Cookies & Milk and the Littlemiss Birthday Girl...

I've literally been thinking about Leah's first birthday party almost since the day I found out I was pregnant and it has fully consumed much of my thoughts and my many sleepless nights for the last few months. Honestly, does it get any better than a little girls' birthday party? (even if she's only one and doesn't have a clue what's going on)

I'm almost embarrassed to admit how much fun I had preparing for this party and working on all the details.

And in the end... It was totally worth every late night and every single ounce of work.

{the birthday girl}

{the food}

We did a traditional cookies and milk party with literally dozens and dozens of homemade cookies, as well as cookie dough cupcakes, oreo cupcakes and macaroon cupcakes.

{the happy family}

{the details}

I had the fabulous Gretchen from ThreeLittleMonkeys Studio design a custom party pack for me, using her cookies and milk designs. I wanted it fun and bright and circus-y! She totally delivered and I loved how it all turned out.

I also used some of the free printables from my awesome friends at Petite Lemon. The "Birthday Banner" is what originally made me choose the colors that I did.

I ordered much of my fun party decor from Shop Sweet Lulu. Love that place.

I used Design Mom's tutorial to make the fun and oh-so-easy balloon banner.

There are a million tutorials on-line for the accordion flowers and I can't remember which I used.

{the cake}

My amazing, talented, baker extraordinaire of a friend, Gina, made Leah's adorable ribbon cake... a coconut layer cake with an italian meringue buttercream frosting that tasted like a little bit heaven.

I used some of the printables from both ThreeLittleMonkeys and Petite Lemon to make the cake topper pennant.

{the gifts}

{the time capsule}

This is the project that I was most excited about and have been working so hard on. One of the main gifts we did for Leah is a time capsule that she won't even get until her 18th birthday!!

We included an insert card with her invitations asking all of our family, friends and guests to write her a personal letter as well as share some of their hopes and wishes for her. When the party was over Chris and I sat in bed and read these amazing and priceless letters along with all of these sweet and thoughtful wishes for our little daughter. I cried my eyes out. I hope that she will cherish these letters from grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and a mama and daddy who love her so much.

I also included some other special mementos from her first year, including her hospital bracelet and other little keepsakes from her birth, the outfit she came home from the hospital in, the matching bracelets she and I wore on her blessing day, her first hand and footprints, pictures throughout her first year, ticket stubs from fun things we done, a special gift from her namesake Grandma Leah and lots of other special little trinkets.

It was probably my very favorite part of the whole party.

Oh how we love this girl.

{littlemiss birthday girl}

{opening presents}

She has so much fun with the ribbons, bows and tissue paper.... it was a real treat when she realized that wasn't even the best part!!

"I can't believe this is all for me!!"

{littlemiss dolly}

The gift that I have been giddy about for months.

I had an amazingly talented friend of mine, Jessica, make Leah a special doll, just for her. And not only that, but a just-her-size apron to match. They turned out so darling and Leah LOVED them. She kept kissing her doll and giving her loves. This girl can melt my heart pretty quickly.

You can see more about her doll and all of the amazing details here.

Finally, it was time for "happy birthday" and cake!!

She couldn't stop smiling and loved everyone singing to her...

...and she was totally fascinated with the flaming candle.

{let her eat cake}

I have been pretty hardcore about what Leah has eaten her first year. I breastfed exclusively, never supplementing with formula, I made all of my own babyfood, never serving her anything processed and especially never giving her any sweets. And now here she was with an entire cake to have her way with.

She didn't know what to think at first, but loved sinking both her hands and feet into it. She loved her first few bites, but then sugar overload seemed to kick in pretty quick. I suppose it's bound to happen when squash is the sweetest thing you've ever had.

She was hysterical and messy and funny....

at least at first...

... but once she realized that she was tired of cake and the sticky mess and was just plain tired... the meltdown began.

Luckily... some mama snuggles and a quick warm bath helped calm her down...

...and some post-bath snuggles with her new little friend seemed to make it all better.

{the verdict}

Leah's First Birthday Bash was a total, smashing success!

{happy happy birthday, my darling}

***

Huge, gigantic thanks goes to my awesome and talented friend, Brandon, who I bribed (translation=grossly underpaid) to come and take pictures of her party. I ended up with 650 awesome & priceless pictures of a party that I had worked so hard on. I didn't pick up my camera once.... I just enjoyed making memories with my baby girl. Best decision I've ever made.

