Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Teddy Boy

We had a Teddy Bear Picnic 1st Birthday Theme for our little Teddy.  I mean, I sort of had to right?
My sister offered to make the cake and didn't share any of the details prior to the party. It turned out AMAZING! She even made pretend hamburgers, a cake, and cookies by the teddy bear on top as though he was at a picnic. SUPER CUTE.
We also made little gift bags filled with Teddy Grahams and Gummy Bears.

 As many of you know, every single party we have had has been HORRIBLE weather. Well, we are still batting 1,000. I thought I planned well by deciding to have the party at this cute little zoo near our house and under a pavilion. Alas, I did not. On our way to the party-tornado sirens were going off. We had to wait for an "all clear" and move our party to an indoor space above the barn. Let's just pause here so you can imagine the delightful smell. .....

Fortunately, you got used to the smell after 20 min. or so.
Remarkably, almost everyone still came. People weren't able to visit the animals much or pick out pumpkins, but we all had fun together.

 Here is a picture of almost all of the kiddos who came to the party. I love that children can make their own fun. We didn't have any games, toys, or organized activities (because I thought the zoo would be enough), but the kiddos still had a blast.

 Anxiously waiting to sing Happy Birthday since I forgot a match and in a room of 70 people-no one had one. I suppose that is a good thing. :)

 Teddy trying his second taste of sugar at it's best. YUM!!!!!!!!!!

 He obviously loved it and kept signing "more" when I tried to take it away.

 "MOM----Give it back"!!!!!!

 "I know I can get it, she's not looking"

 "I DID IT"

Blue going in-blue coming out. (had to share)

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH TEDDERS!

At a whopping one years old this guy...
-walks quite well and quite fast.
-wants to do everything his big sister can do
-loves to pretend he is talking on the phone and will babble and then laugh
-gives the best hugs and kisses
-tries to say  book (bu), mom (mom), dad (dadada)  Papa (papa), Nora (naaaa),
-He makes sounds for dog, monkey, and bear
-Does quite well with his naps (still taking 2 a day)
-nurses 2 or 3 times a day
-loves to eat fruit-blueberries and rasberries and grapes are his favortie
-Stays pretty engaged playing with his toys for several minutes at a time.
-melts my heart. 

Shuffle off to Buffalo

Teddy and mommy flew to Buffalo this weekend for a very special reason. Tara is having a baby!!! She is due on December 22 and we showered her with baby gifts at a lovely shower on Sunday. She is the most adorable pregnant woman.

                               I mean seriously-she looks as cute as ever with a little ball in front of her.

Teddy and I flew out Saturday morning. We had a hard time leaving Nora and TJ. Nora was pretty upset. She knew where we were going and why and didn't really understand why she wasn't going too. I don't blame her. However, she had a really fun weekend with daddy. Teddy was able to meet his Uncle Terry while we were in Buffalo. Unc lives in Seattle and doesn't come to Buffalo often. It was such a treat seeing him again.

The beautiful LaDuca ladies before all the guests came to the shower. Lesli-you and the other ladies threw a wonderful shower.

 Tedders and his Aunt Tara. The next time he sees her-she will be a MAMA!

 Tedders and Aunt Lesli.

 I love, love, love all the sweet baby clothes and toys. (hmmmm-gettin' the itch):)

 My lil' man.  He was quite the "hit" at the party. But, who can resist this sweet face all dressed up like that?

Along with celebrating Tara's pregnancy, we were also able to sing "Happy Birthday" to Teddy with our family that won't be able to be at his party next weekend. The timing was pretty perfect! Grandma made an adorable Teddy Bear cake-she hurried on the frosting though because she was too excited. :)

"mmmmm" Teddy LOVED it.

 "That was so good, more please"
He signs "more" for many things and he definitely wanted "more" cake.

The flight home today wasn't as chill as the flight out. At one point, I had nothing left up my sleeve to entertain him so we played with a plastic cup and my Iphone. He never cried, just shouted a few times out of excitement and WOULD NOT SIT DOWN. Oh well, we are safe, happy, and healthy. That's all that really matters.  And home.

 This, was the best...
Nora and TJ were waiting for us at the end of the terminals. Nora looked at me, smiled, and then ran to Teddy! He got all the love. After smothering him with kisses, she let me hug her and kiss her. They are certainly best buds.