1st Birthday Party!

This was not just any birthday party. This was THE birthday party. It is my only first child's first birthday and I took it very seriously :) I knew I wanted to do a "little man" theme so with a collection of ideas from Pinterest (thank you!) and a bazillion hours on the computer designing, we had a really great party!

I began with the invite, I knew I wanted to showcase some events in his first year and thought this was a fun way to share them. So the front was the invite and on the back was the info! I love how they turned out and I think our invitees enjoyed the fun facts.

The set up wasn't exactly as I had imagined. My first plan was to set up tables and chairs at the park across the street from our house, that way everyone could socialize while watching the kids play at the playground. Then the weather indicated the temp would be in the 90s so i opted for a nearby pavilion for the shade (and then I wouldn't have to worry about tables and chairs!) so I reserved the pavilion last minute, thank heaven it was available! We got there an hour early to start setting up. After about 10 minutes the wind was just so horrible that I knew it wouldn't be enjoyable for anyone. The balloons were at a constant horizontal and all the stuff was just blowing everywhere. So in a frenzy we decided to take it back to our house and have it inside. (I am not good at being flexible, this is where I begin to freak out!) By this time we had lost a lot of time and people started arriving and I was NOT ready! Everyone was trying to help but they were putting things in the "wrong" place and I was barking at everyone to just give me a few minutes to throw this together! I had 50 17" round balloons, specially ordered, they were going to make such a great back drop to the table but we ended up with like 10 and I just HAD to be ok with it. Ugh anyone need balloons?? I was seriously such a mess, like way more stress than my wedding day (and lots more bridezilla!). But once everything was set up and all our loved ones were there we had a great time and I let loose and enjoyed the party.

My mom ordered the cupcakes from a friend of hers. They were bomb! Coconut cupcake with lime frosting! My one request was that they have white frosting to show off my little cupcake toppers. They were cute and delish!

 The water bottles were probably the easiest element of the party. Besides design time, these wrappers took seconds to assemble and made such an impact! I have left overs and I enjoy drinking "Maddox water" daily :)

 These were the party favors, cute little "shirt" boxes I made out of a template and cardstock with treats inside.

I love the interaction aspect of the photobooth/props idea. It was a fun way to document some of our guests! 

 

 Mr. Maddox was spoiled with so many great presents. I loved that he was into opening them and figuring them all out.

Since we're not around family this summer I thought I'd make him a book of all his loved ones. It is a board book so he can "love" on it all he wants! It turned out so cute.

And then it was the much anticipated cake time!! This was the first time my Maddox has consumed sugar. Ever! (even though I cheated him and got sugar-free frosting!). I was anxious to see how he'd respond...

 

"Now what am I supposed to do with this?"

"This. is. AWESOME!"

 

"I think I might be sick"

I wasn't taking that food-coloring-dyed-frosting-covered boy across our carpet so it was straight to the kitchen for a sink bath!

I worked so hard on this party. I spent weeks designing every element and then hours assembling it all. It was a lot of work but I'd do it all over again to celebrate my son. It was so fun watching him soak up all the attention and have a great time. I know it's so cliche but I can't believe a year ago this child was still in utero. It was fun re-reading my journal entry of his birth and remembering how very special that day was. We love this little boy almost more than our hearts can bear. He brings us so much happiness!

Twelve Months

LOVES

We spent some time in NYC this month and stayed with our friends. You LOVED these girls all all the love and attention they gave you.

You are the best travel buddy. You're so understanding when we have to nurse and nap in less than perfect circumstances.

You've learned to sign "more" and "food" this month. It is so dang cute!

You took your first steps earlier this month and by the end of it you were full on walking! I can't believe how much it has changed you from a baby to a little boy!

We were coming home from the mall around nap time and Cachet was tickling your face when you zonked out and fell asleep in cachet hand. She kindly held your head the whole way home. It was so cute

We went to Chic-fil-A and someone was dressed up as a cow. You were terrified of it. Later when the manager was bringing around little stuffed cows for the kids you weren't fooled and even though it was like 6" big you freaked and threw it on the floor. Hysterical!

You've become a little dancer! I love watching you bob to music!!

You were at the salon with me, waiting for Grandma to pick you up and had a huge melt down when you saw me getting my hair washed. I kept trying to tell you I was ok but you were so concerned. Precious!!

You have a new love for balls! Footballs and basketballs are your favorites.

