CEL-E-BRATE Good Times!

Come on! (I had to say it.)

Update #4

August 11 was an absolutely gorgeous day for an absolutely gorgeous wedding. Paul's cousin, Alison married her beau, Adam at the serene home of Alison's parents, George and Dene't. The ceremony took place in the rustic barn and then we enjoyed a delicious brunch outside.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Harralson, we wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

.....

Later on in the early evening, Isla and Gannon hosted another celebration – a 5th birthday party for their cousin Cadence!

It wouldn't be a party without Kameron and Keaton.

C is for Cadence and Chocolate Chocolate CAKE!

She received great gifts and had lots of hands to help her open them.

And here is the attempt of 5 adults to get each of their children to:
1) Sit still.
2) Stop touching someone who didn't want to be touched.
3) Smile!
4) and say CHEESE!

This is probably the best one of all that I took (I lost count). Gannon and Persephone are still learning the ropes as far as group photos go.
We hope you enjoyed your party, Cadence, and your big birthday wish comes true!

And then there were 5!

Update #3

Early (early!) on August 10, our good friends, the Murphys welcomed their 3rd child. Was the third time the charm for a boy? No, it was the completion of the trifecta, another beautiful baby girl, Gwendolyn Grace!

She is healthy and thriving at home with her big sisters, Adeline and Estelle. And we couldn't be more happy for all of them. We can't wait to meet you, Gwendolyn!

He's a man, baby!

Update #2

On August 9, Gannon had his one year appointment with Dr. Benuck.

Gannon can't sit still anywhere and the exam table is no different. This paper was destroyed in 10 seconds. Shouldn't even have bothered to fix it again either.

How big do you think I am? Once a giant, always a giant. 

Weighing in at 25 lb., 4 oz and standing 32" tall. 

He is very healthy and right on track with his development, repeating sounds, babbling loudy, waving and trying to pull up to stand. It's safe to say he's ahead of the curve with his eating habits. On most days he eats better (and sometimes more) than Isla.

I'm on to you, "friendly nurse talking in a high-pitched voice to make me smile." Don't even think of coming near me with those shots. 

You know he took 'em like a man though. 

I hear the train a-comin'...

Woot, Woot!! Yes, it's time for the update train!. It took a quick summer tour during August stopping at good times and celebrations along the way. And now, it's back in town and ready to fill you in!

To start, here are some images from the randomness of our days...

The siblings who nap together wake up happy together. Then mommy is happy too. 

It's no secret Isla loves stickers. I often find them stuck to anything and everything around the house. So, I really wasn't that surprised to find this giant "Thank You" sticker from Dominick's stuck to her forehead after she fell asleep for the night. I just don't remember her going to bed with it. Hmm...

Guess who loves pretzel rods? You're right! And he eats them just like his mommy, nibbling the salt off first. 

This curly-haired girl is sporting a twizzle. A what? A twizzle is a braid in Isla-nese. 

(I wish Paul would learn how to do it. My fingers are cramped!)

Mr. Man and Mr. Cub

It's a beautiful day for a ballgame! At least it was on August 1st when we headed out to the Friendly Confines for Gannon's first official Cubs game.

"Hold on to your hat, little dude. This is gonna be fun!"

Isla, the seasoned veteran fan, attending her fourth game.

She was very excited to get a better view of one of her new favorite players, Anthony Rizzo. She's still trying to get over the whole Dempster debacle. 

Our little cubby bear felt comfortable with the Cubs' 1-0 lead and decided to take a 3rd inning snooze.   

"They're LOSING?! How long was I asleep?" (Not very long.)

Kiss the baby for good luck (and a few more runs). 

The happiest little fan in the ballpark, win or lose.

Are we setting him up for a lifetime of disappointment in this team? Possibly.  

Are we sharing an amazing tradition with him that makes it all worth it? Absolutely.

When we left, the Cubs were still losing (2-1) and it got even worse by the time we got home. I guess they missed the "you should win one for Gannon" memo.

The next Mr. Cub? If daddy has his way...

One Last Rodeo

"Here I am, back in the saddle again."

(tummy grumbling) 

"Ugh. Maybe I shouldn't have had that whole cupcake."

"Let's just relax a bit, horsey. Ah, now that's better."

"Ok, so here come the camera flashes. Hold on. I'm 12 months old now. One whole year. We did it, buddy! This is our official last monthly photo shoot. Our...last...photo...shoot?!"

"Waaaah! No, say it isn't so! Horsey, we've been through so much. I mean we practically grew up together!"

Don't worry Mr. Man. Mama is going to make you sit in this chair every year on your birthday until, well, just every year. 

"Whew! The dynamic duo will ride on once again! Yeehaw!" 

"Hey, whaddaya say we grab some food and celebrate? My tummy's rumblin'!"

And feast we did at one of our favorite places, Brownstone. And look who was there to share a few burgers and brews? Uncle Michael! Not only did he join us for dinner, he took a 9-hour overnight train ride from Memphis to be at Gannon's birthday party and spent a few extra days with this newly minted 1-year-old. We can't thank you enough for a fantastic visit!

Happy 1st Birthday, Gannon!

There was another emergency last Sunday...an emergency PARTY for Mr. Man! Our friends and family came from near and far to celebrate Gannon's special day. And he didn't disappoint this crowd with his cupcake-eating exhibition.

"Come here, you big birthday boy! Are you ready for some cake?"

The ambulance plate (courtesy of the Murphys) raced to the scene with the birthday cupcake in good condition. 

The ambulance plate headed straight to the ER (Eating Room) where an anxious Dr. Kapellas awaited its arrival.

"Hmm, let's take a taste giant bite to assess the situation." 

The operation is underway...

Things aren't looking very good for the cupcake.

But, they sure look (and taste) great for the birthday boy!

It think it's safe to say this cupcake didn't make it.

Isla: "I can't watch him take another bite...may I please have some ice cream now?"

Mr. Man was just too busy to smile with us for this one.

A happy birthday boy, indeed.

You'd think he'd have more cake on his face or in his hair, but Gannon's belly was a perfect catch-all.

What skilled man hands you have! 

"I should've wished for more cupcakes!"

Gannon is so thankful to everyone who shared in his special day and showered him with love (and cool presents). What a way to celebrate a great first year!