30 Years, 11 Months and a Birthday Party!

Mike turned 30 the same day Mason turned 11 months! We had a fun day of celebrating. I had gotten Mike some custom pictures made from the photography session we did with our friend Launey. They aren't finished just yet - but we know they will look amazing!

Mike decided he wanted me to cook his birthday dinner instead of going out to eat. He requested Dijon Chicken, baked sweet potatoes and asparagus. He also wanted some Cowboy Cookies instead of a birthday cake. Mason and I spent all day in the kitchen getting daddy's cookies and birthday dinner baked. It was super yummy!

Mason is continuing to grow into a sweet little boy. He likes to eat Cheerios, bread, and tortillas. We haven't given him anything with real substance yet because he still doesn't have the whole chewing food thing down. He loves to drink from our water bottles and glasses - and tries to mooch food off of our plates by making funny silly faces. He is such a joy!

We celebrated his first birthday early, since we will be in the throes of moving when his real one rolls around! There were around 35 friends in attendance - and we had a blast! My friend Leah helped me make Mason's cake. His party was a jungle safari theme, so we made a lion cake to match the lion on his invitations. Leah is about 29 weeks pregnant - she was such a trooper!! Her little girl Aubrey helped keep Mason entertained while we slaved over the cake. We took lots of video and pictures - so you will have to come look at the scrapbook if you want to see all of them!

We are now gearing up for the big move in less than 30 days. We are trying to find possible houses to rent, and figure out just how the heck we are supposed to move 2 adults, a baby and a 101 pound American Bulldog cross-country without losing our minds. Miracles. We are praying for Miracles. Ha ha!

Here are some pics from Mike's b-day and Mason's. Enjoy!

My 11 Month Old Buddy!!

Dinner is served!! Mike's B-day Dinner

Mike thanking Mason for his card

Group photo!! How did Mason get all wet? Hmmm. I don't remember!

Mason's Lion Birthday Cake. Deeee-lish!

Here is a party plate - I think we did a good Job matching the Lion!

Getting ready for the party!!

A last minute bottle for the birthday boy

It's time for a Jungle Safari!!

Mmmmm Foooood

Chow Time

Sweet Boys

Mason and Joey = best baby friends

He ate all his cake! And managed to shovel in some ice cream too!

Opening Presents

Clint did a good job keeping the kids entertained once all the bubbles were gone and the Giant Wal-mart kickballs were busted!! haha

For the Grandparents

Well, so sorry for the long blogging delay. I feel like I have been a little scatterbrained lately, and therefore it has taken me twice as long to do simple tasks as it normally would. Somehow, blogging has gotten pushed down the list. I have also tried to upload a few videos of Mason, but haven't been able to get them to post for some reason. I am trying again - so we will see how it goes!
Mason is growing fast, and it seems like he gets taller every day. Overnight he has gone from baby to boy! AND, that includes his attitude. He wants to make decisions for himself now, and when we tell him no, well, let's just say it doesn't float his boat. He has his mama's personality - so I know we are in for a long road! Ha ha.
We are busy planning his first birthday party, and planning for our move. We are still waiting to hear the word on where we will be moving - but as of now, we will be saying goodbye to friends here the last week of April. We are looking forward to celebrating our first Easter with our little guy! He hasn't started walking on his own, but he loves to walk and push his hippo cart, as well as the laundry basket. He really goes fast sometimes, so I know when he does take off things will never be the same!
Here are a few pictures of Mason. As you can see, he is already expected to help with household chores and cleanup. Oh wait, I must be dreaming. He just pretends he's cleaning.

Dusting

Dishes

I don't know if the videos will show up or not - but I'm giving it the old College try. One is of him doing a puzzle, the other is him pushing the laundry basket.

10 Months Old!

Guess what? I'm 10 months old! It is so hard to believe that I will be one year old in just 2 months. I really have a personality now, and I love to show it. Mom decided to take my 10 month picture in front of the baby gate - to signify my LOVE of getting into EVERYTHING. I don't stop moving all day long!! There are days that mom doesn't even get to sit down until I go to bed at night!

I thought I would list a few of my favorite things for you:

1. Graham Crackers. This is the only solid food I will eat. I used to love little strips of lettuce, but after a bad gagging episode that ended in projectile vomiting (the lettuce got stuck in the back of my throat), i'm not such a big fan anymore. Unfortunately, the big "Lettuce Gag of 2010" happened at Chilli's - where a crowded restaurant of people eating food witnessed me vomit out an entire jar of baby food. It was so awesome.

2. The Cable Box. I love to pound the cable box with my hands. There is no place mom and dad can put it that will be out of my reach - so they ATTEMPT to police it, but I am too sneaky for them. The other day, mom found my stash of toys and dirty bottles back behind the box. Guess I will have to find a new secret place to hide things.

3. Playing the piano. I love to pull myself up on the edge of the piano and play a song. Mom will have to post a video of it - it is precious, if I do say so myself.

4. Throwing things on the floor. Dropsies is SO FUN! It is so funny to watch mom and dad get irritated when I throw everything on the floor. Especially at church. I have a buddy at church named Joey. He is 6 weeks older than me. Joey managed to throw a phone over 2 pews in the middle of church on Wednesday! I think I might have to give that one a try in the future.

5. Animals. Especially Jake. I finally tricked him into liking me. First, I tried to dangle my toys through the baby gate to lure him over. But that didn't work. Then I tried screaming at him to get his attention. That didn't work either. But now, he loves to follow me around...because I'm really good at leaving graham crackers on the floor for him. Mom and dad think I'm just not coordinated enough to get them in my mouth, but really, I am working on my diplomatic relations with the dog. Negotiations are coming along nicely. He has recently taken to licking my face - which mom hates. I keep trying to snuggle up in his bed with him. But mom always stops me. She mumbles about dog hair all over my clothes or something.

6. Being held. Mom says I hit the "independent" "clingy" stages backwards. I was so independent at 6 or 7 months. Now, most of my days are spent chasing mom and screaming at her to pick me up. I am also good at flopping down on the floor and pretending my world is ending when she sets me down so she can go do something. She's pretty tough. I think it might take a while to win this one. She keeps telling me this motto...something about "if mama isn't happy ain't nobody happy", but I have yet to figure out what this means.

I am really looking forward to my first birthday party. It will be coming up here before too long. I hear from the kids at church that the first b-day party is totally awesome. I can't wait! Well, guess that's all for now. There is some graham cracker calling my name in the kitchen. Until next time!

Mason

Family Portraits!

Last Saturday, a friend from church came to our house to do some portraits of us! He is launching his own photography business and asked if he could use Mason as a model. We said sure! - And then we coerced him into doing some family shots as well! He also decided to do some of Mike in his uniform - they came out great. For your entertainment, bloopers have been included at the end. Here is a sampling of some of the photos he took. Enjoy!!

Family Shots

Mason Shots

Military Shots

Bloopers!!!!

"I'm so over this"

"Get off me, Mom."

"Now feels like a good time for a dip."

"Save...me...please"

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

Mom gives up

Finally, "Cheeeeese!"

Thanks for the pics, Launey!! You did an amazing job!!!