Birthday Prep

Guess who is turning 1?

Still wondering?

Mia Gianna turns 1 this Thursday! This means that we have some birthday party prep to do.  Today, we took care of favors, balloons, and tableware. We went to the local party store and had some fun.

What.is.this.crazy.place?

First, we tried on hats.

"And Bode, too!"

Then we decided on a theme for our tableware.  I had bought some napkins and plates about a month ago. But then I realized it wasn't really age-appropriate. It didn't scream, "THIS IS MY FIRST BIRTHDAY!" So we went to the party store for something that shouted, "I AM ONE!"  At first, I was drawn to the bright pink polka dots.  I love polka dots, and think that they are fun and fitting for my baby girl.  But then we found a sweet, pastel stripe with sweet baby zoo animals. We went with it. There will be hot pinks and polka dots in a future birthday, I'm sure. (her favors are actually polka dot...but I can't change those now)

Not completely sold on the zoo animals.

We may be back for polka dots!

Last, we ordered some balloons.

Picking out the balloons.

Both Bode and Gianna were given a (free) balloon after we placed our balloon order. They were thrilled.  If  ever one of my children is down, I need to remember how a simple balloon can bring smiles.

Shopping for Gianna's birthday stuff was fun, but it did make me miss my mom and sister.  They were here for all the birthday prep for Bode's first birthday. I have really great memories of my mom and sister visiting for Bode's first birthday.

Being 2 1/2 years old, Bode has his own take on Gianna's birthday.  Every time I say, "We have to get [x] for Gianna's birthday," he immediately responds, "And Bode, too!"  (meaning: it is his birthday party, too)  Note: this is said not in an insistent, bratty way but instead with a huge grin on his face, like it is the best idea EVER. He is such a happy little guy. He is really going to enjoy their birthday on Thursday...probably more so than the birthday girl herself!

xo

Remembering Routines and BFF (I hope)

When we are in our  Gianna's bedroom, Bode will ask to get up on our bed.  This has actually happened a lot.  He asks every time we are in there.  And every time, I usually sigh and say, "No, Bode." and then talk about how I need to go do this, or get that, and quickly shoo him out of the bedroom.   The other night, when he asked, it hit me. 

When Bode was the only child, we would play on the bed every night.  It was part of our nighttime routine. He would take a bath, get into pjs, and then I would boost him up onto our big bed for some pillow climbing and tickling. Bob started it as a way to get the "extra energy" out of Bode. We would tucker him out with tickles, read stories, then bed.

The fact that I had completely forgotten this, and then remembering those good times together, made me very sad.  And I of course wondered if Bode was thinking about those times, too, and missing them. (guilt)

So this time, when he asked to get up on our bed, I didn't answer. I didn't say, "No, Bode." I didn't tell him that I need to do this, or get that, and quickly shoo him out of the bedroom.  Without a word, I boosted him up onto the bed. He giggled while he climbed around the bed, rolling onto and off of the pillows.  I scooped up Gianna and put her on the bed.  Babycakes protested, at first.  This was not part of her bedtime routine. And she was ready for sleep.

Even in your brother's hand-me-down pjs and a frownie face, you look cute!

Her brother's giggling got her attention.

What's so funny?

She climbed over to her brother and pulled his hair, as she often does to show her love.

I love you, Bode!

I love you sooooo much, I'm pulling your hair with both hands!

We rolled, tickled and climbed on the bed together.  And then I remembered my iPhone. I wanted to capture this memory. In case I forget again, I will have these photos as a reminder.

And as a reminder to Gianna:  this is your best friend. His name is Bode, and he is your big brother. He makes you very, very happy.

Gianna's BFF

Bode:   thank you for being patient with Mommy (I'm afraid the memory lapse is going to be a common thing as I age). And, thank you for being such a great brother to Gianna.
xo

Mia Gianna Birthday Week

In my family, we have a "birthday week," instead of a "birthday."  Not really. Well. Kind of. This is actually a sort-of joke, started between my mother and father.  I am not sure who started it, but I am guessing that my mom made the joke that while other people have a birthday, my dad had a birthday week. 

In keeping with this tradition, this week will be Mia Gianna's birthday week.  In case you don't know, Gianna turns the big 1 on Thursday.  I will try to refrain from talking about how much I am affected by this, how sad I am that my baby is turning 1, wah, wah, wah. 

This morning, she stood while playing the piano. I called her Elton John.  I think she liked it, because she just continued to stand and smile while I sang, "I'm still standing! Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm still standing! Yeah, yeah, yeah."  Not one of my favorite songs, but it was appropriate.

All she needs is a funky pair of sunglasses

And, just in time for those 1st birthday photos, she is getting her top right toofy.  She is going to have a nice Jack-o-Lantern smile for her 1st birthday.

Standing - June 26, 2011

This week I am going to attempt to blog every day about my baby-almost-1-year-old. And I am going to attempt to not cry while doing it. Wah, wah, wah.

xo