Visiting the Orchard

Fall has officially fallen upon us, and it has been absolutely gorgeous. The breathtaking colors in the trees, the crisp clean feel in the air, and we have had some beautiful weather, days meant to be spent in a beautiful orchard.

We had a stretch there where it rained almost an entire week, and I told Matt I'd love to go to our local Boyd's Orchard the first day it was pretty again, and we did! However, everyone had the same idea I had, so it was a little bit packed, but we still had fun, especially Case man. He absolutely loved it.

Boyd's orchard is so wonderful, it has a quaint, charming store where you can buy freshly picked apples, and charming country decor.  It has all sorts of pumpkins and gourds out front (perfect for a photo shoot :) and it has an adorable playground, hay stacked high for little ones to climb, hay rides, beautiful orchards, and Case's favorite ... the petting zoo.

When it was time to leave the animals, Case let us know (quite clearly I might add ;) that he did NOT want to leave his new friends!

Well, we had so much fun at the orchard, I brought Case back the following week during the day. I was hoping the crowd would be no where to be found, and I was right. We had a very leisurely visit, and Case had another fun day running around the petting zoo visiting all of his friends.

We've actually been back a third time now, I think they're going to know our names before too long! :)

Big Boy Shoes

We had our first trip to the big boy shoe store!

As we know, Nanny (aka Matt's Mom) came down early for Case's birthday weekend, and we met her at Stride Rite when she came into town. Her and Poppy (aka Matt's Step-Dad) wanted to buy Case his very first pair of Big Boy Shoes! (So very exciting!) :)

Of course Nanny brought her big fancy camera (Yay!) so here are the pictures...

Big, Big Boy.

Had to share the picture of Case in his Big Boy Car seat! He can sit forward now, and see where Mommy is going!

Happy Birthday Little Man!

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday Dear Case,

Happy Birthday to you!

Case's first year has been unbelievably wonderful. From the very first moments of holding him in our arms at the hospital, and now on his first birthday. Case has made us smile every single day, and we have enjoyed watching him grow and learn. The first year has so many milestones, and we did it! Matt and I have also grown, we have learned so much about each other and about parenting. We couldn't be happier. :)

Well, the day finally rolled around, Case's Party Day! We had his party on Saturday, September 19, 2009. Just a few days before his official birthday on the 22nd. We celebrated with family and a few friends. Matt's Mom (aka Nanny) came down the night before to spend time with us, and helped me get ready for the party (I don't know what I would have done without her that day!) Although planning a first birthday party wore me out...what with the cleaning the entire week before, and making sure everything was ready and decorated on the day, it was perfect.

We had balloons and streamers, presents were piled up almost to the ceiling, and I think everyone had a really good time. We cooked out, we were in and out of the house, visiting, playing corn hole and relaxing in the front yard. We all sat in one room and watched our little man play with all of new toys, there was paper flying and smiles all around, just like I had imagined and hoped for. :)

However, the most exciting part (of course) was the cake! It was decorated with a football, and had "Happy 1st Birthday Case!" written across it. After just a little help, Case dug right in, and probably ate TOO much cake! He loved it though, and the pictures and video clips are absolutely priceless.

We were so happy to be able to celebrate with our family and friends. Such wonderful memories were made that day!

Oh and Mr. Case slept very well that night, and so did his Mommy and Daddy. :)

Happy Birthday Case, we love you!

The Walking Video :)

Travelin' Man

September 7, 2009...The day our little boy took his first steps!

It was just a typical Monday, I didn't know Case would be taking his first steps that day, and I have to admit I almost missed it!

Monday mornings are pretty lazy for us. We wake up, I feed him his breakfast in a bottle, and we watch his favorite morning cartoons.

Well, this Monday was a little more exciting! He's been cruising on the furniture for a while, but all of a sudden while pulled up on the ottoman, (I just happened to glance up) he just took off walking into the middle of the room! It was very wobbly and it only lasted about two steps but I can't explain the amount of excitement and pride I felt for our little man!

I called his Daddy right away, and had to leave him a voicemail...However, I wasn't convinced it was his true steps for some reason, but my sister insisted I write down the date, and I'm so glad I did! For some reason I thought it was just a fluke moment, that he didn't really know how to walk yet...but he has been practicing and practicing! He's getting better and better! In fact, just last night he walked about four or five feet across the room without falling! He's so funny too, he walks with his hands straight up over his head, in little fists with a big smile on his face! I love it!
I'm also pretty excited that I can officially say Mr. Case started walking before his 1st birthday! Wow! Speaking of...the big birthday party is only 5 days away, and the actual 1st birthday is only 8! I know every mother or parent says this, but man is it true. Time really does fly once you have a child. It has been such a beautiful and wonderful year, I'm sure I will get all sappy and emotional on the official birthday blog, so I'll leave it for that...
Just so proud of our little walker!

Seriously?

Is it seriously time to plan a 1st birthday party?

Surely not! However, this Mama did give birth to the best baby boy in the entire world about 11 months ago, so I guess that means it's almost time for a 1st year celebration!

We're going to have a cook out at the house, with lots and lots of balloons and of course a big cake, I mentioned to Matt the other night that I might make cupcakes for everyone and Case would have his very own cupcake for his "cake"...well Matt immediately disagreed and without twisting my arm hardly at all, we both decided that we'd go ahead and go all out and get Case a big ol' birthday cake, I mean he only turns 1 once right?

I recently read an article on First Birthday Parties, warning parents not to get too fancy, because they won't even remember it, right? Well, we're certainly not spending a fortune, but I am a true believer that pictures are absolutely priceless. I want the pictures with balloons everywhere in the background. I want the pictures with cake all over our boy from his hair down to his belly, I want paper flying, smiles, family, friends, and laughing...ok I'm getting pretty excited now!