I think you're trying to say the words dog, ball & book because every time you sight one it's "dah dah dah" "buh buh buh"

HATES

I gave you your third haircut this month. Unfortunately you didn't escape without a little cut by your ear. Sorry baby!!

Is my Maddox really 1 already?? This is so crazy to see how much he's grown, learned and changed over the last 12 months. I can't believe how much I've learned and changed (not grown, yay!) over this year as well. We love this little boy more than we ever thought possible. He has been the greatest blessing to us and we are so grateful he's ours!!

Happy Birthday Maddox!

Happy Birthday to our "Little Man"!! 

How has it been 1 year already!? He is just the sweetest little boy and we couldn't be prouder. More to come from his Little Man birthday party!!

Home Sweet New York

Maddox and I were lucky enough to spend last week in New York City. We've conquered the city together before, but we thought we'd try it this time in another season! The weather simply couldn't have been better. Clear skies and 70s.

 Maddox and his first taxi ride! He is such a great traveler. He embraces new experiences and I love that!

 Our friends were nice enough to let us stay with them. Madds LOVED these girls and they loved him too. It was good practice for when they become big sisters in just a couple weeks! 

Neither Kristy or I had been to the new 9|11 Memorial so we thought we'd check it out before her midwife appt that was nearby. The place is so stunning. The vastness of the memorial in such a crowded party of the city made it even more breathtaking. The spirit that was there was beautiful. The design of everything from the footprint reflecting pools to the new museum to the landscape. Everything was so thought out and executed perfectly.

 While we were pondering and appreciating the memorial I leisurely rested my hand on the surrounding of one of the pools. (Why did I think I could touch it?!) And my darn bracelet slipped into a "B" of Albert Balewa Blackman, Jr.'s inscribed name. We tried so hard to get it out, Kristy swears if she had her crochet gear she would have been able to get it free but my brute strength was the only thing that worked. I was able to break one of the links to free my bracelet but part of it still remains. As horrible as I felt for defacing this sacred memorial, it will be fun to see if it's still there next time we visit.

 One night I was able to tuck Maddox in and escape off to visit with a friend. It was so fun to enjoy my old hood and the incredible views it delivers but it was soo great catching up with Morgan. I miss her! 

 One day Maddox and I went to the office and visited with all my co-workers. How I love them so! Then a couple of us went to lunch.

 Can you guess who Maddox deemed his favorite? This child doesn't even give me this much love people! Darrin and I had planned to spend the afternoon at a showhouse that DDA designed a room in. I was especially excited to see it because I had been working on all the graphic stuff weeks prior. BUT we arrived and were informed there were no kids allowed. I mean obviously you don't want to mix kids with luxury goods but he had just fallen asleep and wouldn't have made his presence known one bit! I was so disappointed!!

We came up with another plan and I got over it pretty quick because how down can you be when you're spending the afternoon in Central Park? Miss Linda Lavin herself brought her dog over to say hi to Maddox and we dialoged for a good 10 minutes!

So then the much awaited day arrived! A baby shower for my bestie! It was at Alice's Tea Cup, in a private room, with 25 of her nearest and dearest. The place settings were fancy, the scones and cream were fancy the sandwiches were fancy and to keep with the fancy theme I chose chocolate milk for my teacup :) It was a really great party and I felt so lucky to be there.

I'm telling you, this kid is the best travel buddy. He naps on the go, smiles at the strangers and lets me shop shop shop. We had a great time together. Something about taking trips alone together bonds us so much closer. I love this little guy and it was so fun to see all my NY friends love on him too. Until next time New York...

Eleven Months

LOVES

You can stand all by your self! It's so cute to watch you balance and get as excited as we are!

You've been playing with Albani like every day this month. It has been so fun watching you two together.

In your own sort of way you can blow kisses.Grandma loves to receive them through skype!

You love to flip the light switches on and off. 

Without any teaching from you, you started putting your play phone to your ear. Oh my gosh, it is so cute!

I sort of gave up on sign language a couple months ago, I didn't think you were getting it but this month you've started grabbing at my shirt and signing for milk. You smarty pants!

I love that you like to feed me your treats. So good at sharing.

You've become our little copycat. You love to mimic us brushing our teeth, brushing my hair, and rubbing lotion in your hands. I love watching you learn!

You have been obsessed with Brown Bear, Brown Bear. You know right where it is and throw such a fit when I put it down after we're finished reading it (for the fourth time in a row!)

