Happy Birthday, Mary Grace!

Mary turns One today! I can't believe it. It was really eery yesterday, the weather was exactly like it was the day Mary was born, and it was a Sunday too. I remember so clearly sitting on the patio in the backyard, laboring in the shade while I watched the trees sway in the breeze. I finally get why people do home births. I could have had her in our backyard, it was so relaxing and peaceful. Her birth ended up being a bit traumatic. Apparently I enjoyed the backyard a little too long, we arrived at the hospital too late for an epidural and I wasn't prepared for a natural delivery. I won't make that mistake again, I'll be expecting the unexpected next time. Anyway, I really don't know where the time goes. I feel like I was just holding a newborn, now I have this sweet, cuddly little mama's girl to cherish instead. This past year has been amazing, especially watching Nathaniel grow into such a great big brother and observing the two of them interact. They love each other to pieces, which just makes me so happy!

To celebrate, take a look at her monthly bunny pics!

Party Girl

Mary's first birthday party was yesterday. We had lots of family fun in the backyard. The weather was very cooperative... we had thunderstorms in the morning, but it cleared up in time for the set up and the party, and then started pouring rain just as the last guests were leaving! It was an extra special party because we actually had two birthday girls! Yesterday was Auntie Colleen's 24th birthday. (Mary's actual birthday is tomorrow.)

The decorations, punch & cake:

The Birthday Girls!

Too many camera flashes!

Party Guests:

Daddy entertaining the kids:

The Food!

Eating dinner:

Opening presents! Mary got a lot of really pretty clothes, a tea set, a few stuffed animals, a couple of dolls, and some books. We got the first huge smiles of the day when she opened up her new doll:

The cakes:

Mary eating her first birthday cake. She didn't know what to do with it and didn't like it at all!

Nathaniel, do you know what to do with this?

Oh yuck, I got it on my hand!

Seriously, someone help me get this off!

I don't have to finish this whole thing, do I?

Yay for girly toys in the house!

Room For Two

Amidst the normal sibling squabbles, Nathaniel really loves that Mary is finally at an age to be his little playmate in some activities. And Mary LOVES feeling like a big girl and getting to do the things Nathaniel does. The number one favorite activity they like to do together: ride in the Cozy Coupe! There is not really enough room for their two little bottoms, but Nathaniel doesn't mind sort of hanging off the edge and trying to pedal the two of them all around the yard. I wonder if they make a Cozy Van for any younger siblings to tag along in the future? (And no, this isn't an announcement!)

First Swim

We just got back from a trip up north to Duluth, MN. I have more pictures than I know what to do with, so you will be getting them in installments! While we were there Mary went swimming for the very first time. She was not a fan! The hotel pool was actually quite warm for pool standards, but she shivered the whole time and didn't crack one smile. I was surprised, she usually loves her baths so I thought she'd love swimming just as much as her big brother.

Daddy and Nathaniel are excited for Mary to come swimming!

This is a LOT colder than my bath!

Splashing doesn't make this any warmer, Nathaniel!

Swirling around in the water with Daddy doesn't make it any warmer, either.

I am NOT going to smile at the camera, Mommy. I'm going to clutch Daddy's arm and shiver.

Where's the hot tub, Mommy?

First Pony

Ponytail that is!

Daddy's Day

Just your normal average Daddy pile on Father's Day:

And a couple of other pics taken recently of Jeff with the kids. Daddy kisses always make it better:

This is a picture of Nathaniel's second time fishing. Earlier that day he fished for his first time and caught two sunfish! Mommy was super disappointed she wasn't there to capture the momentous occasion on camera.

Happy Father's day, Daddy!

Pucker Up!

Mary loves crawling over to the full length mirror we have hanging in the guest bedroom and talking and giggling to herself. These are the pictures I got when I asked her to give the baby in the mirror a kiss!