Look at that head of sweet curls. We were all feeling sick after Memorial Day so I stayed home and got lots of cuddles in with Emmalyn.
Here's her napping. I can't get enough of the cuddles.
Hanging around watching TV because when she was awake, she didn't have much energy.
Later that evening she started playing a little. She "read" me some books.
But a little bit of play and she was tired again. :(
While it's sad she didn't feel well, it's not often you get a day filled with cuddles from a 2 year old.
Last day of preschool!!
He added in a drawing of himself on the chalkboard (top right hand corner. Sort of hard to see)
I got to go to the end of school party in Maxwell's class. I will miss these kids. It's been fun being able to be a part of reading to them regularly, helping with their class parties, and seeing them at parties.
Clockwise from bottom:
Avis, Joshua V, Preston, Hailey, Joshua K, Maxwell, Jacek
Maxwell says that Joshua (Maxwell also calls him JK) is his "BFF" and says they are going to get married. I told him they don't have to be married to be friends forever.
Group picture but Max and JK hadn't finished their snacks yet
I'm so sad that Maxwell isn't going to see all his buddies every day anymore. None of them are going to the same school and live across the city. :(
Helpful big guy helping clean up after the party
Our favorite - Ms. Cynthia. We had no idea what a smart decision we made when we chose to be in her class 2 years ago. Maxwell has thrived and progressed so much. Maxwell loves learning and being challenged. She has continued to foster that. We are so grateful for her!
I couldn't bear to fully cut him off from school so I am going to keep him in school about every 2 weeks
We wrapped up the day by splashing in rain puddles.
Oh man. Another first birthday party to throw. So stressful but I feel like I had it much more under control this time and kept the party pretty simple plus I had lots of help from Tida/Jason, Brittany, and Peter (and Max).
The invitation
Maxwell was a big helper. He helped me load up the snack cones.
The table's almost ready to go
Tida
Silly boy - excited for the party
I was happy with how the poms turned out
The stage was set for the main event - Emmalyn enjoying her cake
The amazingly adorable cake Chef Tida make (and Emmalyn's smash cake)
The elephant from behind. It was really amazing.
Self inflating balloon party favors
The one activity - a pinata with some gift bags for the bounty
Even the kids table in the dining room was decorated
I made the letters for Emmalyn just like I've been doing for Max. We were going to put balloons outside but it was too windy.
Matching Momma and Emmalyn
Pretty girl all ready for the party
Party dress
The kids had fun hanging out in the media room
Tida, Maxwel, Avery, Landen, and Owen
The final table - popcorn, chips, graham crackers, goldfish, animal cracker, veggies and dip, mini corn dogs, creamcheese dip and crackers, chicken salad croissants.
Close up on the cake I was so incredibly impressed with what Tida created. I just gave her one of the napkins and this is what she brought. I am so lucky to have such a talented and generous friend. This cake was created by a celebrity chef and was certainly the centerpiece of the party. Seriously, check her out her business here. It's been really fun to have been her friend back at CROSSMARK and then see her take on this totally new adventure.
Excited to be sung to
Emmalyn seemed a little congested and fussy but it never occurred to me that she was sick. However, in looking back at these pics, I can totally see that she is.
Maxwell helping her blow out the candle
Mom taking off a little fondant so she can get to the cake
All it took was one little taste and she was off...
My two great kids
Party attendees included the Mary Ann, Chris, and Jared, Melissa/Clint and their family, Jessica/Justin and M, Jake, Andrea, S and C, Karen and L from next door
Tida and Jason
Emmalyn really liked her cake
All done!
Messy girl
Washing it all down
Quick clean up in the sink so the birthday girl could get back to her party
Max entertaining the guests by showing them how he plays on his ipad (ha!)
M, Jessica, and A
S, O, Hayden
All lined up for the pinata - it was a pull string pinata rather than a hit-with-a-bat pinata
Maxwell
A
L
M
Landen
S
O
H
...And the pinata burst open!
Scramble for the goodies (don't tell anyone but I used some of last year's Halloween candy along with stickers)
Good stash, Max!
Making the balloons inflate
She was spoiled with lots of presents
C and Emmalyn (He's 2 months older than her but so much bigger!)
Enjoying all the friends and family
Maxwell loves Mr. Chris
Sweet girl - - -after this I put her down for a nap (before her party was even over...she was just so tired)
...Later we got around to opening presents while Brittany and her family were still there
Later that day she quickly went downhill. Only a sick Emmalyn would cuddle on her daddy like this. Normally, she wouldn't hold still long enough.
So sweet and yet so sick. :(
I felt awful when I realized I had all those people over and exposed them to a sick kid. Luckily I don't think anyone caught it.
The pretty flowers we picked out. I was really happy with how my arranging turned out.
The cakes and the inspiration napkin
The cake was delicious (I received messages from a few guests offering to take any extras off my hands).
Happy First Birthday Emmalyn!
The collage I made with pics from each month of her life. Notice I didn't do it by hand like last time.
Video - Even though she didn't feel great, it was a beautiful day and we wanted to go outside so we went on a walk with her new bike. She LOVED it.
Wife, Mom, and Career Woman. Trying to succeed at all three. Enjoy cruising, time with friends and family, and sleeping. Busy life doesn't leave time for as much fun as in the past but that's okay, it's still a good life.