Thanks also to my parents and sister who helped me bake oodles of cookies and cupcakes and set up for and make this party happen.

Thanks to all of our amazing family and friends who came and showered us with love. Leah is so lucky to have you all in her life and so are we.

Thanks to CJ for humoring me and letting me go crazy to make this special. She's so lucky to have you for her daddy.

And thank you to my littlemiss for giving purpose to absolutely everything I do.

xox

The difference a year makes... and doesn't.

One year ago, I brought my new baby home from the hospital.
Today, we woke up at home and shared hot oatmeal and milk.

One year ago, I struggled to comfort a crying infant.
Today, I snuggled and wiped away tears from a toddler face that has been bonked.

One year ago, I struggled to breastfeed an infant and it made me emotional.
Today, I struggle to ween a toddler and it makes me just as emotional.

One year ago, I loved this baby girl with all my heart.
Today, I love her with a heart that is easily 3 1/2 times bigger.

One year ago, it was sunny and warm outside. We snuggled in front of a window with sunlight pouring in to help with borderline jaundiced baby.
Today, it is not sunny and warm. We snuggle in front of a window watching huge snowflakes fall and singing silly songs.

One year ago, I wore stretchy pants because that's all that fit.
Today, I wear stretchy pants so I can easily sit indian style on the floor to play games and puzzles and blocks. (and let's be honest... they still fit better than my skinnny jeans... even a year later)

One year ago, I was exhausted and overwhelmed after giving birth.
Today, I am exhausted after Leah's First Birthday Bash and overwhelmed by the love, support and wishes of our amazing family and friends. (*details & pictures of her darling party coming soon!)

One year ago, a group of my most favorite girls in the world brought dinner to us.
Today, I wonder what the heck we are going to eat for dinner.

One year ago, I was in panicked disbelief thinking that things seemed too good to be true.
Today, I am ridiculously humbled that things really are this good.

One year ago, I felt so lucky and blessed.
Today, I feel even luckier and more blessed than I ever thought possible!!

Leah's 12 month stats:

Height - 29.75 inches (75th percentile)

Weight - 19lbs 14oz (25th percentile)

Head Circumference - 47cm (90th percentile)

tall and skinny.

time to start introducing butter and fats.

lucky duck.

twelve.

one. whole. year.

On the day you were born, it was love at first sight.

I welcomed you, little one,and held you so tight.

My heart simply grew bigger in size,

the first time I looked into your sweet eyes.

Hope and happiness danced in the air.

Joy filled my heart and spread everywhere.

I made a promise to you on that very day.

This, my precious child, is what I had to say...

I'll cherish the things that are uniquely you-

Your talents, your hopes, and your wishes, too.

I'll rock you to sleep as I sing you a song.

I'll read you stories as you follow along.

I'll show you the beauty of the stars in the sky.

My love will be with you as the years go by.

I'll teach you to see life from different points of view,

And be there to help make your dreams come true.

The world became a more wonderful place,

The moment I saw your beautiful face.

Welcome, Little One.

-Sandra Magsamen, "Welcome, little one"

(one of our most favorite beloved story time books)

*****

This has been the greatest, most rewarding year of my life. Without question.

She is the sweetest thing I've ever known.

Happy Birthday Littlemiss Leah!

(12 month stats and birthday party details coming soon...)

Dear Littlemiss Leah...

My heart is overflowing with thoughts, emotions and gratitude as we embark upon another October Conference weekend. I can't help to think back to just one year ago, just before we finally got to meet you, back to a time that literally seems like a lifetime ago, and yet it's gone by in the blink of an eye. As I remember those feelings of anticipation, excitement, fear and anxiety, I remember a different person... someone I used to be. The truth is, having you in my life this past year and becoming a mother has enriched my life and my purpose so much that I don't even feel like the same person. I literally can't imagine my life any other way than being your mama, and yet only a year ago you were barely more than a little stranger occupying my body and giving me cankles.

Oh the things that I have learned through you in just a year. The joy that I have experienced. The ways in which I have grown. The unbelievable expansion of my heart and my ability to love. Nothing I have ever done in my life has been more worth it or more rewarding.

