Birthday Party

Sunday we hosted James Bradford's Birthday party in our home. Although our home is small, we wanted to have his party here. And we pulled it off - yes it was tight, but it was so much fun! I called this my "DIY Party" - I wanted to make the decorations, party outfit and cake.

It was so fun having craft projects over the past couple months getting ready for his party.

James Bradford got his very own special cake. He loves bananas, so what better way to celebrate his birthday to have a banana smash cake with cool whip and blueberries. He picked off all the blueberries!

After cake it was present time! We had lots of good helpers help him open presents! And wow was he spoiled - he got cute clothes and lots of fun toys! He loves to play! And hes now got toys everywhere! What a lucky boy he is!

This is an extra special gift. This is a monkey who plays the drums. Cory actually received this gift on HIS 1st Birthday from his Uncle Mike.

Thank you to all of our family and friends who traveled and came to be with James Bradford on his special day.

It was such a fun day! Overall James Bradford did great - only a few tears! 1st party = Success!

Birthday Celebration

On James Bradford's actual birthday we had our own little celebration. James Bradford awoke to hearing Happy Birthday over and over. And even a few tears from his mommy. I still can't believe he is already a year. I'm crazy I know - I just can't believe my baby is on his way to toddler hood! I made him a special breakfast - scrambled eggs, toast and grapes! It was the first time for eggs and toast. Loved the toast - not a fan of the eggs. During breakfast he received a special phone call from Davis and Isaac. They called to sing him happy birthday. He loved it! And laughed and clapped his hands. The smile on his face was priceless!
After Breakfast we opened family presents. James Bradford was much more excited about the boxes and tissue other then the presents. We got him a Push Wagon and I made him an outfit to wear to his birthday party.
During his nap we put together the wagon, and when he woke up he loved playing with it. Unfortunately, September 14th, isn't a national Holiday - So Cory had to work. So while Cory worked, we continued to celebrate throughout the day. James Bradford and I went to the zoo with Grandma. It was so much fun. He rode the carousel and the train for the first time. (Thanks Grandma!!)


And we enjoyed the petting zoo! We loved meeting new friends and even a couple other kids there on their birthday!
We were exhausted after a full morning at the zoo so we headed home for a nice long nap. And then it was playtime all over again!
It was such a fun day!! I was sad to see the day end. Happy Birthday to my sweet boy!

Dear Birthday Boy . . .

Dear James Bradford,

It is so hard to believe that today is your 1st birthday! This past year has flown. It is so late and I can't stop thinking about 1 year ago today. I just watched your BIRTH VIDEO . You still make me smile and always will. We never knew we could love someone/something so much. You bring so much happiness and joy to our family. We prayed for you before you were born and we continue to pray for you daily - you are such a blessing, thank you for being you! Thank you for all your smiles and your laughter. Thank you for all your hugs, snuggles and kisses! I can't imagine life without you!

Over the course of the year you have grown and changed so much. You are so cute and your little personality is shining through. You are such a happy baby. You love music (your such a cute dancer!) and dogs. One of your favorite things to do is to feed Sabrina - throwing her food from your high chair, handing her your cracker, swiping your puffs off the coffee table and even running over to her bowl as soon as your hear us pouring her food. She loves you so much too!

Your are such a fabulous sleeper. You sleep from 7pm - 6:30am and then about 3 1/2 - 4 hrs during the day. Every night I come in and look at you in your crib and just stare at you - sometimes I sing to you, sometimes I pray and sometimes I just admire you and tell you I love you. Occasionally during nap time I find myself, watching the monitor and just waiting for you to wake up. And when you do wake up and we come in, you are so happy and smiling at us, while you hold your blanket.

You hate wearing anything on your head and you hate bibs. You try so hard to pull your bib off at meals and most of the time you accomplish pulling them off! You are such a good eater. Right now you still have only mostly eaten fruits and veggies. You have tried plain pasta, but you don't seem to really be a fan. Your favorite foods are bananas, mango, watermelon, corn and sweet potato. You love trying to use a fork and spoon and you are successful a lot! We have cut out most baby food, but occasionally you still like for us to feed you - especially apple sauce

You love climbing. You have conquered going up the stairs - thankfully you haven't tried going down them! But we are trying teach you the correct way to go down. You also love climbing on the hearth of the fire place, although it's a no no. It's dangerous and we don't want you to fall. I know it is very tempting though! And you love helping me with the dishes. You climb up on the dishwasher door and take things out and play while I load and unload.

You love the water! You love swimming, the water table, bath time and even the dog's water! Everyday you somehow love to surprise me by dumping Sabrina's water bowl over! And you are so cute - you always say "Ohh" Bath time is one of your favorite times of day. You love playing in the bath and even pulling the plug!!

Our lives have been changed forever because of you. We are so lucky and blessed to have you. We love you so much James Bradford. Happy 1st Birthday!!

Love, Mommy & Daddy

PS - I cant wait for wake up time to get here! We are going to have such a fun day. We are playing hooky from school (part of the reason is you have a runny nose) and going to the zoo and going to ride the train for the first time!! Plus you have presents to open!! (one of the reasons, Im up so late - I had to finish a special one for you!) Then we have all of our family and friends coming over to celebrate on Sunday - Woohoo! What a fun birthday weekend it will be!!

First Day of School!

Today was James Bradford's first day back at Mother's Day Out. He has three new teachers this year and is in a new classroom. He was a "lamb" last year and this year he is a "guppie". He was was a little sad when I left this morning, but this afternoon when I arrived he was playing and happy as can be. Some of his classmates from last year are in his class, so Hip Hip Hooray for friends!!

This year he will be going Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. On Mondays, I will actually be working in the 2 year old "Pandas" across the hall. I am really excited about my new job and the time I will get to spend up at the church with all the sweet kiddos. Last week I spent some time up in the Panda room decorating and getting ready for the start of school. It was so fun getting to spend time and getting to know the know the other teachers and the teachers that would be with James Bradford this year. And the best part - Every day is take your baby to work day!!