Sunday, January 15, 2012

A Trip 'Round The Sun

A whole year?! Could it be? As Amos said the other night, "Well, that was the fastest year of my life." People say to you when your pregnant that once your children are born life seems to speed up, and while it sounded like a cliche at the time, now I couldn't agree more. One of the unexpected upsides to this year going by so quickly is that another year of graduate school has flown by! School, for me, sometimes has the tendency to feel like it will never end, but caught up in the day to day, in the moment, wonder of June Apple, the days just go by, and somehow, the work gets done, the classes get taken, and the drudgery of it all seems to be nonexistent and more manageable.


June Apple's birthday was spent wearing her birthday crown, eating waffles and eggs,  grocery shopping with Mama and Papa and enjoying Indian cuisine. A laid back Sunday with our laid back, one-year old. Amos and I have decided to start a tradition of writing Miss June birthday letters (or comic strips, depending on how the mood strikes us) every year, allowing us each to reflect on the past year and all of her glory. I was thinking that we would hold onto the letters and give them to her to read on her 18th birthday, but then I decided that was a stupid idea. She should be able to read them right now, so she knows right away, and has written proof, of what a fantastic gal she is. Oh, and we are going to hand write these letters, because truthfully, how long is this whole computer/internet fad really going to last?


So here we are and here she is. 4 teeth, crazy hair, crawling like lightening and cruising around the furniture. Favorite words include: Papa, puppy, baby, bye-bye. Nonexistent word: Mama. In fact, she points to me with great glee and says proudly, "Papa!" Amos appears smug.


June Apple Likes                                                                 June Apple Dislikes
Animals                                                                               Cat scratches
Hanging out in the Moby wrap                                          Hanging out in her car seat
Eating at the All You Can Eat Boob Cafe                          When the manager tells her the Cafe is closed
Bath time                                                                            Nap time
Dixieland jazz                                                                     Partisan bickering

So Happy Birthday, Buggy. Our Squirrel Girl.  Cheers to an excellent year, well-lived!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Party time! Excellent!

We had a wonderful time celebrating June Apple's birthday, albeit one week early. We invited all the friends and family who have done so very much for us this past year. Before June was born, I didn't really *get* 1st birthday parties. I didn't get what the big deal was. But then I had a child and realized not only is your child's first birthday a celebration of the first year of life, but also a celebration for parents who have survived their first year as parents. What a year its been, one which we couldn't have enjoyed as much as we did were it not for the INCREDIBLE support of our friends and family. So many of our friends have babysat for June, while I was in class and Amos had a gig. So many people showered us with love, and baby clothes, and diapers, and encouragement. There must have been nearly 40 people at the party (!) and each and every one of them has played a role in making our lives full and wonderful. And for them, I am grateful. I hoped they liked the cake.

















Friday, January 6, 2012

Birthday preparations

I have been quite the busy bee preparing for June Apples 1st (!) birthday party. Its a good thing I haven't had classes, as I have been up late every night this week. When trying to think of how I want to celebrate her special day, I decided I would make some things that we can use every year. For her birthday bunting, I made a banner that can be used for all of our birthdays, and then a special one just for her. Plus, I got to use the awesome dye cutter at school to make the letters. I used fabric from her quilt along with some new fabric I picked up. And then there was her birthday crown. I have several friends who have made these for their children, and its a sweet tradition I am excited to start. She'll get to wear it every year and I will add a button every year to mark how old she is. The crown was made out of wool felt. Both the buntings and the crown were a lot of fun to make, as I reflected on what a year its been and what a treasure she is. Here are some pictures of my projects in progress:

 
 June picks out her favorite material for the projects
 Bunting
 Crown
Fun with the dye cutter!

Stay tuned for pics from the party!