As I was trying to fold laundry, you found one of my silky garment tops and carried it around with you for hours. Silly!

HATES 
You have become quite the messy eater my boy. 

You might be getting more teeth because you won't stop biting me! Not while I'm nursing (thank you!) but my arms and legs. It hurts Madds!

11 months is weird. It is so close to 12 that that's all I can think about!! 

Love you boy boy!!

House of Hues

It is so fun when a project that I've worked on gets published, it's like a bit of my passion gets to be shared with the world. You can't have a project this amazing without incredible clients that give you free reign of the design. When they say "I want every color" you know you're in for a fun ride.

I think I end every design post like this but...

I love my job.

Ten Months Old

LOVES

You have discovered the toilet paper. Anytime I leave you playing and it has been silent too long, I can always find you playing with the toilet paper.

Finally you now say mama! I am not sure you connect the words with their meaning yet but I love hearing you say it anyway.

I'm afraid we are heading into the end of your crawling days. You move around so well on objects throughout the house, but your balance needs some work. Take your time, stay my little baby for a bit longer!

Another fun game you've learned is to open your drawers and pull out all of your clothes. 

You love to play with your cousin Kruz. He lets you wrestle him, it is so cute.

Your missing tooth on the bottom has made its appearance bringing your total to 8 teeth!

I wish I could bottle up all these sounds you're learning to make. My favorite lately is clucking with your tongue.

HATES

We went on a two day roadtrip and it's safe to say you hated it 75% of the time. You did like when Dad and I would sing to you so we made fools of ourselves to keep you entertained.

You got sick for the first time. A scary 103 fever and mucus. Oh the mucus. We felt so bad for you. The antibiotics kicked in quickly and you were better in a couple days, only then to get a yeast infection from the meds. Poor poor boy.

I can't believe you're in the double digit months, you're growing up so fast! It is so fun to watch you learn and you get so excited when you accomplish new things. We love you bubby!!

Our Casa!!

 It has been three years in the making. In 2009 we were visiting from New York and my parents suggested we go to the parade of homes and check out this fun community called Daybreak. I think it was the third house on our tour. As soon as we left I told Tyler that when we moved back to Utah, this is where we'd be living and in that house! I then became slightly obsessed, designing the whole thing and just living there in my mind. So upon our return to Utah we knew we had a baby on the way and Tyler had a new job to get so the house thing was on hold for a while. Once we were ready we began the pre-qualification process which was a nightmare because we are both 1099 employees and that doesn't really make anyone jump to finance us! But 4 months later we were pre-approved and ready! Our realtor had a bank owned home he wanted us to check out. It was a different model by the same builder so it was the style we wanted and a GREAT deal but after walking through it, it just wasn't our house. The house I had been "living" in the last 3 years. So we met with the builder and began the process of building our house!

 We were so in love with the lot. It is in the neighborhood we wanted and steps away from a basketball court, tennis courts, community garden, playground, and a field of grass directly in front of us so we'll never have another house to stare at. We were thrilled and wanted to show it off to my family. Three days after we signed the construction docs we took them to see it and there was already a hole!!

Even though it was winter, they worked so fast! Every time we went to check it out, there was lots of progress. It was very exciting and pleasantly stress-free. I have heard that building a home is in the top 3 most stressful things in life. We are very grateful for the organized, enjoyable experience.

 

  Closing was a nightmare. The underwriter on our file was a Nazi!! So after the longest week of my entire life, we had our keys and moved into OUR HOME! yahoo!

For the next week or so we were unloading box after box after box and the poor boy was left to entertain himself a lot of the time. Our main floor is very open and the only door frame for his Johnny Jump-Up was the coat closet ha! He would bounce part of the day, play in boxes, explore the cupboards and his favorite...check out the bathtub.  It's like the kid had never seen a bathtub before, he was fascinated!

 I had quite the project list once the house was ours. We spent days painting, putting together furniture, getting the front door sandblasted, installing backsplash, getting security installed, and more painting. It was wild and I can't believe we got it all done as fast as we did. Tyler is very happy the honey-do-list is complete...for now!

Here's a sneak peek at what we've done so far. It's sort of a theme throughout our house to have a neutralish envelope with with fun colors in the furnishings. Now we have to be patient until the dollar signs match my big plans! :)

This home is just perfect for our family. Every minute we've been here has lived up to all we imagined the last 3 years. Here's to many years of happiness ahead!!