We had a 2nd birthday party for friends and family the weekend after Nathan’s birthday. Why in the world do I decide to have parties when I don’t actually like throwing them?

This is why:

(Perhaps you remember some of these babies?)

And this:

And definitely because of this:

My grandmother (GiGi) came to visit for the party from Dallas, which was really special. I am so grateful for the time that she and Nathan have been able to spend together and I hope there is much more to come.

More party photos here.

We had a fun time celebrating Nathan’s 2nd Birthday. It was unfortunate we had to work that day, but I picked Nathan up a little early from daycare so we got some extra time to play outside in the afternoon. Then Oma came over for a pizza dinner and ice cream cake dessert. Yum!

We talked to Nathan about how he was turning 2 before the big day. For a few days when we asked how old he was going to be we got an answer like “7″, but by his birthday, he knew he was 2 and was pretty proud to tell you when you asked.

Profile of a 2 year old (the morning of his birthday.)

Blowing out candles. (I really need to cut my face out of that!)

Digging in.

(Please excuse Nathan’s red and slightly swollen face. Poor kid got hit pretty hard with allergies that week, but it’s gotten better since.)

Nathan & Oma.

Family Shot.

More pictures here.

(Birthday Party post to follow!)

The weekend after Nathan’s first birthday we had a small party to celebrate. The timing worked out perfectly, so my brother was already on the east coast and could come visit, as well as my grandmother, mom and her fiance, Bob.
Gary’s mom graciously hosted the party (thank goodness because it took SO much potential stress away from me), and it all turned out great.

I think Nathan had a great time. He played on the floor with the other babies that were there, helped open presents, and ate lots of junk food, including a good bit of his cake!

Here are the other mommies and babies that came.

And some of the family

There are a TON of pictures here. Between the three camera’s going, we really got a lot.

Thanks to everyone for coming and for the awesome presents. Now Nathan has lots of great toys and a stylish summer wardrobe too!

Nathan!! Wow. Where’s the last year gone??

We celebrated Nathan’s birthday Monday night with cake, presents and Oma. This weekend my family comes in to town and we’re having a party (with more cake and presents! Yay!)

Loved his new tunnel and first Tonka Truck

Mmmmm…

Chocolate Cake sure makes a boy thristy!

And a little dirty….

It’s a little unbelievable to me that we have a one year old. I miss the little baby from a year ago, but I wouldn’t trade this age for anything. Everyday is a new challenge, such as the current fun of how to get him to eat fruits and vegetables. But, all the babbling and sharing and laughing is wonderful. And every time he does something new (like stand unsupported, or take a few steps without help), and Gary and I look at each other in amazement, like “did he just do what we think he did??”, it’s such a great feeling! Noticing how he’s starting to understand and respond to us when we say things to him is really neat too.

Happy First Birthday Nathan!