A Year of Easton!

While I get caught up on Easton's 12 month recap and 1st birthday party celebration post, enjoy a glimpse of Easton during his first year of life!

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Florida Fun

For the past several months, I had been dreading the arrival of March. My parents were planning to head to Florida the first weekend in March with a return date of TBD. As if this wasn't bad enough, Bryan was scheduled to be out of town for business for two weeks during that time. Needless to say, I was not looking forward to that two week period of no husband and no parents.

It was 11pm on a Friday night and I was talking to my mom on the phone when she made a comment about how we should have planned better and Easton and I could have come to visit while Bryan gone. I was bummed - why hadn't I ever thought of that?!? I guess the idea of traveling alone with a baby didn't sound ideal. Plus, what would I do with Cooper? I quickly browsed Expedia and Bing for flights over the course of the next week, convinced that the prices would be outrageous and make me feel better about not making the trip. I pondered; telling myself it wasn't worth the money, the hassle of traveling with a baby, etc.

Well, I woke up Saturday morning set on the idea of going to Florida, only to find that flights had gone up a little (and by a little, I really mean a lot!) Mad at myself for not booking the flight the night before, my mom said 'there's always next year'. But that sounded so far away. One text to my ever supportive husband and a 'pull the trigger' reply and Easton and I were headed to Florida in 6 hours.

On the drive to the airport, my stomach was in knots. I was so nervous anticipating the plane ride with an 11 month old. Traveling with a baby is no easy task, nor is it lightweight. It requires packing up your home and taking it with you. Needless to say, getting through security was a fiasco - sippy cups, formula, and baby food all needed to be tested, but we got the 'all clear' and headed on our way. First stop upon arrival to the airport, Max and Erma's for a Summer Shandy!

Waiting for the plane while mama drinks a beer!

While waiting at the gate, I struck up conversation with these ladies (4 sisters on an annual sisters trip), who couldn't stop talking about how cute Easton was and were amazed at the nerve I had to travel alone. Lucky for me, they were kind enough to offer to help with my carry on's (diaper bag, suitcase, stroller, baby) and help me get situated on the plane. And better yet, they were sitting in the row right behind us so I apologized in advance for the 'unknown behavior' and they were totally supportive and understanding, which helped ease my anxiety. They just couldn't get enough of Easton. He was such a little ham, climbing all over, peeking over seats and the girl in the seat behind couldn't resist snapping some photos of his first plane ride.

being the plane clown

Upon arrival, the girls helped me get to baggage claim (wheeled my carry on and helped hold the stroller on the escalator), where I had yet, more luggage, and my dad waiting for us. How cute is he!?!

Easton's personal chauffeur

Florida was great! Easton experienced many 'firsts', including his first plane ride, his first time in a pool, first trip to the beach (other than to Grandma and Papa's beach of course), first taste of sand and the ocean and his first time throwing a plate on the floor at a restaurant. We got to spend lots of quality time with Nanny and Grandpa Bill during our visit and (we think) they loved it!

loving the pool

chillin'!

swimming with Grandma

first trip to the beach

swimming with cousins Emmy and Owen

somebody's tired!

such a little ham!

with Nanny and Grandpa Bill

Four, warm, sun-filled days later and Easton and I were headed back home. And the return flight wasn't so glamorous, but I was fortunate enough to, once again, be seated next to some great folks. Originally I was to be sitting in a row, which coincidentally had another baby it in, but the stewardess asked me to move since each row only has four oxygen masks and there would have been five people in that row. So kindly, the young man sitting behind me offered to switch me seats, which I was very thankful for. I sat next to his parents, who were extremely helpful to me, on what I like to call "Nightmare on Flight 1409". I knew the flight to Florida was too good to be true! The flight home started out okay, but quickly led to a meltdown which entailed screaming and crying which resulted in crawling up and down the entire airplane (you should have seen some of the looks I got!), which led to more screaming and crying, and eventually throwing up! JOY! The stewardess was so kind to inform me that there were about six other babies up towards the front of the plan who were also screaming, so Easton wasn't the only one annoying everyone on the flight. Thankfully, after what seemed like an eternity, Easton finally settled down and the flight came to an end.

Despite the awful flight home, and the chaos of traveling alone, Easton's first vacation was one to remember. Next time, I suppose we'll take daddy!


