More Birthday Party Pics

1st Birthday Party

We had face painting

All the kiddos that came to play with Rhowan

An art center with paint and water colors

Chalk to draw

And Rhowan's favorite...the bouncy house! I wanted the kids entertained!!!!

After months of planning and prepping the day was finally here where our princess was turning one. TJ has always been against 1st birthday parties, saying they are for the parents and pointless because the kids don't remember them and have no idea what's going on. I will agree that we don't remember our 1st birthday parties, however, who doesn't have pictures to show for it in their baby books???? That is an absolute must. Was it a lot of work? Absolutely! Was it expensive? Yes, but with help of family not too, too bad. Was it stressful? A little, considering we had an entire crew here the night before helping made it easier (thank you Ana, Grandpa, Mark, Joe, Brian, Uncle Tom and Grandma for watching Rhowan) that helped a lot and the day of everyone pitched in so that I could be a host, walk around, say quick hellos and play with Rhowan! Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! It turned out great. We had good food, lots of drinks, yummy desserts, tons of candy from the pinanta, and a good turn out of people. All our close friends and family came to share this special milestone and it meant the world to us. I am sorry we didn't get to visit more with each and every one of you, the day got away from us with so many people and so much going on, but it was such a success and I couldn't have pulled it off without the help of everyone who pitched in! THANK YOU. We are truly blessed with friends and family that care.

1st Trip to Disneyland

I had just gone back to work on Rhowan's birthday week with one more week of planning for all her party to do's. I had been wanting to take her to Disneyland, so I kept that promise to her, well to myself really, who am I kidding, she doesn't know yet! lol. Anyway, she went to daycare for half day and Amy had baked a cake for her and did the whole nine yards of having all the kids sit around the table and sing to her and then eat cake! It was so cute and she was beside herself with excitement. Then off to the Happiest Place on Earth we went!

Oma (my mom) and Grandma (my mil) both came to join in on the fun. It was a great day, all decorated for Halloween and we even bought year passes! I loved going to Disneyland as a kid, who didn't. I have so many memories of going with my family when I was a little girl and my dad taking us on all the rides we loved to go on. While I was there with Rhowan it brought back so many memories.

OMG, time flies...

Ok, so I have had many complaints/comments (haha) as to where the hell I have been this past month...well I guess working full time has pretty much taken over the extra hours of my life that aren't with my beautiful baby girl and hubby. I am working an 8-5 office job, blahhhhhh (such a huge change from my teaching hours and going from something you love and are passionate about to just a job), pick up Rhowan from day care, feed her dinner, give her a bath and then its time for bed, not to mention, half the time I put her down, I fall asleep with her! So there goes my night, my hours to blog, to do laundry, pay bills, catch up on my dvrs, and the list goes on! I really love the money, but I hate the hours it takes me away from Rhowan. I hardly get to see her during the week. She is so exhausted after I pick her up, she plays hard all day and even with a 2 hour nap, by 6:30 she is ready for bed! So, to say the absolute least, its been a real hard adjustment. I am blessed to have work and have the extra money at a time like this, however, my biggest fears have come to life...daycare raising my daughter and her getting to see them, more than her own parents. That makes my heart ache in so many ways, I can not explain it to you. So all those hard times of staying home, bad days, frustrating moments, adjusting to life as a stay at home mommy...I take it ALL back!

So that is where the hell I have been! LOL.

In the meantime, we've had Rhowan's 1st Birthday Party, last month (wow, time flies), 2 real bad "accidents," Rhowan is a bruiser and going to give me grey hair before I hit 30, Mine and TJ's 4 year Wedding Anniversary, Thanksgiving, a new car and oh yeah...we are EXPECTING again!!!!!! I am finally able to officially announce it as I am past my first trimester! :) PHEW, what a crazy month you all have missed out on.

Now be patient, I am going to catch you all up on everything, but bare with me. I am sooooo extremely tired ALL the time with this pregnancy, new job and my busy, busy princess, so I will promise to do one post a night until we are all caught up.

Stay tuned for Rhowan's First Birthday Party pictures and updates. It all turned out so well. Months of planning and prepping made it a success with the help of many family and friends. :)

Muah, more tomorrow!

xoxxoox