Sunshine Birthday Party

Tory's first birthday parties (plural - she's so special she had TWO!) were sunshine themed. Yellow and cheerful just like my Tory Bean. Admittedly, I sort of have a weird thing against themed decorations (that's why Tory's nursery is lavender with white and black accents - no cutesy characters) and her birthday party was along the same vain - simple and bright.

About a month ago, I was stressing big-time about hand-crafting all of her party decorations. Pinterest is the devil because it's easy to find tons of cute ideas, but then you actually have to MAKE THEM. I used to love crafty stuff but since I had Tory, it's the last thing I feel like doing after she goes to bed at night. Then, I had a brilliant idea! My nanny is super artsy and creative. Since I decided to take a vacation day on Tory's birthday (which fell on a work/nanny day), I propositioned the nanny with an idea. She would get a free day off with pay in exchange for making all my sunshine party decorations. A win, win, right? I gave her some ideas as to what I was looking for and she make some adorable decorations for Tory's party (in, like, an afternoon I might add). I couldn't have been more thrilled with the way they turned out!

You Are My Sunshine highchair banner and tray decoration.
Tory was obsessed with pulling the cherry off the top of the cupcake decoration.

A "Tory's 1st Birthday" banner.
The "You Are My Sunshine" painting was a gift from our nanny featuring Tory's very own hand print.

Yellow frosting cupcakes and cucumber lemonade for all. 

Sunflowers for a table centerpiece.

Pretty yellow and orange paper flowers as outdoor decor.

Bright-colored dress from Carter's.

My sunshine girl was showered with love and gifts throughout the weekend. Our three-day celebration with family deserves a post of its own which I lack the brain power to compose at the moment. More details to come about Tory's first birthday ....

Letters to Tory: 12 Months

Happy birthday Tory Girl!

One year ago today, at 7:52pm, you changed our lives forever. I can easily say, you are truly a gift from God. Your friendly personality and warm brown eyes have touched so many people and I feel blessed to have you in my life.

Before you were born, I dreamt about being your mom. I imagined holding you in my arms and rocking you to sleep in your nursery, drinking in that newborn baby smell and every audible coo you made. Despite all the sleepless nights, I loved every minute of our first days together. You were everything I imagined you'd be those few months of life. What I didn't realize, however, is just how much I would love being your mom today. Is it strange to say I fall head over heels in love with you more everyday? It's absolutely true. You are the center of my world, baby girl, the most important part. You teach me patience, love and cause me to belly laugh every single day.

I could gush for hours about how special you are to Daddy and I, so let's talk about how much you've matured in the last month. I'd venture to say you've grown more developmentally in the last four weeks than any other span in your lifetime. Perhaps the biggest change is your eating preferences. Suddenly you went from showing no tolerance for anything but purees to completely demanding only grown up foods. At your 9 month check-up, I expressed concern for your lack of interest in solid foods to your pediatrician and he said eating is a social activity and you'd eventually come around when you were ready to join the party. He was right - one day, you woke up and decided you'd like to eat everything Mommy and Daddy were eating and that's exactly what you do. Your favorites are cheese quesadillas, enchiladas, waffles, macaroni and cheese, peaches, pickles and mashed potatoes (not necessarily in that order). In a few weeks time, you've gone from wearing most of your food (or deliberately tossing it on the ground) to eating every single crumb set before you. I'm amazed at your progress in just a few week's time. You're a great little eater and always excited to try new foods.

Your trick ratio is also way off the charts! I amazed how we have real conversations now. Well, you're not exactly speaking back to me in a verbal sense, but you do communicate through sign language (more, all done, nap, love, hi, bye-bye) and through physical actions. One such gesture - spitting/blowing raspberries when you don't like something - is heard loud and clear, little girl. You definitely let us know when you do or don't want to do something we ask of you. Grandma says you might be like Daddy and only do something if it was your idea in the first place. Ha! We might be in serious trouble then .... As sassy as spitting six inches away from my face is, you're also very sweet when you "give us love" with hugs and kisses and rock your baby doll in your arms. You are so smart, Tory. When asked, you can point to all of your body parts and even hold up one finger when we ask how old you are.

Walking has been another milestone achievement for you this month. You were able to take several steps at 11 months old, but now use walking as your primary mode of transportation. Your legs must be so tired by the end of the day because you are constantly on the move. Around the kitchen island, outside in the backyard grass, down the hallway to your bedroom, then to the your playroom, to the kitchen and back again. I'm still in awe as I watch you toddle all around the house. I can't believe one year ago you were a tiny newborn and now you're a walking, talking little person.

