Happy Birthday Reid

Happy Birthday baby Reid!!!  You are a whole one finger old!!

A year ago today I was waiting in pre-op scared to death of coughing (due to a cold) during my c-section.  A huge coughing attach right before we headed back made me even more anxious.  Don't worry....the doctors assured me they could 'hit a moving target' and 'it wouldn't hurt them'.  After the jokes were all done...I have to say everyone was so sweet and really helped me relax.  I think they could tell i was a bit nervous...even though it was my third c-section.  No matter how many times you go through it, you can't help but be anxious, nervous, excited and literally jumping out of your skin to meet you new precious baby.  The baby you have been carrying around and nurturing inside of you for 9 months.  I look back to November 18th, May 14th and August 31st with such great memories...I just wish I could re-live those days and soak up every sweet moment with my little newborns.  I would re-live each and every ache of pregnancy in a minute if I could!!  (yes...I know I'm crazy!)

But...with the end of one phase comes another new and exciting phase.  So while I'm sad my little baby is no longer an infant....I am so happy and proud of the little boy he is becoming.  So tender and sweet...so laid back and welcomes snuggles at any time...and sooooo wanting to do everything his big brothers do.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY REID!!!  You make us so happy and we all have so much fun with you each and every day.  You're started a new year with lighter hair, 5 teeth, brownish/grey eyes and a smile that can make anyone happy.  You are walking more and more every day...soon we'll literally be chasing you around the house!  Love you so much little bug!

Happy Tuesday

I came across a picture on my computer today...one that Justin sent me while I was working late one night.  Is there anything cuter!?  This pretty much sums up what Reid is up to these days.  Keeping busy and trying to get into any cabinet he can.

So here's a little picture to brighten your Tuesday! Enjoy!

Let's Eat Cheerios!!

Party planning for Reid's 1st birthday had been underway for some time...woo hoo!!  The planner in me is always searching for birthday themes and the minute I saw cheerios on the internet the decision was made.  It's his favorite food...why not be his birthday theme! 

The first 'to-do' was to get the perfect invitation for my cutie...so into a bowl of cheerios he went!  Obviously he loved having access to all those cheerios, but a word to the wise...make your photo shoot quick!  The cheerios won't stay dry and fresh that long, if you know what I mean :)  Heather Beck was spot on with perfect invitations as always!  She will even put an inspiration board together so you can see your whole vision in one place.  Awesome!  Give her a call for your next event and don't forget to tell her I sent you :) 

Why do I like birthday parties? (and any party really)  For many reasons...but most of all because our daily lives are so busy and often our attention is switching from boy to boy so quickly and hardly landing on any one of them for all too long.  Birthdays are a special time we get to focus on the birthday boy and make it all about them.  Whether the party is big or small doesn't matter...it's just a time to celebrate their life, the past year and the year to come.  We aren't promised tomorrow, so I want to make sure I celebrate them as much as I can.  So while I love making over them on their birthdays and other days throughout the year...with boys, I know my years for cute parties are limited...so for now I'll do it up 'Rachel style'.

Race Car Birthday

I realize this is soooo late...but life happens and I'm okay with that.  But my motto...better late than never!!  And since we put so much work into the party...we couldn't NOT blog about it!

4 years old!  We're not sure where the time went...but sure enough my little Max is growing up.  True...he's still my 'little' Max but he's maturing and growing into a little boy instead of a cutesy toddler.  Aside from his hilarious personality he LOVES puzzles and will stay focused on them until he completes each piece.  I think that's a huge task for a busy little boy and puzzles are the one thing that really interest him.  He does love us (or Aiden) to read to him which is awesome!  And he really has an interest in nature and gets upset when he sees litter on the ground.  He tells me that God gets mad when people make His work junky.  I think that says a lot about who Max is...that he cares about things other than himself at such a young age.  I can only hope it continues.  And I can't forget about how he has taken to being a big brother.  True...we've had our share of accidents because he didn't understand what Reid can/can't do...but you tell Max once and he doesn't forget.  He wants to make sure Reid stays safe and sound.

I can't wait to see who Max becomes as he gets older.  He's stubborn as all get out...but so funny and sweet at the same time.  One thing is for sure...it will be interesting to watch him grow into his own.  As of now, his plans are to become a race car driver and "be on TV with his brother" (who also wants to be a race car driver).  We'll see!  As for now...he just loves having fun and he did just that at his race car birthday party.  Enjoy the pics!!  Happy Birthday Max!!

 Each child got to paint their very own race care to take home and race...

 And you can't have a race car party without a real live race!  The kids loved it!

 With such a hot day...the kids enjoyed "Max's Kool-ant".  I love doing all these little detail!

 Cute invitations from Heather Beck at www.heatherbeckandco.com .  Thanks Heather for always coming through with awesome invitations!

 Favors of race car crayons.  Simple to do...melt down used or new crayons and pour them into candy molds.  You can make them for any occasion!  Don't you just love pinterest ideas!!

We have a ton of pics...but I figured I should try not to bore you all :)  Especially since I'm so late in my post.  Have a great day!