2 Years Old!!

*I can't believe it's been over a month since I've posted anything on my blog. We've had a lot going on around here so I'm going to try and back track.*

Way back at the beginning of August, we celebrated Mr. H turning 2 whole years old. We kept his birthday really easy this year, since we did the big party for his 1st, and we were in the throws of getting our house on the market {more on that later}. No matter how low-key, birthdays aren't complete without a little cake :) I also threw in a great b-day hat to make it extra special.

*The birthday boy in all his frosting glory*

Later in the week we celebrated again with our community group from church. I picked up this adorable cake from Costco and we grilled some burgers & dogs. It was a wonderful night of fellowship and remembering what a gift Harrison is to Jody & I.

Since Bubba got so many toys from family, we decided that our gifts would lean more on the practical side. Practicality is in the eye of beholder and to Jody & I this meant some new Oregon gear. Harrison sported his new attire to the party, much to the annoyance of our friends who are Husky fans.

Much like his father, he is a huge fan of anything and everything chocolate. This came in handy since the cake was stuffed with "2lbs of mousse filling" {This is not an exaggeration but a direct quote from the cake box}.

*H is smitten with this little girl. He calls her "my Maddie"*

I'll end with this adorable 3 min video of my child eating a cupcake....his grandparents will love it!

Oh....and excuse all my chatter in the back and the 100x I say "like".....it's a problem

Day Out With Thomas

Wanna know how to blow the mind of an almost 2 year old that loves trains?

Take him on a real choo-choo ride and let him meet Thomas the train.

There was a firm "Don't touch Thomas" and "stay on the yellow box" policy, that I thought might be an issue for our little guy, but he was very cooperative. That smile there was permanent.

Daddy & the dude.....I dare you to tell me they don't look alike.

We rode in a 1912 train car that was being restored, the event took place at a train museum, and everyone got to sit in wicker chairs close to the windows. I had a hard time looking out the window, because I couldn't take my eyes off Harrison. He has the most expressive face and was just so thrilled with the whole experience.

This is, by far, his best expression these days. He always makes this face when he hears a loud noise and then says "What's dat?".

We choo-chood past Snoqualmie falls and the view was just beautiful.

At the conclusion of the ride, Harrison received his official Jr. engineer certificate and beamed with pride. I think we made some great memories to begin this new year of Harrison's life.

Party Pics!

Here's a little word of advice, for you mamas who have babies about to turn 1, don't get vaccinations the day before the big fiesta. Harrison has never had any bad reactions to his shots, but this time he threw up, had a fever and wanted to be held....all day. Thankfully, he was in pretty good spirits by party time and was happy to see his buddies. Here's some of the highlights....

*The party crew included family, community group, mama friends and lots of cute babies.*

*Mom's group  - we've been meeting since our babies were 8 wks*

*Couples from our church community group*

*Now that Harrison can walk, he was much more interested in hanging with the big girls.*

* Cupcake.....take #2*

*We respected his request to not wear pants at his party*

A huge THANK YOU to grandma Jill & grandpa Jim for watching H while I got everything prepped for the party. They always make parenting look so easy :) Love you guys!!!

Party Prep

I predict a repeat cupcake eating performance at his party on Thursday.

1st birthday cupcake.....

he kind of enjoyed it.

On the eve of your 1st birthday

At this time last year you were still taking residence in my womb and hadn't a clue that, come morning, you would be making your entrance into a very big world. I look at this picture and hardly recognize that new mama and itty bitty babe, but I do remember the overwhelming feeling of love......that I will never forget. Those first months of your life were some of the hardest, and most humbling, I've ever experienced. Sleepless nights, a foreign body, raging hormones and a move made for a rocky start, but we got into our groove pretty quickly and have became quite the pair.
Once you figured out how to pull yourself around, there's been no stopping you and, in only a few weeks, you've become a full time walker. You've always been very independent, no matter the stage, and not much for snuggling, but recently you've turned into quite the love bug and really enjoy some one on one time. I like to think that you are doing this to help me with all your current changes and to show me you still need me......maybe I just tell myself that to forget that one day you'll tell me you don't need my help. {oh it makes my heart hurt}
You are a joy little man, perfectly created with love by a Father who wrote your story long before you became part of mine. May you always know how deeply you are loved and how blessed we feel to call you ours. Happiest 1st birthday love.