12 Month Check-Up

As I was walking into the doctor's office for Everett's 12 month well-child appointment, I just couldn't believe that we were there for this visit. The year has really flown by. I can remember a year ago walking in that same office with his carrier, just 2 days after he was born, and being in awe of the whole experience. I couldn't believe I was a mommy. I couldn't believe he was finally here. At that appointment he weighed just 5 pounds and was so tiny! Needless to say...he has definitely caught up. So here is a recap of his health and development. He weighs 27 pounds and is in the 90th percentile for his weight, and is in the 75th percentile for his height (I can't remember how tall he was). I thought it was so funny how the doctor kept referring to him as a "big guy." Developmentally everything seems to be right on target as well. I must brag on him a little bit though. The doctor asked about how many words he has said....we have counted about 6-7 other than "mama" and "dada." The doctor said that was, and I quote, "tremendous" and I was thrilled! Verbally, he is doing so well. We try and think of at least one new word a week to teach him, and he is catching on so well. That was such a proud moment for me. I am so proud of him and how he is developing so wonderfully. As we were driving home from the appointment I told Eric that I felt so rich. To have a healthy and thriving child is such a humongous blessing, that I do not take lightly....especially considering the population that I work with on a daily basis. Everett Grey is the BEST blessing Eric and I have ever received. Thank you Lord!

Pals

Look who came for a visit today! Everett's pal, Silas. Here are some pictures of their playdate. Oh, and why are boys so rough!?!

A Tale of Two Birthdays

It was the best of times . . . and well, the BEST of times! Everett got to celebrate his birthday twice. The first party was a couple of weeks ago when my mom and Aunt Jenny came to visit. They wanted to share in his first birthday experience, so we had a pre-birthday party. I made the caterpillar cake featured below. For his second birthday party (on his actual birthday), Gigi came to visit. For this party we had cupcakes as well. We also had Everett's friends Jonah and Silas over for a morning playdate, which I could not get a good enough picture to post. After Everett's nap, we decided to head to the zoo. This was Everett's first real trip to the zoo and I was surprised how he really took notice of the animals. Of course, he was even more fascinated by the people. It was at the zoo that we got to test drive his new wagon (thanks Gigi!) which he seemed to enjoy. He thought he was in some sort of parade I think. I can't believe my baby boy is one. All day long on his birthday I was reporting what we were doing exactly one year ago. For example, "Eric, it's 6 am. We just got checked into the hospital!" "Eric, it's 1:40. Time to start pushing!" I guess those details are burned into my memory. It has been such a fun, crazy, exhausting, exciting, wonderful year. I look forward to many more with our sweet boy!

Mommy Is Taking A Day Off

Well last weekend my mom and aunt Jenny came for a visit. We had such a great time. I always get very excited for my family to see Everett because he changes so much. I love for him to show them his new "tricks." We celebrated his birthday with them since they won't be here next week for his actual birthday. Pictures to come....I wanted to post all his birthday pictures at once.

In other news, I must say I am really looking forward to my first Mother's Day. When Eric asked me how I wanted to celebrate, I told him I wanted to take a day off....Let me explain. About a month ago I had minor surgery. My surgery was scheduled for 2 and I arrived at the hospital around 1. After I had gotten all checked in and had my vitals taken, the nurse apologetically explained that my doctor wasn't there yet, and there was a surgery scheduled before me. It was about 2 at this time and she said I would have to wait for quite awhile. "Okay," I said. "So what should I do then?" I was already in my hospital gown and in the pre-op hospital room. "Just lay down and relax," was her reply. I just stared at her dumbfounded. The nurse then handed me an Ipod, Sprite, warm blanket and a snack. I also had a book I had brought with me. I couldn't believe it. It almost brought tears to my eyes. I was so excited! I was able to just relax for a couple hours and not feel any guilt.....glorious. It was then that I realized that every now and then everyone truly needs to take a break. It is so important and necessary. Eric and I have had such a crazy schedule this past year and we are hoping that it will be changing in the near future, Lord willing. So that is what I decided that I needed for Mother's Day. To lay around and do nothing. Watch Lifetime movies, eat, sleep, read.....whatever my heart desires. I will truly be a better mommy for it. So thank you Norton Hospital for being my personal spa that afternoon, and teaching me an important life lesson. Every now and then slow down and relax, sans guilt. So when I asked Eric what he wanted for Father's Day it did not surprise me at all that he wants the same exact thing.

One final note, it was exactly this time last year that I graduated from my graduate school program. Little did I know that the week after I had walked the stage, I would be delivering our Everett. As our "Everett Turns One" countdown begins, I wanted to share one of his first pictures.

Art and Tacos

Well here is our weekend recap: Saturday morning we took Everett to gym class again. He did great and even played ball with a friend. Then Eric went to the library to study for awhile. When he got back we went to the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair. It was such a beautiful day...although a little warm. It was so nice to walk around, admire the creative art, listen to the live music, and of course for me and Everett....people watch! That is actually the best part for me. After the art fair, we decided to go have tacos for dinner. It is always fun now to go out to eat with the three of us. All Everett needs are his snacks and a good place to observe everyone in the restaurant. Very fun. After we got back and put Everett to bed, Eric and I watched the movie Slumdog Millionaire. I have been wanting to see this movie now for awhile now and it did not disappoint. Eric found it too slow at times, but I really enjoyed it. Sunday we went to church. Everett lasted about 20 minutes in the nursery. Sigh. He really doesn't like the nursery and I get called to come and get him weekly, but I have just come to accept it. After church we enjoyed a lazy Sunday and only got out to take a walk and get a soft pretzel at Starbucks. Overall, another great weekend with our family.

A Perfect Day

Today has been a great day. It involved..... Starbucks and cinnamon rolls for breakfast.......

Shopping with friends......

Sonic happy hour........

Ordering Chinese food for dinner......

And the best, playing with baby boy, who is now 11 months by the way!

Nobody Comes Between Him and His Calvins

Or should I say his Osh Kosh Jeans? I think we have a future jeans model on our hands. All he has to do is work off that muffin top and the girls will be swooning!