Jelly Bean One Year

Jelly Bean turned one year old six weeks ago. What on earth happened? I mean, I usually time delay my posts and all that but SIX WEEKS for something so important?!?! And just a bunch of crickets here on Pickles and Onions?

The truth is, dear readers, is that my BABY turned one YEAR old. No more months, unless I do that creepy ‘my baby is 34 months old’ thing. Spoiler alter: aint gonna happen. My baby turned one and while my head got it and my heart celebrated it. My soul – and therefore the piece of me that writes – wasn’t ready for that. Nope, not at all.

But it happened. And it was wonderful.

It started early in the morning with some extra cuddles while the boys were bringing up the big birthday gift:

Here are the boys with the special gift.

Matilda took her time and then dove into her brand new toy kitchen.

Over maybe PJ did...

Then it was time to get dressed and open the gifts from our American family. So much adorable-ness!

And so many gifts!

Then PJ very excitedly gave Jelly Bean the gift he chose for her. There was a bit of confusion about who got to open the gift. First she was pretty insistent that she would open it.

But then PJ got a try.

Then she demanded it back.

And finally got it somewhat opened.

And that was the point that PJ couldn't wait any more.

 

He was so proud to give his little sister a gift. Jelly Bean was just thrilled to have Big Brother's undivided attention.

Then it was already time for our guests to arrive to help celebrate our healthy little girl.  

 

 

Since Jelly Bean still wasn't eating much sweet stuff and loved small pretzels and peanut butter, I made her a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing and her favorite tiny pretzels. She loved it!

I wasn't too confident that the German guest would like peanut butter and chocolate, so I also made a vanilla cake and cupcakes with vanilla icing colored green and blue. Those came over well.

 

 

Of course we skyped in Granny and Grandpie too!

Before too long - and much faster than ever before - the party day was over, our guests were already leaving, and all four of us fell into our beds. A wonderful day to celebrate a wonderful, healthy little lady.

 

 

There we are. My beloved, wonderful, stubborn, clever and above all healthy little girl is already one year old. I'm honored to be your mommy.

 

 

XO



 

 

So Many Worries

I haven't been posting that often recently. Not because I don't love you all - its more because there are so many worries bouncing around in the new House of Joy. I may share them, when I discover the words to express them, or I may see them float away into the realm of stuff-I-should-have-never-worried-about-and-quickly-forget-about before those words come to me.

Until then...there is thankfully at least one thing I don't have to worry about: PJ telling me what he wants, what he doesn't want, and making that super-duper clear.

PJ at his party exploring some cake.

I remember those party hats my mom sent...

...and slip one on.

2 seconds later: PJ doesn't like it.

He REALLY doesn't like it.

I take it off.

And we're good. Clear communication.

Or, even better, PJ wants some mommy loves.

Mommy sneaks up behind PJ to pose for a picture.

PJ realizes mommy is behind him.

PJ and mommy get excited.

PJ moves in for some mommy loves.

Mommy pulls back but PJ isn't done. The hug continues.

Yeah to clear communication! And, oh lordy, I love those PJ hugs.

All these amazing photos from the talented Aline Lange.


xo