Oliver's Birthday Bonanza, Part Two

Part Two took place on his actual birthday.  Ollie had a normal morning, but after his mid morning nap we packed up and went to the zoo!!  I think Rivers had more fun than Oliver, but we were all happy so it was a success for me.

We did have a lot of fun, we rode the train and the merry-go-round.  We packed a lunch and saw all the animals.  

After we came home and rested we went to dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Shepherd, we had a gift card and kids eat for free so it was way great.  

After dinner we came home and opened gifts.

 Then ate cupcakes

I can not even begin to express the love I have for my little Oliver.  My heart needed him so much!  From the moment he was born he was just this wonderful part of our family.  

We  tried for another baby for a year before I got pregnant with Oliver, we were exploring IVF and adoption, seeing how much the cost would be and what would be involved.  I'm grateful to my OBGYN who helped me research and prepare my body.  I feel like I got so lucky to have Rivers, and even more lucky to have Oliver.  I prayed and prayed for him for so many months.  The moment I held that sweet little boy in my arms I knew I was home.  After he was born, around 2 weeks were became aware of his skull issues.  Then began our long road of CT scans, cranial scans, helmets, doctors, ultrasounds, stress and sleepless nights.  I had to fight with doctors, and insurance all for something that wasn't even guaranteed to work.  His skull is still ONE degree off, but he is thriving.  Oliver is a bit physically delayed, which is common for helmet therapy, but was a risk I was willing to take.  After all was said and done I wouldn't change a thing.  Stupid comments and pity stares, all worth it to have this amazing little man in perfect health and with me forever.

I love you Oliver Eugene and I am so so so so so glad you were born.

Oliver's Birthday Bonanza. Part One

Rather than have one big party for Oliver's first birthday I decided to stretch it out over a week.  It was awesome and I'll probably always do it that way, for both boys.  

Part one was on July 13, the Sunday before his birthday, at my parents house
We invited my brothers, grandparents and parents.  It was great to get everyone together and to celebrate my amazing little man.

We had spent the weekend up and Scott's parents cabin, and left early so we could get all the part stuff done, including OLIVER cupcakes, balloons, food, and decorations.  Everything turned out so cute and I loved it!  

The party theme was "One-derful" see what I did there, turning one, I'm awesome.

The second "R" got swiped before the photo, I think calling him Oliver Olive is cool though, like a rapper name or something

Ollie Loved his cupcake, but really loved the ice cream.  After he smashed the cake he started licking up the ice cream off the spoon.  

All he wanted to do was crawl into the toy room and play with the toys, and showed no interest in opening gifts.

I loved all the love and hugs my little Ollie got from my parents and grandparents, it's so nice to feel your child is loved.  

I also love a reason to throw a party.  I had a blast making decorations, ordering balloons and cupcakes, and putting it all together.  

I want my kids to know that their birth is a big deal to me, and I'm glad they were born.  

My heart needed Oliver so much, as I've reflected upon his birth I can't believe how calm and wonderful it was.  Oliver was such an easy newborn and I've loved watching what a great big brother Rivers has become.

Speaking of Rivers, he was so great during all the attention Oliver was getting.  I tried to talk to him beforehand to make sure he knew that he was just as special and that his birthday was coming up.  He has wanted to play with all of Oliver's toys, but he's been really good at sharing and he has been so kind about everything.  I wish Rivers was my big brother.

Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3!!