Pilgrimage to SLC

We trekked down to Salt Lake City for the perfect storm of AWESOME. The Kuestners were going to be in town, we needed to "warm" the new Nuetzel home, we had yet to meet our friend Milo (he's new), Erin was offering photo shoots this month, AND we are overhauling our living room with IKEA goodies. Because all these factors came together for the same weekend, we rallied for the quick trip, which, as Jacob liked to point out, all took place in less time than I was in labor (the same weekend last year).

What's this green stuff?

Hanging with the gang!

Talking fire with baby Milo.

Beauty rest after the photo shoot.

Brunch bunch.

PLAYER!

Our precious baby toddler is busy exploring our home in lots of fun ways! He can now reach every part of the couch, so no cell phone or remote is safe. We use only travel coffee mugs--even in the house. The litter box is the most fascinating toy in the joint. And, we've never had more fun!

Using his scooter from Santa as a walker.

Heading up the stairs.

What's new, Rio?

LOVE the new hammer toy from Maeve!

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

One of the many benefits of having a one-year-old, is that he has NO idea what the whole birthday thing is about. When Jacob had to dash off to his EMT class before we opened gifts on the big day, it was no big deal. In fact, we waited until Saturday to BEGIN opening presents. Honestly, there are still three wrapped at the house. This was fun though because we got to skype in Grammy, Papa, Uncle Tomtom, Auntie Tata and "the nugget" (not to mention Sneaky, Babs, Bucky and Lola!).

Let the games begin!

Moments before he crawled in the box.

You can have your cake . . .

In my ongoing efforts to be the best mother I can be (which some days isn't so hot), I am being pretty conservative on the types of foods Augie is eating. He hasn't had much in the form of dairy or carbs, but he really loves so many kinds of other foods. Needless to say, I was a little stumped when I thought about what to serve for the classic "1st birthday cake" photos. I decided to go with a banana oat whole wheat cupcake with cream cheese frosting. Let's just say, I heard no complaints from the birthday boy!

Look WHOOO's one!

Starts by licking all the frosting off.

Taking time to savor every mouthful!

Want some?

SO BIG!!!

12 months

Wow. My mind has trouble processing the fact that Jacob and I are parents of a one-year-old! We still like to snuggle him up and remind him of how he is our precious baby boy, meanwhile, the clothes we put him in that morning are already too small. At his 12 month doctor's appointment today, the nurse called him "long and lean." We could come up with LOTS of adjectives to describe ASH. What would you say?

"Not sure I want to sit still ever again."

"Except maybe in my Big Boy Chair."

Happy Birthday Augie!

We celebrated Augustus' first birthday on his real day, January 31st! His friends joined him for a 5-7 party time complete with cupcakes, snacks and a pinata. Several of his buddies chowed down on elk chili and the parents enjoyed a glass of wine or tasty Wind River beer. Our small home was definitely filled with love, laughter and mischief. Thanks to all of Augie's friends who made the day so special!

Just some light snacks!

Birthday Boy (shirt #1)

Some friends enjoying Grandma Sharon's squash.

Birthday wish! (shirt #2)

Pull-string pinata!

Scrambling for the "healthy" pinata fillings!

Speaking of "healthy"!

How much loot does a 1-year-old need?

Daddy Daycare

Jacob has fully embraced the Daddy Daycare routine and is even beginning to branch out to the other daddys we know for playdates (just don't ask what happened with Boone!). Augustus has a great routine involving stories, swimming, visiting Mami at work, eating lots of delcious food, napping and drinking from a sippy cup.

Like father, like son.

Henrie boys.