Bookworm

We've been reading books to Peyton pretty much since the first day we got home from the hospital. Her bedtime routine always includes a good night story. Some nights Peyton is too tired to pay attention (and lately has taken to closing the book on her own). But for the most part, Peyton loves to read. She just learned how to sign "book", and even when it's not bed time, she can occupy herself for MINUTES with one story. I'm not a reader, and neither is Martin. So hopefully this love of books, stories, and all things reading keeps up!

Snow Day = Mommy/Daughter Fun Day!

This Arizona girl hates cold weather. Out of protest (and a little bit of laziness), we don't even own a snow shovel. We rely on our friendly neighbors to loan us theirs when the flakes fall. But when the forecasters predicted 8-10 inches this week, I welcomed the storm. A snow day meant closed schools and daycares - and I got to spend the whole day with Peyton.

We had a blast! She woke up in a great mood, and requested to wear her blinged out princess crown t-shirt. We spent the morning playing with toilet paper, went to Starbucks and got blueberry muffins, and then came home and busied about the playroom, flitting from toy to toy.

After a good nap, Peyton was ready to goof around and make faces in the mirror at me. She practiced her walking, and even picked out a new outfit and a new sippy cup at Babies R Us.

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We watched Mickey Mouse and snacked on graham crackers.

To cap off the day, Amy and Amber came over to play while the Moms sipped mimosas. I wish every day could be a snow day...

Glamour Girl

Peyton is already showing signs of being a girly girl (yeah!). She becomes giddy with excitement every time I pull out my makeup bag. Her favorite part is the eyelash curler. She shrieks with laughter when I curl mine, and insists that I curl hers too. Of course, I just pretend, but she sits patiently while we wait for her lashes to "curl." These pictures show her intense dedication to having perfect lashes, and also show her love for tearing up toilet paper while waiting for Mom to get ready in the mornings.

Birthday Extravaganza: Birthday Bash

This is the last birthday post, I promise. We felt so blessed and honored that so many friends and family came to celebrate Peyton's birthday with us. For those that traveled from far (Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Ginger), and for those who just walked across the street, the party wouldn't have been the same without you. Peyton was spoiled rotten with gifts and attention. And we had so much fun watching her relish in the limelight.

I don't think she liked the tutu. I will put it on the shelf next to the birthday hat.

Toys everywhere!

Amber loved Peyton's chair!

It wouldn't be a party without people using the couches as trampolines!

Brynn shows off her walking skills (at only 9 months old)!

All of the dads drinking beer in the kitchen.

Ashleigh, Lyle, and Emma

Time to stuff some monkeys!

Happy Birthday Princess Peyton!

"I could get used to eating cake every day!"

Presents!

Birthday Extravaganza: The Party Details

I admit it. I am one of "those" moms who went a teensy bit overboard for her daughter's first birthday. "She'll never remember it." "Is this party for her, or for you?" Blah blah blah. I say, this is the only first birthday party for my first child I will ever throw. So if I want to fly fresh monkey tail flowers in from Hawaii, I can. And all you naysayers can suck it. For those of you who don't think there is such an expression as "too much," read on to see some pictures of the details of Peyton's Monkey Princess party.

The invitation:

Outdoor decorations included yard signs, balloons, and a welcome sign on the door:

The entryway table had framed pictures of Peyton from each month:

Hot pink roses with monkey tail flowers (yes, flown in from Hawaii):

Tissue paper poms hanging from the light fixtures

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The cake table had the precariously balancing monkey cake, personalized chocolate covered oreo pops and Peyton's custom birthday hat (which she still hated):

The food table featured the Happy Birthday Banner (which took FOREVER to make. Ginger - think of your colors NOW if you want one):

The kids had personalized bags with unstuffed monkeys, which they put together:

The gift table: