Happy Birthday Oliver!

So one year ago today, just about at this very moment, my little man was born. It was such an awesome experience. The day before, I had a doctor's appointment, where my doctor told me it could be two more weeks. That evening, we had our last birthing class. When we headed to bed around 11, we had high hopes that he would be born soon. At 3:47 am, I woke up because my water broke. I didn't know what to do. I called my doctor who said I could just wait until 8 to come in. (haha!-I starting pushing at 8.) Fifteen minutes later when the toe curling, hair spiking contractions started, we got it together and headed to the hospital. we arrived around 6 am.

My nurse told me to just settle down. She was a large woman and scared me half to death. I

was thankful when the shift changed the next hour. The labor went fast and hard. By 8 am, I was pushing. About 45 minutes in, when I thought I couldn't push anymore, my charming husband told me not to worry say, "You've already pushed for 45 minutes. Look at it this way, you won't push for another 45." Evidentally, something inside me must not do what people say. So instead, I pushed for a little over 2 more hours! Urgh!

But at 10:51, I pushed for the last time. As I felt him come out, Bob was talking to me. I said, "What is it?"

Bob looked down, got they most amazing, ecstatic look on his face and yelled, "It's a boy! It's a boy!" as he hit me on the arm. The doctor handed him to me. Bob gently whispered Ollie's name into his ear and said a prayer. It was truly a remarkable moment.

I thank God for my son every single day. It is amazing that the Lord trusts us with such a marvelous creation. He really does make everything glorious.

I thank you Father for the gift of life you granted us one year ago. He is an amazing little boy who brings us so much joy. Please bless him Lord. Raise him up to love you and serve all the days of his life. Please grant us wisdom and grace as we attempt to raise him up to be the man of God you desire him to be. We love you Lord!

Amen

Okay, so just a bit more to add. Here is a picture when he came home from the hospital, one at 6 months

and one today. LOL!

Ollie has a big time!

On Saturday, Lindsey came over & we spent the whole day prepping for Ollie's birthday party.



Ollie got to spend the day with his daddy. He was chased, tickled & swung around. He was read to & cuddled but sometimes Ollie wants mom so I took a break & we had some flour fun.








After the flour, Ollie was a mess! Lucky for me, it was raining so out we went. He loved the ran & I even taught him how to splash in mud puddles! Yay for Ollie!











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A Very Hungry Caterpillar Party

Ollie had his birthday party today. it was so much fun! We had 10 adults and 5 kids here for the caterpillar extravaganza. We started by making Caterpillar tiles. The kids used their finger prints to make the caterpillars. After the craft, we ate and just enjoyed visiting.

Our food consisted of ham and turkey sandwiches, pasta salad, lettuce salad, strawberries, watermelon, and cheese. I picked something really easy because I didn't want to fuss while people were here. Also, I thought the food matched the theme. The pasta I used was tri-color rotini which looks like caterpillars. In the book, the caterpillar eats watermelon, strawberries, cheese and leafs (lettuce salad). As always, I made way too much food so we will be reaping the benefits for many days!


My cake was made of cupcakes and one round cake. I used regular old cake mix because again I wanted no fuss. I even bought the frosting and dyed in green! The head of the caterpillar, however was much more difficult! I first frosted it with regular icing. Then I made fondant. If you have never made fondant, you really must try it. It is fantastically fun to make. However, I do not advise making it for your baby's first birthday when you have decided it will all be perfect. I also do NOT advise making it red on your try unless you buy a gallon and a half of red food coloring. I did not have enough red food dye. As a matter of fact, I ran out when it was still pink and it was storming to beat heck outside so a little cheating and viola! It is red. Yes. I am THAT mom; I painted (well my friend Lindsey) painted the head red!


We enjoyed the cake nonetheless. We did not eat the head! Ollie loved the cake. He sat and said, "mmm. numm. numm." It was so cute. He even reached into his bib to get more cake. LOL He was a green mess!


After cake, he opened gifts. The crazy straws I put in the goody bags were a big distraction. when that disappeared, it went much better. He thoroughly enjoyed ripping the paper off the gifts. He received many new books and toys. Thanks friends!

We had a great time. All of the hard work was so worth it. I will remember his first party forever!

Even Lyle had fun!

Prepping for a party!

The big Hungry Caterpillar party is tomorrow! I've finished the quilt,




And made a sign.



The balloons are out & goody bags loaded!




The party clothes are ready...



but the baby's asleep!




So until tomorrow...
Goodnight!



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Wordless Wednesday

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Nana threw Ollie a party

While we were home, Nana (bob's mom) threw Ollie a spongebob party. It was so nice. We had burgers, chips & an array of salads, as well as cake & ice cream. The birthday boy was a bit baffled by the birthday song! Eventually, he began rubbing his lips to make a " babababa" sound along with the music. It was a really fun night. Thanks nana!












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More pics

Here are more pics from MN. I'll probably make a video because I have so many to share but here's a few to tide you over!














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Fun, fun, fun!

We had a fabulous time in Minnesota. Ollie enjoyed a great deal of fun with Bop-pa, Grams, Auntie Jade, Uncle Kurt & the cousins. We had a graduation (more on that later), a graduation party, family pics, a lunch date with GG and a day at the aquatic park. Here are some pictures.














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