Ayden, Ayden...What do you see?

"I see a party just for me!"  Brown Bear, Brown Bear is still one of my favorite children's books of all time. I still have memories of my kindergarten teacher reading this book to my class.  There are about 4-5 copies of this book floating around the Hammerick house...a well loved story around here. 

After reading Brown Bear to Ayden (almost every single night) I only thought it was fitting to make some more warm memories with a Brown Bear 1st Birthday for the cutest cub I know. 

The Brown Bear theme was not a very popular theme for a birthday party...so I found some images online and went to town with my birthday decoration make'n crafty self!

Ayden had the perfect party shirt!  I still can't believe he is a YEAR old!!!

 

  

Allie was also dressed in her Brown Bear finest!  Her matching dress is a classic!

Lots of bears, balloons and everything rainbow!!!  

Ayden's guests signed his Brown Bear birthday book and wrote a message to the birthday boy.  

The birthday table was filled with everything Brown Bear.  Brown Bear cookies, White Dog cupcakes, and Goldfish crackers...marshmallow pops and chocolates covered pretzels too!

I think my favorite part of all the party decor is Ayden's 12 month banner. I put all of his Sticky Belly pictures on it...it was sooooo cute!

Lots of Ayden's friends and family helped us celebrate Ayden's big day!  Austin, Carson, Lou, Addy, Brennan, Max, Ethan, Ainsley, Graham and Harrison.

Ayden refused to wear his birthday hat...but LOVED his cake!!!  Allie helped him blow out the candle. He took a little lick and went back for more...and more...and MORE!  Until he tried to dump it on the floor. 

Time for presents!!!  Lots of fun toys. clothes, bibs, books and soooo much more!!!  Ayden did pretty well opening his gifts. 

Ayden passed out a little bit of his Brown Bear book to his friends...rainbow paint, a rubber ducky, Brown Bear Teddy Grahams and Goldfish crackers.

It's hard to believe that exactly one year ago today, my little guy joined our family...and now we are celebrating his FIRST birthday!! This year flew by!  Don't blink because before I know it we will be celebrating double digits. 

I hope Ayden looks back at his first birthday photos and feels how much he is loved by his family and friends.  I hope he sees what a happy, silly, and sweet boy he is. Happy Birthday, my sweet AJ!

 

 

If you would like to purchase any Brown Bear party décor, go here...https://www.etsy.com/shop/MonicaDawnDesigns

Ayden is 1

One year ago this little man stole my heart.  We've had too many memories to count in these past 12 months.  Lots of snuggles, giggles, and open mouth kisses.  Late, late night and early morning chats.   Naps in the carrier, stroller walks to the park, and flights out of town.  We've shared some love and some tears too.  This year will be a time I will hold in my heart for many years to come.  Some 17 years from now...these moments will seem like yesterday....or an eternity ago.

This month Ayden has been a busy boy.  He's taking steps, climbing, and getting into everything.  Ayden learned how to say "Uh-oh!"  Ayden got his very first tooth!  Ayden loves to bang on things and play pretend telephone.  He also pretends to change the channel on the TV.  Ayden likes to open and close anything that has a door.  He loves to play outside and swing in the backyard.  Ayden will often point at something he wants.  He really loves to play in the fridge when the door is open.  Sometimes Ayden only takes one nap a day. Some of Ayden's favorite foods this month are oatmeal with brown sugar, applesauce, graham crackers and blueberries.

 

 

 

 



 

Slumber Party

Since having Allie, I've spent a night here and there away from home, away from Allie...but Todd was always home. Allie spent lots of nights away from Todd when he was in Boston...but I was always home with her. Allie has slept away from home when on vacation...but with Todd and I. However, last night was the first night Allie had her first sleepover away from home...at Nana's house.

Auntie Ellen and Nana graciously picked up Allie along with all her sleepover things...sleeping bag, tooth brush, pajamas, and tye dyed teddy bear. This was their big idea.

When Allie left for the night, there were no tears. She was excited as ever to be spending the night at Nan's house with her two buddies. 

Allie's first sleepover was a successful one...no SOS phone calls in the middle of the night for one of us to come and get Allie.  She had a blast and of course was spoiled rotten while she was there. Thanks, ladies for giving Allie a super fun, first slumber party. I think we will have to start taking more advantage of Nana on the weekend nights!  

Level 4...Here We Come!

I'm so proud of our little fish!  Allie is becoming very comfortable in the water. She is jumping in off of the side of the pool. She will go under on occasion. And she will do whatever super swim move her teacher asks her to do (as long as it's a female instructor...complete meltdown when there's a male substitute). Allie is on her way up to swim champion status.