Whoever said you can't take a spontaneous trip with a child, clearly just doesn't have the guts to try it! :)

Easton's 1st Birthday Wish List

First birthday party planning is well underway. Looking for ideas of what to get our favorite little birthday boy? Look no further! Below are some things that we think he'd like, but as first time parents, we welcome some of your favorite first birthday gift ideas, too.

1. Water Table - this kid loves to splash!
2. Tub Tunes Water Drums, and other interactive tub toys
3. Wooden Play Food
4. Mega Bloks
5. Musical Instruments (Band in a Box, or B. Parum Pum Pum Drum)
6. Rocking Puppy
7. Play Tunnel
8. Bike Trailer or Bike Seat (Bike trailer is currently at Costco!)
9. Kiddie Picnic Table
10. Li'l Squirt Baby Pool

Other ideas include, but are not limited to:
Graphic T's, Bathing Suit and Pajamas for Summer: size 12-18m
Fall/Winter clothes: size 18-24m
Shoes, size 4
Detroit sports gear and anything sports related (per daddy's request)
**Tball Set
**Sports Balls
Sit n' Scoot activity toy
Climbing Toys
Cardboard Blocks
Educational toys (wooden alphabet blocks, nesting blocks, puzzles, etc.)
Swim Lessons
Tool Bench
Kiddie Art Supplies

What are your favorite first birthday gifts??

My Guilty Pleasure Revealed

I'll admit it, I'm a "Bachelor" geek! You know, that ABC hit show that helps crazy, dramatic women and meathead dudes find "love". Yes, it's a ridiculous guilty pleasure of mine. And apparently same goes for my fellow Mallard Court Housewives. So, earlier this fall, while our husbands were obsessing over their fantasy football drafts, the seven of us decided to make the hot mess of a show more interesting by creating a draft for ourselves.

Meet Ben

We kicked off the season with draft night, which included watching the first half of the premier and getting a feel for the girls. We then paused the show, and gathered around the table for the draft. Two of the ladies were unable to attend, so they joined via facebook chat. We drew numbers for order, and the draft began. We created rules and a point system, and all threw in ten bucks.

 The ladies

The draft itself was a delicate process. Our point system was based on roses. For each rose a contestant received at the rose ceremony, they were awarded one point. However, there are special roses, those given for first impressions, on group dates and on 1:1 dates, so those special roses were worth extra points since they weren't your ordinary roses. The final rose was worth an additional 5 points. So when drafting, it was important to not only consider who will go the furthest, but you also have to think who will garner points for you by earning 1:1 time with the bachelor, and who will receive special, out of the ordinary roses. We each ended up with 3-4 contestants, depending on the draft order. My girls -- Holly, Emily, Nicki and Casey S. 

Let the shitshow begin. :) Each week, we gathered at someone's house, sampled a variety of pinterest recipes and drank delicious margaritas while tuning into the show and gabbing about life. We rooted for our own girls, and trash talked each others.

Halfway through the season, we were joined by Mallard Courts newest members, Julia and Austin. 

Twelve weeks later and we arrived at the finale. The draft was a blow out! Whether we liked her or not, Courtney went to the end and stole the show. Her cocky, skinny dipping, attention stealing ways scored her rose after rose, point after point, and she swept the board. Good pick, Kelly! Kelly came in 1st with 29 points and I was a close 2nd scoring 21 points.

Now the question is: will Ben and Courtney survive?? Studies show that in 16 seasons, not one Bachelor has married the girl he picked in the final. Shocker!

I am already looking forward to May 14th and the next season of The Bachelorette. I better start studying up on the contestants to make sure I draft some good ones. And I think we decided we'll play around with the rules/point system a little to make it a little more competitive.

Meet Emily

I hope she finds the "Trista&Ryan" kind of love!

11!

(about 21.5lbs, 29 inches)

Well, here are we -- the final month of your first year! And as Aunt Coll mentioned, the final month of formula!! I don't know which I'm more excited about! :)

You are growing leaps and bounds and surprising mommy and daddy with new things every day. Teeth 4, 5 & 6 made their debut early in the month, and we've gotten a little break on the teething since then. Your favorite words are "dada", "ut oh" and "ba" (ball). You have a new found love for any type of ball, point it out when you see it, and can find one any time we ask where your ball is. It's funny to watch you take Cooper's tennis ball away from him. Thankfully he is very gentle with you, but as soon as you drop it, he's quick to pick it up.

