Milo V.S. The Birthday Cake

Thanks to Jess for the awesome cake.

The thrilling conclusion.

One Year

Over two thousand bottles drank and diapers changed.
At least 285 runs of the dishwasher.
More then 350 little tubs and jars of baby food.
Over 60 loads of tiny laundry.
About 14 pounds for Milo's gain and 30 pounds for Mommy's loss.
Countless hours of lost sleep.
Dozens of tears.
A million smiles.
One little boy
in
One year.

Milo's Party

We celebrated Milo's 1st birthday with about 30 people Saturday at the park.
You know people love you when they will come out in the spitting rain and blustery wind to talk, eat and celebrate the birth of your child. I was so grateful to spend the afternoon with so many good friends! Pictured here is Jen and Louis with their small bundle. They gave Milo many wonderful gifts, but Louis also took some amazing pictures that I will always treasure- here are a couple...

This lovely lady is my friend Jess who does so much for us! She came early to help us set up and baked Milo his own special cake (more pictures later). Also, Milo loves her and will always go to her which is a blessing to me and my arms.
This is my buddy Celeste and her Mom, Sue. How sweet is this picture?

Saturday in the Park

Lyman's friend Ariel finally met Milo. She has sent so many cute clothes all year, and I think they hit it off!
Quinn, Vanya and Lucas joined us for the day.
Brett and Amy were happy party goers. Happy Birthday to Amy who had her own big girl party that evening.
It would not have been a party without Cory and Pasta.
Here is a rare moment of Milo sitting and smiling that day. I don't know if it was the cold wind or the many faces, but Milo was not in the social mood. He wanted to be held all day, but just by Mommy, Daddy or Jessica. When he was passed out asleep, I handed him to Amy for a while so I could eat some cake, but that was it. I brought his travel high chair totally planning for him to sit, eat hot dogs and make a mess of cake, but it didn't happen. With the fierce wind, we didn't even try to open all the gifts. You know first birthdays. They don't even know it's for them. It's for us! A few guests really caught that spirit. Lyman and I were given two bottles of champagne to celebrate our parenting accomplishments this year. Cheers!

Party Friends

Our friends were all smiles despite the inclimate weather. Here are Joey, Vinnie, Ron and Jacqueline.
Brandon is enjoying his piece of cake.
Josh and Nick say Happy Birthday!
Lyman did an excellent job with all the food! There were dogs and brats on the grill, baked beans, chipotle salsa with chips. The food must have been good; there wasn't much left over.
Yessi and Ron huddled for warmth too as they celebrated with us.

After the Party

The first thing we did when we got home was snuggle into our warm pj's, and I ordered a huge, comforting pizza. After our bellies were full and our feet were warm, we dove into the gifts! Oh, the gifts. There were so many wonderful prizes for Milo! He has a whole new spring wardrobe, several new books, a music CD, and lots of fun toys ranging from soft, sweet stuffed toys to blinking, beeping, musical fun. After such a full, busy day, neither of us wanted to give Milo a bath, so we skipped the first piece of cake. That's ok; we'll just have more birthday fun later.

Ear Tubes

Today Milo had tubes inserted into both ears. It was like we hoped it would be- no big deal. The biggest drag was he couldn't eat 12 hours before the surgery, and, last night, he was hungry. I guess. I'm only guessing he was hungry becasue everything else I tried from 12 midnight to 6 am didn't work. I figured he'd go to the outpatient surgery center and be a ravenous monster, but he put on a smile that charmed the whole place. About an hour later with a belly full of formula, we left. He has been his ol self all day. I am so relieved everything went well, and hopeful about his future ear health. Thanks to all of you who wished us well and prayed or thought of us today.

First Shower

Milo had his first shower this week after a particularly exposive poopy diaper (up to his armpits!) The best solution was to just hose him down. As you can see, he didn't mind at all!

Mr. Adventure

You have got to be kidding me!

Just when you think you're done- more puke! Milo woke up happily, and I scooped him out of his crib without a glance. I thought it was weird when he didn't want much of his morning bottle, but he was in a good mood. Then came morning nap time; when I went to lay him in his crib, I saw the mess from the night before! Yuck! From there followed a 103.5 temp, more puke in crib, much diahrrea... you all know the drill. No pictures were taken to document this time in our life. It's not all bad. I love when Milo just wants to snuggle in for a cuddle, and, if it takes a fever, I guess there's a silver lining.

Week in Review

What a week! The fun started last Friday when Milo spiked a 104 temp. Thankfully, Lyman planned to keep him home that day, and they were able to get an AM doctor appointment. The doctor said it was a virus. She explained that the kids were vaccinated with last years flu strand, but it mutated, so a lot of kids were sick.

Saturday he was still hot, but we had some fun company from Jessica who came bearing many, many fun new toys to liven Milo's spirits. Thanks Jess!

Superbowl Sunday we had to cancel our other playdate since the friends were much younger. We could trust Jessica not to put anything Milo touched in her mouth, but not the others! It was a downer to watch such an incredibly inspirational game (boy did I want the Pats to loose and their sore looser coach) without a crowd, but we managed to have a good time with our hot, fussy, gassy baby.

Monday and Tuesday brought Milo's temp. down, but he was up most of the night crying. It was like he was one month old again! The difference is, I didn't have to work when he was a month old. So, Monday, I came home early from work and Tuesday (super, duper Tuesday) I went in late after family voting. The other crazy thing was a rash that broke out Monday and faded Wednesday. The doctor said there was no concern if he was fever free with the rash. Many have suggested to me since that perhaps he had roseola (or something) which correlates with his coming on one year. Whatever you call it, it's gone now, thank goodness, and Milo was back in daycare by Thursday and sleeping 11 hours at night again- what an angel.

Super Tuesday

Change is coming and Milo wanted in on the action: