Baptism and a birthday bash

We had a very busy Memorial Day weekend, what with Henry turning the big two and all. We took him to dinner on his birthday night (Friday) at our local tex-mex restaurant, where he proceeded to down an entire enchilada plate (rice and beans included). The boy loves his enchiladas. He opened a few gifts and went to bed tired and happy.

On Sat., I spent almost the entire day up to my elbows in marshmallow fondant attempting to make Henry's 1/2 egg free birthday cake. Once that was done, Brian took the kids to another birthday party and I cleaned liked a mad woman.

Sunday was a very special day. We finally had Henry baptized. We have been trying for 2 years to find a time to do it when family would be in town, but unfortunately, it just never worked out. So, we decided to take the first date they had available at the church, which happened to coincide with his birthday. I hadn't planned to have a big party for him, but I really wanted to celebrate his baptism with our dear friends, so we wrapped it all into one big backyard bash. Well, not that big, but I'm sure it seemed pretty big to him.

Henry's baptism could not have gone better. Besides missing our families, it was prefect. What made it so special was that Henry was baptized at the same church where I was baptized and where Brian and I got married. My dear friend Kathryn is a church Deacon and was able to stand up with us (I grew up going to church with her husband). Thank you Kathryn for taking time away from your family to be there. Also, we were able to have Tana Taylor there as our Elder. I grew up with her daughter Christy and spent many a day at their house growing up. It was so special to have her assist with the service. The kids love Mimi and so do we. Thank you Tana.

Christy and her family also came to share in Henry's special day. Thanks Christy and Matt for helping take photos and video! Christy was my first friend when we moved to Texas back in 1978, and we are still great friends. How cool is that?

Usually Pastor Rick holds the baby and walks down the aisle with them. Henry wasn't so sure about leaving my arms, so we all made the walk.

Tana Kathryn and the fam

That afternoon, we celebrated with burgers and cake. It was at least 95 degrees, but the kids all had a blast and stayed outside pretty much the whole time. It was a great end to a special day.

Happy Birthday sweet Henry.

So my super-talented, mother-of-three friend Jeny (with newborn twins mind you) convinced me I could make a fondant cake. Jeny, I think I will leave this one to you and the Ace of Cakes.

The birthday boy giving a hello hug to his main squeeze, Jane Ann

Sweet baby John

A very happy boy waiting for cake

I'm pretty sure he was about to utter TRUCK!

Thank goodness he actually ate the egg free cake considering how many test cakes I had to make to find one that was edible.

Henry and the single ladies

Finally, the bus pinata.

Alivia takes a stab at the indestructible pinata

A very sweaty and tired big sis

TWO

DISCLAIMER: The following may be skipped unless you are a blood relative and/or care deeply about every detail of Henry's short life. But since I have yet to start a baby book on him, I figure I better write this down somewhere or I'll never remember the embarrassing stuff at his rehearsal dinner.

It is official, Henry is two. I simply cannot believe it. I still think of him as my baby, and in reality, I suppose he still is a baby considering he requires mom and dad to do most everything for him. He likes to think he's a big boy though, which lands him in hot water quite frequently these days. For instance, he is certain he can cross the street without holding hands and he sees no reason he should listen when I tell him to stop. He does his best to keep up with his sister, which often involves pulling her hair so she'll slow down and pay attention to him. Time out. But of course, he is still such a sweet and easy boy most of the time. One thing is for sure, he LOVES his mama (thank you very much). Mama this, mama that. I will cherish that as long as I can because I know it won't last forever.

It's been a big year for Mr. Henry. He started preschool two mornings a week (which he loved), we discovered his nut and egg allergies (big, big, bummer) he suffered his first concussion (I fear it won't be his last), he learned to walk, run, and climb just about everything, and he started to talk. We're a little slow in the talking department. Or, I guess I should say he just isn't all that interested in saying much unless it's something he likes. His vocabulary is limited at this point to truck, bus, brrrr (apparently that's the sound a car makes, so that's what he calls it), mama, dada, no, mo (more), my, bye, and he's just now saying ah-be (Aubrey, of course).

Things Henry loves:

Cars, trucks, buses, trains, buses... did I say buses already? Well, they deserve two mentions. He loves them that much. Anything with wheels, really. He could spend hours playing with them and carries them with him almost everywhere he goes.

His lovie. The blue elephant blankie that smells like an elephant. Yuck.

His crib. The minute we put him down, he flips to his belly, shoves his head in the same corner right up against the bumper, and puts his lovie right under his face. Reason no. 1 it smells so bad I'm sure.

His jammies. Oh how he loves his jammies. But not just any kind. They MUST have that little snap across the zipper on the top. He sucks his thumb (another thing he loves) and then rubs that little flap of fabric with his other hand. Putting on his jammies immediately calms him down and he knows it's time for sleep. It's a battle every morning to get him to take them off.

He loves my shoes and he's better at walking in my heels than I am.

He still is not a fan of the diaper change, so we are nowhere near potty training. But other than the usual toddler shenanigans, there isn't a lot that Henry doesn't like. He is very sweet and loves to give hugs and kisses. My favorite time of day is when we have finished reading his books and I pick him up and sing to him. He rests his head on my chest and snuggles. It's hard for me to put him down, but thankfully, when I do, he heads straight for his favorite spot in the crib and sleeps all night.

We love you Henry-who and can't wait to watch you grow.

birthday morning photo

he loves the present gig and figured it out pretty quick

Prima ballerina

Aubrey had a dance demonstration on Saturday and did really well. Most of all, she was so excited about it, and hasn't stopped dancing since. She loved getting to watch the older girls dance too. I took a video of it, but can't seem to find the cable to download it. Once I do, you'll get to see her moves.

It's that time of year again...

Swim lessons. I'm hoping to have Aubrey really swimming by the end of the summer. We'll see. One thing is for sure, she LOVES the water and begs to go. She is not the least bit scared and smiles the whole time. I suppose the point is for her to have fun, but I'm anxious for her to take the next step. It would definitely make things less stressful at the pool this summer. Two kids who can't swim is two too many!

Dress up... it's not just for girls.

love

I'm sure this will come in handy one day.

Boys and their boots