Thank you for letting me be your mama. Thank you for the open mouth abundance of kisses and loves. Thank you for the giggles and jokes we share. Thank you for the jabbery, elaborate stories you tell me throughout the day. Thank you for laying on my chest and letting me tickle your back when you are sleepy. Thank you for sitting at my feet and watching my every move when I get ready in the morning. Thank you for your sweet sounds and the lullabies that you sing to yourself when you are going to sleep and when you wake up again. Thank you for being such a great sleeper and sleeping through the night from the time you were just 2 months old. Thank you for being the best kitchen assistant that I could ever have. Thank you for loving to be outside and teaching me to enjoy life's simple pleasures. Thank you for the joy that you bring to everyone you meet. Thank you for the light and happiness you bring to my life. And most especially thank you for choosing me and making me a mama.

I love you littlemiss ellejay! More than you will ever know.

Mama

(PS... I can't wait to enjoy this conference weekend with you by my side as we bake and prepare for the best first birthday party ever. Way better than bedrest. Way, way, way better.)

xox

Deep in the ♥ of Texas

Another little C*K*J mini vacation that we've been looking forward to came and went in September (seriously... where has September even gone? How is it going to be October in a few days??)

This little mini vacation required our 2nd attempt at flying as a family of 3 and although she loved being at the airport, seeing all the people and watching all of the trucks and airplanes outside... she was less enthused with the actual flying part. My hopes of her slumbering blissfully all through the flight during morning naptime pretty much were just that... nothing more than hopes and dreams. She actually did pretty good.... but it was exhausting to keep her entertained and occupied in a tiny space for 3 hours straight. Luckily... we survived with no major meltdowns (for any of us).

We stayed right downtown in San Antonio, right on the riverwalk and loved every minute of the live music, boats, people, fun....

... and especially the food!!!
We {may or may not} have eaten out weight in mexican food and unbelievable bbq.

Littlemiss loved having downtime with both mama and daddy throughout the day, and she quickly realized that our bed away from home was waaayyyy better than hers. :)

Our hotel was right across the street from the Alamo, so of course we spent some time there as well. This year marks the 175th anniversary of the battle of the Alamo and there are regular celebrations going on commemorating it.

We spent the better part of one whole day just driving through San Antonio, while Chris reminisced and recounted some of his mission stories to us. We drove through lots of the areas that he served in, visited many of the old missions and even found a few of his old apartments.

It was crazy to see how badly they have been affected by the terrible drought that much of the south is experiencing. I have never seen anything like it.... city parks, golf courses and even cemeteries, dried up to just dirt. It was sad.

The only thing redeeming is that since there was not an ounce of moisture to be found anywhere, it wasn't humid like it normally is. Hot, yes, but humid, no.

We also drove up to the San Antonio Temple and wandered around the temple grounds. It is a beautiful temple, though even the temple grounds were not what we are used to seeing because of the drought.

We snuck a little bit of swimming in... which clearly LJ doesn't seem to enjoy at all... ;)

And then.... it was gameday!!

Although CJ has wanted to go back to San Antonio for quite some time now, this was the reason that we went this particular weekend...

BYU @ TEXAS

We drove to Austin... ate more mexican food, checked out the city and the state capitol, tried not to melt in the insane heat, prayed for the sun to go down and totally enjoyed the game... despite the loss. (it's been a bit of a rough start this season)

LJ was a trooper and loved the first half. However, her wheels started coming off in the 2nd half (much like the team's)... so she and I spent some quality time out laying on the grass and watching the jumbo tron. Finally... as we were making the hike back to the car, she decided to cave in and go to sleep.

And almost before we could blink our eyes....

we were back at the airport, ready to come home again.

And just like that, another successful threesome vacation is in the books!

Book Club... Mansion Style

Wanna know what's super awesome?

When one of your lifelong besties is the governor's daughter and Mom & Dad Herbert let you have Book Club at the Governor's Mansion and sit in the huge formal dining room and eat on fancy gold rimmed china with amazing pure silver chargers and silver goblets and use the state seal silverware and fancy pitchers. It was practically a "Real Housewives" Dinner Party.... minus all the booze and drama, of course.

Jeanette was kind enough to give us the official tour, plus the added bonus of a stroll through all of the private living quarters and out of the way places along with lots of great "haunted mansion" stories.

It was one of the most fun nights I've had in a while. These are my oldest and dearest friends and any night with them is one that I always look forward to...

especially when your hostess is the First Lady...

and Gov Gary!

(After a 14 hour day and finally being able to lounge on the couch in his pjs to enjoy the US Open... the Gov was kind enough to get dressed up again so we could get our official portrait taken.)


