Kendall's Birthday Pictures (Part 1)

Let's start off with some food, shall we?


Kendall's first birthday was a magical day. I have to say a special thank you to everyone that helped me put it all together, especially my mom, my dear friend Hilary (who took these photos, by the way), my other dear friend Amy who took even more photos (soon to come), my amazingly supportive MIL, Monika and my SIL, Liz (Supernanny). And of course I need to thank my wonderful husband, Chris, who sprung for a housecleaner so I had one less thing to do! Thanks, Honey!

Also, thank you to everyone who came or who wanted to come but couldn't make it- you were with us in spirit.

The day went great- Kendall got a nice morning nap and was all fresh for her party. She had a great time and even managed to last until about 430 in a great mood!

Here are some pics from the day:








Gimme cake!!

One Year Ago...(Kendall's Birth Story)

So I thought in honor of Kendall's first birthday, and since I don't have the pictures from her party yet, that I would recap her birth story so she can look back on it one day and see how it all went down. :)

All during my pregnancy I was working as a 7th grade science teacher at Montgomery Middle School in Linda Vista. I loved my job, as challenging as it could be at times. Each day was different and it kept me active and focused on something other than pregnancy symptoms. I had a great friend teaching next door to me so that helped, too.

Fast forward to my last week at work: I was supposed to quit work on Friday, May 15, but I just had this feeling that I needed to quit a little bit sooner. So, I moved it up to Wednesday, May 13. Sure enough, the next day at around midnight I started getting contractions. Chris was sure they weren't "the real ones," but I knew. I was practicing my breathing and just concentrating on getting myself in a positive frame of mind for childbirth. I was doing lots of really deep,long breaths to help ease the pain during contractions.

Finally, around 2 we called the doctor and they said we should come in, but we could kind of take our time. I called my mom to come over and stay with Brandon. As soon as she got here we left for the hospital. When I got there they sent me to a triage room and when they finally checked me I was at 7 cm, so they were like, "get her upstairs, stat!"

I wanted to maintain my positive, strong frame of mind, so I refused the wheelchair and walked to and from the elevator. I can't explain but I felt so in control and ready for the experience. I just felt like I could do this. I really was my own personal cheerleader!

In the labor and delivery room, I kept breathing through the pain. As I got closer to transition and things got more painful, I told the nurse I wanted an epidural. But she said I was ready to push and I could do it (she knew I wanted a natural childbirth). Sure enough, the doctor checked me and I was ready. Pushing hurt (duh) but the nurse was so good, she kept cheering me on. And Chris was right there trying to say the right things but kind of like a deer in the headlights, poor guy! I was in it to win it so when they said she was almost out and ot keep pushing through the pain, I gave everything I had. The next thing I knew, she was out! I felt instant relief and joy as the nurse placed her on my chest. Little Kendall didn't waste any time and she nursed practically right after she was born. My little love!

7lbs, 11 oz, 21 1/2 inches long. Dark hair and lots of it!

I have never run a marathon, but I have given birth naturally and I really felt like a rock star after that! Wow, what an experience. Was it painful? Yes, but the pain was manageable. Would I do it that way again? Absolutely! We will plan on it for this next little one and hope that his/her birth is just as perfect as Kendall's was!

Kendall Goes Shopping...

So, yesterday Daddy put together a birthday present from Gammy. Kendall got to play in the box while Daddy was busy building it.

Not that she liked that.


Luckily it was pretty interesting watching Daddy hammer the wheels on.


Then Kendall got to take her new grocery cart for a test drive!


She drove.


And drove.


And shopped 'till she dropped (literally. She's still not that great on her feet.)



I think it is safe to say that she loves her present. Thank you, Gammy! (Just wait until she sees her other present from Gammy!)

Chloe's Birthday!

This Saturday we had the pleasure of helping Kendall's little friend Chloe celebrate her first birthday. It was seriously a blast! They had the party at a kids gym, and it couldn't be a more perfect place for a party. There were trampolines, a ball pit, jungle gyms, tumbling mats, etc.


Kendall had an absolute blast. She didn't stop going except to eat (reminds me of someone else I know...)


One of her favorite things was this little step thingy. It had rails on both sides and steps that go up and down. Kendall is obsessed with stairs but usually needs our help to get up and down. With this she could go up and down to her hearts content all by herself using the handrails!





There really was a lot to do here... see those giant multi-colored balls? A kid can fit in it and then you can roll the whole thing around. Wish they had those in grown-up size!


Kendall enjoyed pushing these giant balls around.



So, what a fun time. Thank you to Chloe for inviting us! We really enjoyed celebrating with you!