minden's first birthday party

Get ready for an overload of pictures. You have been warned (in the voice of Danny DeVito from "The Lorax").

Well over a month and half ago, we celebrated Minden's first year of life with our family and close friends. Since she doesn't offer a lot of insight yet on themes for her party, I decided to go with with a Fall theme. Since she is my little October pumpkin.

Her cake was made locally. The top cupcake was marble as well as the bottom layer. The middle layer was apple flavored. Although my Grandfather thought it was fake, it was still delicious.

I kept it pretty simple with decorations. Pink and pumpkins.I had another hay bail, but my Dad's farm cats decided to make a nest out of it in the garage.

Above the gift table I hung all of her month to month pictures. I am so happy I made a point to take those. It's so fun to look back at them.

On the tables I did mason jars with flowers and pumpkins. You can't really see it, but in the bottom those are little orange acorns. A good friend of mine in Iowa City used those when she threw my baby shower just two weeks before Minden was born.

She was spoiled with so many great gifts. We are still having fun playing with them.

She loves to share her food with us. Below is a series of pictures showing just that.

And one final picture with her God parents.

It was a great night with great people. Minden is so lucky to be surrounded by so much love.

I've said it a million times, but I have no idea where that last year went. I remember the long nights, and inconsolable days too. I remember thinking those tough moments would go on forever. Becoming a mom has stretched me, and made me a better person. It's shown me a love that I never new was possible. She has made me a better person. So here's to another year of love, happiness and growth!

we're back

Hello there! We have missed you! The truth of it is, life got really busy there for a little while. Minden turned one, Nate opened his own practice and we moved into a new home. We finally got internet last Friday, and I am hoping to get caught up on posts in the near future. In the meantime, know that we are well. Minden is growing like a little weed, and Cooper is back sleeping all day on his favorite sofa like he never left it.

12 months of minden

It's been one whole year since you entered our lives. It really doesn't seem possible, yet you have changed so much in this first year. It's impossible to imagine my life without you. Your hugs, kisses, babbling, waves and toothy smiles just fill my heart up with joy.

My have you changed since you became mobile. You do fairly well playing on your own in the evenings. I like to sit on floor and snatch up hugs and kisses in between your playing.

You love the stairs. Up, up, up you go. Of course one of us is always really close behind you. You are now pulling yourself up on things, but you are a little hesitant of the coming down part.

Things you love: music, dancing, Cooper, Grandpa's tickles, cheerios, saying "uh oh" and dropping something after and playing with all your toys. Things you do not love: car rides, Cooper kissing your face, peas, socks or shoes, being told no and sleeping through the night. That's right little lady you are still waking up once to twice a night for a stop at the all you can eat milk buffet.

Speaking of breast feeding, I am so so thankful at what a good nurser you have been. That was one of mommy's biggest fears coming home from the hospital. 

What an amazing year it's been with you, Minden. I cannot wait to see what the next year brings.

Love,
Mommy