I don't care where you stand on political issues... I'm here to tell you that these are incredible, amazing, great people!!

Thanks again for a perfect night!!



(It's a bit of pressure to be the next to host... don't you think?)

eleven

eleven months old

the final month of her first year.

hard to believe.

It's true what everyone says, it really does get better with every stage. The only problem is how fast the next stage seems to come. I wish I could just slow things down and enjoy her for a little longer just exactly as she is right now. I'm not ready for her to not be a baby anymore. I'm not ready for a toddler yet. Even though I know she will be even cuter and more fun (duh), I just don't want her to grow up so fast.

She is getting such a little personality. She is sweet and social and fun and so very happy. She has definitely gotten a little more wary of people she doesn't know, but for the most part... she loves people, she loves being on the go and she's almost always content and smiley. And oh what a cute smile she has with her four little front teeth. I have been thinking for several weeks now that she may be getting more teeth... but so far, she has has the four.

She is getting more and more independent all the time. If she doesn't want to be held, there is no point in trying. She's way too strong. Gone are the days of snuggling her until she falls asleep in my arms. Don't get me wrong, she'll still sit on my lap and cuddle for story time and some songs, but when she's ready to sleep or she wants to get down.... she wins. She is great at jabbering herself to sleep and all she needs is her elle-elle-elephant. It's a little sad that she doesn't need me to sooth her to sleep anymore, but it's so nice to be able to just put her down and walk away.

She is still rocking the 7pm-7:30am schedule and it's awesome. She takes 2 good naps a day, both about an hour and a half... sometimes as long as 2+ hours in the morning. I'm going to be sad when she decides to give that morning nap up.

With her new found independence, she's not loving being contained in her jumper anymore. She wants to be right there with me, underfoot to "help" me with whatever I'm doing. We spend lots of time in the kitchen and if I give her some kitchen tools, she goes right to work...

...and she likes to lick her spoon just like mama!

She is a big fan of self-feeding and is actually really good at finger foods. She is eating lots of regular food now and if I cut things up into small bits, she does a pretty good job of doing it herself. However, I'm nowhere near letting her use a spoon yet. I'm not ready to wipe yogurt and applesauce off the walls.

She is a great eater and is especially loving cheese, yogurt, watermelon, peaches, sweet potatoes and zucchini these days. The only thing that we've yet to find that she doesn't like is oatmeal, salmon and green beans. Almost everything else that she's tried, she's wanted more off.... even pickles!


She is giddy about football season starting and Daddy has already been working to teach her the rah, rah, rah-rah-rah in the Cougar fight song.

Hopefully she'll get it down by next weekend, when this lucky littlemiss attends her first live football game... which will require an airplane ride and trip to Austin!
yippee.


Leah LOVES dogs. She goes crazy and gets so excited when she sees a dog... big or small it doesn't matter, as evidenced by this picture....

...you can tell that her arms and feet are swirling uber fast in pure delight. That's the way she shows us that she really, really loves something. It's actually one of my very most favorite things about her. I hope she never ever outgrows showing her excitement about simple things so freely.

Littlemiss Leah is learning how to get into trouble. She has been crawling for almost a month now and she has it down pretty good. She seems to goes straight for trouble any chance she can.

She's learned how to open her drawers and if I turn my back for long.... she's got them all emptied on the floor. Although a little frustrating, it's mostly adorable. At least for now... maybe in another month or two, not so much.

Leah has quickly learned no-no-no. The other morning as she was going for a wallflower in the outlet, I called her name to get her attention and she turned with a huge mischievous smile and started shaking her head back and forth as I said no-no-no. Now nearly every time she is going for something she shouldn't or if I tell her no, she shakes her head and smiles. Again, it's pretty dang cute right now, but might not be for very long.

She also waves hi and bye, does patty cake and jabbers almost non-stop. Her chatter is becoming much more conversational and context appropriate. She listens then answers and does that back and forth. She also has lots of gibberish that is starting to sound like the beginnings of real words. Anytime she hands me something, she mumbles gibberish with the perfect intonation of "here you go". It is so fun to see her learn so much so fast, although it also terrifies me.

She still absolutely loves music and waves her arms and bounces at the first sounds of a tune.

She is starting to realize her power and independence and we have began to experience the very beginnings of little tantrums if we take something away or if she is frustrated. She can get really mad, really fast and it's hard not to just give in to her... but we are all learning as we go and trying really hard not to do that.