Playing with Cooper's ball

You have mastered cruising furniture, pushing your push toys, and are learning to stand on your own. Each time is for a few seconds longer than the previous. You are also very interested in going down the stairs, and are practicing very hard to remember to turn around at the top and go down backwards. You still need some reminders, but you are getting very good at it and it's so cute to watch you turn sideways and lay on your belly and then swing your legs around. You have also mastered waving this month, which entails flailing your entire arm up and down, and you also love patting your hand against your mouth while making noise (mommy calls it 'the little indian', especially when we say 'yay!', confusing it with clapping.

I think, in the past, I might have mentioned that you love to eat. You have become quite the independant little eater and love to feed yourself. New favorites include cheese, spaghettios, chicken nuggets, applesauce, hot dogs, nutri-grain bars, tortellini, vanilla wafers, ritz crackers, and kale. Our biggest challenge, new this month, is figuring out how to get you to stop throwing your food on the floor. Nothing seems to phase you - saying "NO" firmly with a deep voice tone, removing the food from in front of you, taking you out of the high chair, giving you only one piece of food at a time, etc. We are desperate for suggestions on how to nix this habit!

Loving daddy's Saturday morning blueberry pancakes

You celebrated your first Valentine's Day this month. Due to an ear infection, you spent the day with your favorite Valentine (Mommy), but we made a stop by Miss Dawn's to drop off your Valentine's to your girlfriends at daycare. Everyone loved the special treats you gave them and you got some great stuff in return, including your new bath book from Leah.

We had your first clinical trial follow-up appointment since surgery with U-M Pediatric Oncologists this month. Routine checkups for the next two years are every 3 months and will include a chest, abdomen and pelvic ct scan and/or ultrasound along with blood work to check for any abnormalities. We met with Dr. Mueller a few days later to go over the results and were beyond relieved to learn that everything looks great and there are no concerns! Now mommy and daddy (and everyone else) can breath!!

Best (and cutest) patient ever!

Well, we survived nearly 11 months without ever having to pay for a babysitter. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful people who jump at the opportunity to watch you when needed, but it was inevitable - the time for a babysitter had come. I asked around for referrals and found a great babysitter right in the sub. The only problem -- we're competing with all the other young families in the sub for her time, but no worries, we've got a few dates on her calendar, and we can't use her too much or Grandma will be sad!

And last, but certainly not least, we welcomed some beautiful little ladies into the world this past month. First up, a new little girlfriend for you - Miss Emery, who not only lives right down the street, but her mommy and I happen to be great friends, which means, you'll be seeing lots of her! And mommy's cousin Ellen had her baby girl on your 11 month birthday -- your second cousin and first girl on the Young side in over 13 years - Baby Mia!! You already have so many of your own little friends, with some still on the way, and you don't even know it!

Likes:
Veggies Straws
Balls
Mommy's glasses
Splashing in Cooper's water bowl
Being chased - you crawl fast and laugh hard!

Dislikes:
I honestly can't think of one....


And some of your silly 11 month shots:

Birthday Planning

Easton's 11 month birthday is quickly approaching, which means, the big O-N-E is just around the corner!! I've been in the 'planning phase' for quite some time now (date has been set since October!), and after much deliberation, I've decided on a theme. Can you guess what it is?

Invitations went in the mail today and I'm working on the decorations, menu and favors. Stay turned over the course of the next month for updates on the big bash!

Kale Chips

Long story short -- I got my sister hooked on making baby food (yes, I'm lacking a baby food making post, but it's on my to-do list) and she returned the favor by introducing me to some new and interesting baby food combinations. Her latest concoction for Zain: carrots, bananas, blueberries, pears and kale. Interesting, right? Kale, really? Never in a million years would I think to mix such a variety of ingredients for my baby, but what a great way to incorporate a daily dose of fruits and veggies. So, to the store I went to get me some kale. Little did I know it was so cheap - a 1/2 lb bunch for $.79! Now that's a lot of kale, and I knew it would never last long enough for Easton to eat it all, so I found myself searching my other uses. Thank you pinterest for never letting me down. Kale chips = super easy and healthy!

Pin It

Ingredients:

Kale

Olive Oil

SeaSalt

Start by washing the kale. I tore the kale off the stem and threw it in my salad spinner for a quick rinse. Toss the kale in a bowl with a few glugs of olive oil and sprinkle with the sea salt. Spread the kale out on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly brown and curling up.

Here you have it, crispy, crunchy, delicious kale chips. You won't eat just one! Just ask Easton. :)