I'd have to say we're having a fun fun summer!