Gwen's First Birthday Party!!

We had Gwen's First Birthday party yesterday. It turned out to be a blast (even though the weather was freezing and snowy). We were so blessed to have so many friends join us in celebrating with Gwen. Even more amazing was that my parents were there too. We are just so lucky!!

Here are some pictures from the party. More can be found in my albums. Enjoy!

Getting ready to party, in dress #1 (we had to change her since she couldn't crawl in this one)


The birthday cake


"Smashing the cake"


She got really excited while opening her presents

1 Year Doctor's Appointment

On Wednesday October 7th we took Gwen in for her 1 year doctor's appointment. We went to a new doctor whom I love. She looked at Gwen and mentioned how she could tell that Gwen wasn't walking yet, by her physique. She's still pretty chubby but is definitely slowing down.

Since the 9 month appointment Gwen gained less than a pound but grew 2.5 inches. Her new stats:

Height: 29.75" (75th percentile (she was 49th percentile))
Weight: 23.3 lbs (77th percentile (she was 92nd percentile))
Head: still holding steady at 97th percentile

Gwen can now eat anything. We've already introduced whole milk and only have 1 can of formula left so once that is gone, that is it. Our doctor would like Gwen off the bottle by 15 months. She only gets 2 bottles a day now (morning and night) and sippy cups during the day. Mike will also be moving her car seat forward facing. Now we need a new car seat for his car. Do the expenses ever end???

Big Girl Swing

Yesterday I took Gwen to the park after work. She rode the big girl swing for the first time and loved it. I also let her slide down the slide (while I was holding her of course). We had the best time and I can't wait until I have my Fridays all alone with her!!

The countdown is on

until Gwen's first birthday! I can't believe my baby will be 1 in 3 weeks from today. Some changes are starting to happen in her life:

• I found a new daycare. I am so excited. It is in-home and half the price of my other daycare. The ratio will be 3:1 which will be great. I feel like she is in a "baby factory" now.
• Tonight was day 1 of whole milk at dinner, in a sippy cup, with no formula bottle before bed. Over the next 3 weeks I will be transitioning her from formula to organic whole milk, and from the bottle to a sippy cup. I think I will keep her morning bottle for a while since I like cuddling with her in the morning while she drinks it.
• She pulled herself up today on her dinosaur toy. I look back and she is standing. I have a feeling that walking won't be too far away!
• She only has a couple words dada, dog (she calls both cats "dog"), and uh-oh. She knows the sign to dog and I am teaching her the sign to "more". I am hoping mama will join her list of words soon :-)

I had a lot of ambitions for her first year. One of which was to put together a kick ass baby book. Well that didn't happen. I had been very upset with myself for not documenting anything. The truth is, I have been, in this blog. I actually found a website (the one that I use for my blog layouts) that will put all my posts (with pictures) into a bound book. I started to cry with excitement. I can even choose my date ranges so every year I can print a new book.
I wish I had pictures to share, but I don't. I have been slacking. We get our professional family photos/her 1 year photos done on Saturday at Wash Park. We have a lot of events coming up (my parents visit, her big birthday party, Mexico..........plus the holidays) so there will be many pictures coming soon.................

Mommy Update

I just wanted to give everyone an update on my knee. I had an MRI and the results weren't all that great. There are 3 major things wrong:
1. I have a flap of cartilage that is peeled away like and orange peel
2. I have bruising on my patella bone
3. I have severe arthritis. There are parts of the joint where there is barely any cartilage. I have never felt old until my doctor told me that.

I have to have my knee scoped. This will give the doctor an idea of the severity of the damage as well as the opportunity to fix the flap of cartilage. I have scheduled the surgery for November 19th, which is the Thursday before Thanksgiving. It is a 2 week recovery (not bad) but I won't be able to drive since it is my right knee. I figure piggy-backing Thanksgiving will give me added time off and a reason to just lay on my butt for the holiday and have everyone do the cooking :-) My parents may fly out and help out with Gwen while I am laid up, and then Mike's family will be here for Thanksgiving. Should be an interesting time!

I'll keep everyone posted.

Children's Museum

We took Gwen to the Children's Museum today, but first we had brunch at Lola (our favorite brunch in Denver). Mike and I decided that we needed a couple cocktails before hanging out with other people's screaming kids.

Gwen had a great time at brunch. She had avocado, eggs benedict with waffles and braised pork belly, and some breakfast chimichanga with buffalo, cheese, potatoes, and refried beans. I have to say I am frightened for her next diaper :-)

Gwen and Mommy at brunch

The Children's Museum was fun for Gwen. She crawled around and played with some toys and other kids. Even though she had fun, I think she will enjoy it a ton more in a few years. She was passed out before we got out of the parking lot.

Crawling through a log

The future chef

Nice socks dad

As Promised..............Gwen Crawling

As promised here is the video of Gwen crawling. Take notice of her pug-like breathing while she crawls and the lovely clicking noise that is her grinding her teeth. At the end of the video she claps, says "eyes" and "uh-oh". Enjoy!