B Man turns ONE!!!

Today was absolutely GREAT! The weather. The party. The family. The friends. I couldn't have asked for more for my little guy. I loved planning Brady's first birthday. I chose Sesame Street and I am so glad I did. The colors and characters made it very fun! B Man loves Elmo. He bounces up and down as soon as Elmo appears on Sesame Street in the morning. The decorations and plate/napkins were either handmade or from Dollar Tree! I scored big on a roll of wrapping paper that consisted of colorful stars and characters. That became my inspiration, and of course my little man!

The neighborhood park

The homemade character cupcakes.

Elmo, Ernie, Bert, Cookie Monster, Oscar

MMMMmmm, boy they were yummy!

Highchair ready to go!

The birthday boy sweetheart

Who HATED his hat, but has a cute handmade #1 polo.

The big sister, sporting her own fashionable Elmo.

My sweet family.

The goodie bags which consisted of plastic star glasses, a rubber ball, Sesame Street stickers, Ernie's rubber duck and lollipops

Oscar's Slimey the Worm (or Dirt with Gummy Worms)

Abby Cadabby's Fairy Wand (or purple chocolate with pink sprinkles pretzel rods) 

Elmo's Goldfish and Crayon too!

Sandwich/Cheese Platter

Brought to you by the Letter "B" and Number "1"

Pretty much completely unnecessary but totally worth it for this type A, detailed, perfectionist addict. LOL

The Count's 16 Ounces waterbottles

My little man and me

C and L coloring at the kid picnic table.

C and Charlie eating some food together.

Mason playing with the ball.

Miss P playing house.

Fun with friends.

Eating Oscar's Slimey the Worm

Cute kids sharing their "dirt"

Singing Happy Birthday.

Big Sis blowing out his candle!

Cupcake time!

Brady, you better hurry up before those big kids gobble it up!

Enjoying every bite.

What a sweetie.

Handsome Logan enjoying Elmo.

Charlotte eating some Bert.

The boys looked like vampires after they ate their Elmo cupcakes.

Present time! Ashley made this CUTE bag, adorable!

B Man gearing up!

Happy little boy.

He adores his Big Sis.

Charlotte and Logan helping with the presents.

Who is more excited?!? Brady or his father?! Lol

Look at that mess!!!

Cute sidewalk chalk drawings left by all the sweet little kids who came to Brady's very 1st Birthday!

It was a GREAT day and party. Brady was very loved. Thank you to all who made is SO special!

Dear Brady---March 9th, 2010

So ONE year ago I wrote this letter to my Brady and 2 days later I met him. 1 year ago I was pregnant which I completely treasured. This letter is straight from the heart, it repeats itself a few times and it is a bit long. It brought tears to my eyes this morning as I read it over again.

March 9th, 2010

Dear Brady,

It’s very early in the morning and my heart is excited and anxious for you and your impending arrival. I am 39 weeks and 4 days pregnant with you. I can’t sleep as I think of what is to come, not just with your due date just around the corner, but how you will change the course of my life and others. God has certainly blessed your father and me. I can’t imagine how He will bless your life. I know He has plans for you and your future (Jeremiah 29:11-12). My hope is that you will be a strong man of God and solider for His army. I love Brady.

Your name was chosen before you arrive, Brady Christopher. Brady means from the broad isle. Your suggested character quality is strong in spirit. Your life verse is Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Christopher came from your paternal grandfather, Alan Christopher Hawkins. Your father was named after his paternal grandfather and we thought it would be meaningful to carry this on to our newest addition, you.

You are our second born and we add you to a family that welcomes you with such joy and gratefulness. Your sister, Charlotte, has given us more blessings than we could have ever dreamed. I know you will do the same… in a much different way. You being our first boy and an addition to a happy family is just so exciting for me. With every passing moment I wonder how I deserve such a gift as you, Brady. I already love you so much and I haven’t met you. We have had time to bond these last 9 and ½ months, but there will be nothing compared to the first moment I watch you take a breathe and look into your peaceful, sweet face. My whole life might flash before my eyes, so I apologize now if you see tears in my eyes. I will be joyful, I will be content, I will be blessed.

That is only the beginning. I can’t wait to experience life through you. You have an amazing life, with a father that will guide you and the family that surrounds you with a strong foundation. You will be loved, appreciated, and made strong in the spirit of the Lord. I pray for God to reveal Himself to you and that you cling to your faith and your family. My prayers are for your character, your life, and your destiny. I pray the Lord guides you to be a man of integrity, loyalty, righteousness, strength, and courage. I pray you to have compassion for humanity and serve others with a heart of gold. I pray for your future wife and children. I pray that your wife is committed to you, that she loves selflessly and adores you. That she is thankful for what a blessing you are. I pray for your work here on Earth that it may be fulfilling. I pray for day to day decisions and that you have peace about life’s uncertainties. I pray you are blessed with friendships and mentors that want the best for you. I pray the Lord continues to show me how you will bless others.

There is so much love already in my heart for you, Brady. I can’t wait to meet you for the first time and all the times after that. I already miss you, and I haven’t even met you. I feel ready to be your mother to you, son. I feel anxious as I continue to watch my belly grow and move with your strong spirit. I feel excited to dream about a future for you. I feel honored to be chosen to be your mother. I am thankful to my Lord for what He has given to me…you.

Love,
Mother

Planting Flowers

We met some friends at the park this morning and came home for Brady's nap and to plant some pansies. C was a great helper and kept me company the whole time.

She even planted a few herself. She told me, "pretty flowers mommy" and "mmmm, smell good, mommy".

Proud Pansy Planter

After lunch, the kids needed baths. C requested to wear her jammies and to watch "Stinking Beauty". I was laughing so hard!

Completely focused. I think she forgot to breathe in this picture. LOL 

I hardly ever let C watch movies during the day, unless I have an urgent need (like getting house work done or a project or needed quiet time). So watching a movie is a real treat around here.

AZ Museum for Youth

We headed out the AZ Museum for Youth in Mesa today. The kids had a great time, there was SO much stuff  for Charlotte! It was nice to share a fun experience with our good friends, The Cadys, too!

David/Logan and Kyle/Charlotte

B Man and MAC

The museum has a fairy tale exhibition running this spring. The glow in the dark Mad Hatter's Tea Party was my favorite!!!

Look at B Man's glowing shirt! SO cool.

Friends playing tea party.

Charlotte LOVED it.

Dress up in the Enchanted Forest.

Had to have my picture taken with this cute princess. She immediately started singing when she put this dress on!

The cutest Baseball Player

Charlotte spotted the baseball Barbie.

Logan selling hot dogs.

Artville

I think climbing over these soft blocks was Charlotte most favorite... she spent A LOT of time playing and jumping and building!

C & L headed for the little kitchen inside the playhouse.

C inspecting the play food.

"Cooking" on the stove top.

My little chef

Cute Ashley and her little boy.

Playing with the dollhouse.

Telling me how much fun she had and what she did. We had a great day!!!