Picture Update

Since I am the worst blogger out in cyberspace (any of you still checking in? - thanks if you are!) I am going to skip a lengthy written update about Miles's first b-day party (since it was a month ago!) & just provide some pics. I feel so bad just passing over the whole thing, even though it is old news (He's 13 months now - so over the one year thing). We had a great time bbqing with family & close friends at our house. I can't thank everyone enough for coming - I know it was a trek for most! You made the day for Miles ( & Mike & I), though! I wish I would have gotten more pics, but I was trying to be all hostess-y. Not a pro at that quite yet (totally forgot the hamburger condiments & only realized once I became mystified by the fact that everyone was eating hot dogs only!). Anyway, next time I will definately remember to assign someone other than Mike or I to photography!

We also had a wonderful & much needed visit with Nick, Nicole & the kids. I have missed them SO much & it really filled a void to have them here. We ended up just kick'n it & going with the flow (so much easier with kids!). We chilled at the park, went to Old Sac, ate yummy food & played a lot. It was all good...

So now that I've gotten Miles's birthday filed away in blog world, I can start blogging about current stuff! So much changes in a month with a little one - it's already like Miles is a whole new person! I'll leave you on the edge of your seats with that one (haha!). I'll do my best to post in the next week & be better about keeping in touch with you all! xxxx

I tried 10 times to get this pic - my kid hates hats! Thanks Geoffry for this one :)

"Mmmmm that is yummy cake mama!"

Birthday Suit - love that squooshy tooshy!

The Chavis Cousins; chocolate & vanilla swirl!

I found the real rainbow chip frosting! Lindsay & Ambra would be proud & I was so stoked! Too bad Crate & Barrell jipped me on all the pieces to my cupcake tower! A twig seemed to add a festive touch to make up for the missing hardware.

Ambie Lou Laney & her "budgy" man Mason

The living doll that is Kenzie McMackin

The birthday boy & his best buddy

Miles & Grandpa

On the hunt for lady bugs...

The Chief & his Chieftess (?) of the San Clemente Chavis Tribe

Me & my bro-ski

Why is everyone staring at me? Do I have something on my face?

Darien's masterpiece

What a stud!

I love my presents...

thank you so much!!!

Two little indians: Morgan & Mason

Daddy & Miles during our day in Old Sac Town. This is Miles favorite spot!

Nicole & Miss Milan

Ice cream was a great way to end a hot day!

See how happy ice cream makes us!

Miles's Birthday week...

Miles's birthday was next (4/23) & I was so excited that the little man was turning 1! I wanted it to be extra special for him, even though he had no idea what's going on. But I figured there is a possibility that he is creating emotional memories that he will subconciously draw on for the rest of his life - I couldn't have his subconcious spewing out bad emotional memories of his 1st birthday & having bad feelings about birthdays for the rest of his life! How ridiculous right?

Anyway, we had a playgroup party planned at the park, a special birthday shopping day at Toys R Us lined up & then the big party on Saturday. On the Sunday before his birthday week kicked off, he came down with a 103.2 fever. He came back down to 99 by morning with the aid of tylenol, but something just wasn't right - a mom knows! I thought it was an ear infection, but it turned out to be worse! (well, the doc said it was better, but for birthday week, it was worse!) Miles had contracted hand, foot & mouth virus and we were housebound until the sores healed. The name sounds grotesque, but it is actually a pretty common childhood illness. Have to clarify: my child is not a grotesque dirty varmit. Hand, Foot & Mouth virus is a normal thing. Ok, moving on. Luckily, he only got 3 sores on is tongue & they healed fast. But, we had to call of his birthday play group (boo) & we almost had to cancel our special visit from the San Clemente Chavis Tribe. I was depressed for Miles. I tried to make being in the house all week fun (that subconcious thing). We played in his baby pool - who knew it could be so fun without water, but Miles LOVES it! I bought him a couple early gifts - the favorite being the Best of "Veggie Tales" CD. It is a crack up & Miles loves the music. I really recommend it if your sense of humor is just weird.

We actually had a great time stuck together in the house & I got to do all my obsessive cleaning things before our house guests & party guests arrived over the weekend. Miles was just fine after the fever passed & without sores by Thursday - just in time turn 1!

Here is Miles & his baby pool. He cruised all over the house like this on & off for 2 days - when he first scooted by me, I thought I was going to die laughing ;)