This month, we spent a lot of time at the lake cabin, continued swimming class and took you on your first visit to the Minnesota State Fair. No matter what activity is before you (large marching bands, crowds of people or big boats on the water), it's trees that captivate your interest. "Oh!"you say and point your tiny finger to a green leafy tree near you. You might be an arborist someday or a tree-hugger because trees are your favorite thing. You continue to love books and often bring us your favorites from the shelf if you'd like us to read to you. Daddy bought you a princess tent and many days, you'll sit inside the castle and look at pictures in your books forever (real time: 10 minutes which is a very long while in baby time).

Our family is stopping by to celebrate your big birthday milestone tonight. I can't wait to watch you dive into your very own birthday girl cupcake. You're going to love it, I just know it. Your babyhood chapter is coming to a close and toddlerhood is on the horizon. I'm giddy just thinking about all the fun things we have in store in the next year. I can't wait to see your personality blossom, bake cookies with you and watch you discover the magic of Christmas. If this year is any indication, the best days are yet to come.

I love you always and forever, Tory Bean.

XOXO,
Mama

Tory - 52 Weeks Old

One year old. 

Happy birthday, baby girl!

Tory's 1st Trip to the State Fair

If you're not from around here, you probably don't realize the summer rite of passage, if you will, of the Minnesota State Fair. It takes place the week before Labor Day every summer, and Andi and I have made it a point to visit every year since we began dating. I remember my first taste of buttered corn on the cob (the best you'll ever have), numerous trips to the Miracle of Birth Center, trying just about any kind of food on a stick and visiting Andi's sister Lindsay who works at the State Fair full-time. Most of all, how could I forget our multiple trips last summer as we attempted to "walk the baby out" by touring the fairgrounds for hours and hours with a very, very pregnant belly? Since Tory's birthday is during fair time, I think she'll always have a special love for the fair, too.

Three years ago, Andi and I decided to make a State Fair video about our yearly experience and it's become somewhat of a ritual.

2012
MN State Fair 2012 from Andi Dickson on Vimeo.

This year was Tory's first trip to the fair. Despite the hot, humid weekend weather (GAH - so many people! so much body odor!), Tory had a blast taking in the sights and sounds. I let her taste all the foods we ate (pickles, turkey sandwich, ice cream and lemonade), we watched the parade and visited the Little Farm Hands exhibit. I can't wait to go back next year when she'll be able to enjoy all the food, animals and activities even more!

Not Enough Hours In The Day

It's been a crazy, hard few weeks around here. Back-to-school time means work is busier than ever and this fall, I've really struggled to find a balance between career woman and being Tory's mom. If I had the option, I'd choose motherhood all day long. Unfortunately work is a part of my life these days, and I'm not one to give less than 110% when someone's counting on me to deliver results. Pre-baby days, I worked from home many fall evenings when busy days prevented me from crossing anything off my to-do list but now with Tory in the mix and a part-time schedule, I'm challenged to find enough hours in the day to balance it all. I absolutely, positively cannot flash any sign of weakness at work for fear my boss (or actually, my boss' boss) will question my part-time schedule and my ability to manage both worlds. What if she comes to me and says this schedule isn't working? That I'll need to come back full-time? I would die. I refuse to be away from my baby girl for more hours than I already am in a week.

What's more, Tory's been teething and sleeping like garbage. I've been up with her every two hours most nights the last few weeks and waking up in the wee morning hours to work from home before leaving for my actual job. Last night / this morning, I was up with Tory at 11:30pm, fell asleep in the rocking chair until 1:30am, then stumbled back to my own bed for a few hours of sleep. She woke up again at 3:00am and as I was rocking her back to sleep, I was half-dreaming / half-panic attacking about work crap. I laid her down to sleep and decided I'd just get up and start knocking items off my to-do list. Today, I started work at 3:00am. Yes, it's as ridiculous as it sounds.

All this to say I'm running on energy and patience. I've barely talked to my husband in weeks because he's just as swamped at work as I am. Every night, I count the minutes until bedtime because I cannot wait to lay down and not have to respond to barking orders from anyone. I want more hours in the day to read blogs (and write on mine, too!), trim my fingernails or watch the news. I feel guilty for being less than thrilled to read board books to my baby girl or follow her as she toddles around the living room a million times because I am just too freaking tired to keep up.

This time of year will pass, it always does, but not before I'm exhausted, stressed and over-loaded. I hate feeling this way. Balancing motherhood and a busy work schedule is more effort than I wish to contribute. I'm fantasizing about a day my calendar doesn't blow during the months of August, September and October; one that has me solely focused on being a devoted mom to my baby girl.

Signed,

Twin Cities Mom Trying to Have It All

Tory - 51 Weeks Old

Tory - 51 Weeks Old

One more week until the BIG DAY!

Tory - 50 Weeks Old

Tory - 50 Weeks Old