Malia’s 1st Birthday Party

As most know, our family does not hold back when it comes to 1st birthday parties.  There were almost 100 people at Jackson’s birthday – so we knew we had to give Malia the same treatment as we don’t ever want her to think she was 2nd best. 

We pulled out all the stops on her party and themed it, “Little Miss Sunshine”.  From the help of my sister-in-law, Leina, Mother-in-law and cousin-in-law, Lea – we transformed an old rustic banquet hall into a room bursting with sunshine. 

The whole family pitched in with making the food and the decorations and I am still in awe of how it all came together. From the spectacular weather, decor, the food, and the live music of Malia’s Papa  - the party was absolutely PERFECT!

I have to give a HUGE, GINORMOUS shout-out to my cousin-in-law Lea – she pretty much was my right hand man when it came to Malia’s party. With Shane out of town on business the week leading up to the party, Lea helped me pick the flowers, decorate the hall, grocery shop for ALL the food and beverages and then helped me execute EVERY SINGLE LAST touch of the party – Lea – you are so amazing, and I love you SO much! I am so thankful for this time we shared together!!!

Another huge shout out to my Sisters-in-law Leina & Alicia – GREAT idea on the clown – that lady was AMAZING and so worth it – the kids LOVED her! And the balloons….all those balloons. Thank you for helping with every single last touch with Malia’s party – love you!!!

And lastly, to my dear friend Krista Angel. She and her husband came up from Vancouver to help celebrate – they arrived Friday afternoon and I immediately put Krista to work with making the Sangria and finishing the floral centerpieces. When we arrived to the venue at 8am – she was the one decorating all of the cupcakes and creating the lovely tables that everyone ate at.  There are some people that come into your life and act as if they were your family – Krista is one of those people. I am so lucky to have her in my life.

We should have the professional photos back this week, but I wanted to post what we have so far (from friends/family that snapped some photos).

            

Lastly, I wanted to thank each and every person that came out to celebrate Malia’s 1st Birthday. We are so thankful and appreciative of those that love and adore our baby girl like we do – we feel beyond blessed to have you all in our lives.

12 Months

I knew this day would come….and although I am so excited that my baby girl is growing healthy and happy, hitting milestones and her personality is emerging; I’m also sad. It’s such a bittersweet feeling to say goodbye to a small, helpless, gurgling infant and welcome with open arms an energetic, talkative, mobile toddler.  I will say that Malia has become such a fun little girl in the last month (especially so in the last 2 weeks).  I don’t know if it’s because she is now sleeping all the way through the night, or if it’s just her age – but she is seriously so much fun. Her laughter, her smiles, her curiosity, her crawling….the list goes on and on. I was telling Shane just the other day that I finally feel like I really “know” Malia…..and I really like having her around. She completes our family and I just can’t imagine how we lived without her.  Happy First Birthday my sweet baby girl!

Stats:
Weight: 23lbs, 5oz – 80th percentile
Height: 31.5 inches – 95th percentile
Head: 18 inches – 50th percentile

Latest and Greatest:
* On all table food – eats whatever we eat and enjoys every morsel of food she eats. The girl cannot get enough food – so much so, that after she eats her meal, she usually polishes off Jackson’s too.

*Drinking whole milk out of a sippy cup.

*Sleeping 730pm – 7:00am. YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!

*Wearing size 5 diapers

*Wearing 18 month clothing.

*Says Dada, Daddy, Hi, Bye and I swear she said Jackson and Thank you the other day.

*SCREAMS at any photos of her family –any photos.  She can’t get enough of us.

*Would be the happiest girl in the world if she was constantly surrounded by balloons.

*Has figured out how to turn a full 360 degrees in a sitting position using her heels – it’s hilarious to watch.

*Is now sitting in the bathtub with her brother (not using the tub chair).

*Loves to crawl. Loves it.

*Pulls her self up to her knees – standing is just around the corner.

*Her pediatrician told us that she’s not allowed to tell us this, but she said that Malia is very smart and extremely social.

*Loves getting kisses from her big brother.

*Tickles from our noses on her cheeks bring out the best giggles I have ever heard.

Easter 2012

Easter this year was AWESOME!!!!!  For the first time in what seems like forever, Shane, myself and our little family weren't running around like chickens with our heads cut off.  We had a wonderful weekend with our families and even got to take a long walk yesterday in the sun.  Last year, Malia was just over a week old as she unexpectly arrived before Easter - so I wasn't quite prepared for her. But this year was a different story. I had so much fun putting their Easter baskets together (not one bit of candy for my lucky kids!) we made waffles together, took a long walk, fed the ducks, took a family nap and had 2 amazing dinners.

Our Easter celebration began on Saturday night, when we had family dinner at my in-laws with the Makanani's, Manahan's and Boyce's.  This was an especially exciting dinner as Leina, Lincoln and Kea were going to announce the gender of their little bun in Leina's oven. Leina made a cake that was either pink or blue inside....and when she sliced it......it was PINK!!!!!  We are all so excited to have another girl in our family! Congratulations Manahan's!!!! We had so much fun with the kids as they got to enjoy their first Easter Egg "Hunt". Malia wasn't too sure about the whole deal (we will be sure to some training for next year), but Jackson and Kea had SO MUCH FUN!

Last night, we headed over to the Sogn's to have a lovely dinner with my family.  My brother, Danny and his wife Erika are back from deployment and have actually been stationed here at Fort Lewis!  They recently found a house in Orting and are getting settled. I can't even begin to express my excitement for Danny being home - it's been TOO LONG!  I look forward to spending more family get togethers with him and Erika - they are so much fun!