She is definitely her mama's girl...

(and yes, it's empty)

Leah continues to teach me a whole new dimension of love. Throughout everysingle day, she does things that melt my heart, touch my soul and make me love her even more. I always knew that I wanted to be a mother in the worst way, but I never knew it would be this good.

I feel so lucky to be her mama!

Happy Eleven ElleJay!!

lately, around here, this summer...

we've been busy. doing nothing terribly significant. and loving every minute of it.

...{summer highlights include}...

Picnics. Lots of Saturday and Sunday afternoon picnics in the park. There is nothing better than a cool shady spot to waste away a summer afternoon, especially when Daddy can join us.

More summer evenings at the Deer Valley Music Festival. We've loved seeing the Utah Symphony perform up there along with some really incredible guest performers like Indina Menzel (who I just so happen to be obsessed with).

Leah totally loves it as much as CJ and I do, and I love exposing her to such great intelligent music.


Sno-Cones. What would summer be without sno-cones and slurpees, right? Leah is just as in love with her chewy straw and plain ice-flavored shaved ice as mama is with her beetlejuice!



Outdoor Cooking. Finally having a grill has been one of my favorite parts of summer this year. We've been loving cooking anything and everything outside. Steaks, chicken, salmon, pineapple, veggies, burgers and more. yummo.

Swimming. Lots of swimming. Usually until our piggies look like this....

Gardening. We have loved having a garden this year and have been devouring all of the fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, peppers and more. Leah got to pick the very first ripe tomato!

We've been putting our abundance of zucchinis to good use with treats for family and friends!

Family Time. Lots of it. Between swimming with cousins, playdates at Grandma's and a weekend family reunion in Idaho. We've spent lots of time lovin' on our families this summer.

Homemade Ice Cream. Oh my. Without a doubt, the best/worst thing that has happened to us in a long time. CJ's sister suprised us with an early birthday gift for Chris earlier this summer and we have done a bang-up job breaking it in. Lemon gelato, fresh peach, natural vanilla bean, rootbeer freezes, frozen raspberry lemonade. Oh and the salted caramel custard ice cream from last weekend might have changed my life. so.freaking.delicious.

Child-Proofing. The littlemiss is now fully mobile and on the move which means all kinds of annoying things... like child-lock gates with doors so skinny that it's nearly impossible to walk through with anything in your hands (like, oh um... a baby, or groceries.)

Good thing she's so ridiculously cute. It turns out she's totally worth it. Go figure.

Friends & Neighbors. Last night we closed down our entire street with barricades (and police approval) for a back to school street party. CJ was a large part of making this party happen and it was a huge success. There were ice cream cones, treats, waterballoons, a sidewalk chalk art gallery, wide open spaces for scooter, bike and big wheel races and loads of fun with some of our besties. We love our neighborhood so much.... for reasons exactly like this!! It was so fun to have so many out... from old to young, visiting, dancing, playing and running through the street without a care in the world. Lucky, lucky us!!

Although it's hard to believe (and a little sad) that summer is already drawing to a close and the kiddies are back in school... we have a few things that we're looking forward to as we prepare to usher in the cooler (I hope) days of fall...

Canyon Campfire. Next week's FHE with hot dogs, s'mores, roasted banana boats and all of our neighborhood besties.

Kindermusik Classes. We're scheduled to start her first class on September 16th and we are giddy with excitement. I'm pretty sure she is going to LOVE it. Music and being around other kiddos is right up this girl's alley!

Football Season. Another fun year is about to get underway. And thanks to Aunt JoJo, Leah is all set with her gear!

A Mini-Vacation. We're looking forward to a fun weekend trip to Daddy's old mission stomping grounds... and a football game to boot.

Birthday Girl. It's hard to believe that in less than 6 weeks, Littlemiss Leah will be a year old. Crazy and surreal. Plans for her birthday bash are well underway and we couldn't be more excited!

Creamery's almost closing. :)

Halloween and Leah's homegrown pumpkin. (it's so cute and starting to turn orange!) Oh and costume time.

And this little girl and her mama are both looking forward to sweater and boot season!!

or, even better... sweater boots.

♥

Laughing Leah

No one can make this girl laugh quite like her daddy can...

(and a bouncing pillow pet helps too!)

I especially love when she "timbers" backwards and just keeps laughing even harder.