Pictures, 1st birthday, Auntie, vote

The last 5 days have been the most stressful, busiest and joyful in a long, long time. The weekend started off with Bret getting his 1-year pictures taken by a friend; the same one who took Bret's 9 month pics. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! If Bret had more hair on his head I wouldn't have minded not having a hat or jacket on, but he's bald. So there are only a few pictures of him without a jacket on. These two are my favorite so far:

You can not tell me that these pics don't melt your heart....Well, ok, maybe they don't melt YOUR heart but they make me love my husband so much more for being a FANTASTIC dad to Bret and a wonderful friend and

"other half" to me.

Although I may be ruining the surprise for a lot of people, the next pic may be the one that we send to friends and family. I wish we could take the credit for getting him to smile so beautifully but we can't. A couple was passing by with their two dogs and Bret just lit up when he saw them

coming. I don't know why but he just *hearts* dogs. I think it's because Caicos bores him now. LOL

His birthday party was awesome. Almost everyone showed up and Bret was in heaven. He played with all the other kids, opened his presents (for about 2 minutes) and then ran around looking at all his new toys. He wasn't too happy when it was bed time!! He was exhausted. I'll post some pics of his party when I have more time - probably tomorrow.

After 22 months, I've started my damn period. I was beginning to like not having one. It's back with a vengence. I started feeling crampy yesterday and then VOILA. DAMN. So now I'm back to "normal".

Bret and I went to vote this morning. It was a zoo. Not because there were a lot of people but because the volunteers weren't too coordinated. The flow of people was terrible and it was very confusing on where to start the process. Maybe I should look into volunteering.....Hmmmm

Countdown - Day 2

I still can not believe Bret is turning a year old.

Our shopping trip was successful. I spent more money than Jason would have liked :< Bret will look cute though. His pictures are at 1pm today, so hopefully it'll warm up a bit.

I think he's getting more teeth because he's been crabby for the past couple of days and he's chewing on everything - he'd knaw on my limbs if I let him.

House cleaning is almost done now I have to start the seemingly never-ending task of preparing food. I love doing it. It's almost like a stress reliever for me. If only I could get paid doing it!!! LOL

Countdown - Day 3

Bret and I are going shopping to the BabyG@p outlet store to buy an outfit and his first pair of shoes for tomorrow's photo shoot. He's getting his one year pictures taken at Wildwood. It's going to be a family session and the weather is supposed to be beautiful!! I can't wait.

Countdown - Day 6

Less than a week until Bret turns 1!!! YIPPEEE

Countdown - Day 7

My little baby is 7 days away from turning a year old. I am excited and sad at the same time. He started walking so that makes it double sad.

We've been super busy getting the house straightened up. Screens out, windows cleaned, stove/oven cleaned (yuk), etc.

I can't wait - LET'S PARTY!!!

Pfffffewww- Updated

I've finalized the menu for Bret's party and now I'm so not stressed out!! I love cooking so everything will be homemade (except for the chips). YUMMY!

• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Chicken bites (for the kids)
• Mac 'N cheese (for the kids)
• Napa cabbage salad
• Spinach and artichoke dip (with homemade garlic pita chips)
• Cold veggie pizza
• Fall fruit salad (made with Golden delicious apples, Bosc pears and green grapes)
• Tortilla pinwheels (turkey and ham)
• Chips

Dessert will be yellow and chocolate cupcakes frosted and decorated with fall-colored sprinkles. I'm going to be way too busy to cut cake so guests are getting cupcakes (plus less clean up and *hopefully* less leftovers). I'm going to make Bret's cake - a recipe I found made out of semi-sweet chocolate and chick peas (instead of flour). He needs the fiber anyway. LOL! I've tried it and it tastes like a "regular" chocolate cake to me. He won't know the difference. The cake will be lightly frosted with white frosting and decorated to look like a baseball.

To wash everything down we'll have:

• Soda
• Bottled water
• Coffee / tea
• Milk or juice (for the kiddies) - HEAD: where did you get the small milk containers?

Let's see - now what can I stress out about?! LMAO

Kid-friendly menu

I've been obsessing over Bret's birthday party lately. My biggest dilemma is what kind of food to serve that will satisfy both adults and kids. Any suggestions?