Growing Up Gax: Party Time!

This weekend was the long-awaited birthday weekend for Z. Nick's parents, sister, and brother in-law came into town and stayed at our house, which we prepared all week long. It was a great excuse to straighten up, hang pictures, and continue our settling in process. We all enjoyed having our house full, and for once everyone was comfortable and had a place to sleep! Thursday night we stayed in, ate, and watched a movie downstairs. It was so fun and relaxing and great to catch up. Friday, Z had his 1 year check-up, where we had to wait for one hour to see the doctor. He was so well-behaved it was a little ridiculous. Of course, I had plenty of snacks and milk to keep him occupied. Everything went well. He got his Prevnar, Varicella, and flu shots. He weighed 19 lbs. 11 oz. (10%) and was 29 and 1/2 inches long (50%). My doctor was not too concerned about the weight thing because he has been on the smaller side for the past 6 months or so. Anyway, everything else was good. He's been on whole milk and a sippy cup for about 2 weeks, and hasn't breastfed in over a week. I'd say those are some major accomplishments for both him and me! While the guys were putting out small fires all over the house, we were getting ready for the party, then we all took a break and had some barbecue. Then, the gang went for a walk around the neighborhood. The weather was gorgeous!

Z got his first gift (from his nana and tata) that day, which was a playhouse. Uncle John put it together for him, and he loved it. Based on Amira's affection for it, I think he will be playing with that one for a few years to come!

I was so excited Friday I could hardly sleep! Saturday came around, and we spent the morning decorating, then Nick and I went to pick up cake and balloons and the rest of the fam finished up the decorations. Everything looked great!

Z was asleep during the first hour of the party, which was good, because it was kinda chaotic. He was a little shell shocked at first, but then he let everybody pass him around and really enjoyed the attention.

We decided to eat cake on our screened in porch, and the same thing happened. He was really quiet at the beginning and while everybody was singing, but then he began cheering, clapping, dancing, and most of all chowing on the cake. Hearing everybody sing happy birthday to our little man made me a little emotional I have to admit, but it was wonderful to see him so happy! I had to get him started on the cake, but once I did, he didn't have to be convinced to eat it up!