Sher Sweet Shoppe

For those of you who know my wife, also know that she was not raised to throw a simple party.  Whether we have folks over to watch an OU Football game or friends over for dinner, it always turns into an "event."  So why then was I surprised when the decorations, props and candy started rolling into the Sher home about 10 days prior to Ellison's birthday party?

Let me tell you, on this first birthday party, Heather outdid herself.  The theme was the 'Sher Sweet Shoppe' so everybody had their pickings of candy, cookies, cupcakes, candy-bars, gum-balls, and cookie mix.  It was quite the spread.  The weather cooperated (if 90 degree heat with 90% humidity is cooperation...but it did not rain) and the moon bounce was a hit.  Really the whole thing was quite the spectacle.

To be honest, many a times, it will drive me crazy the efforts my wife will go when hosting friends.  Never is it simple, never is it easy.  However, I also love the pride she takes in entertaining.  And in this case, she put countless hours in researching, planning, shopping (under budget) and ultimately pulling off one spectacular birthday party.

There were many friends that helped us pull off the event, allowing us to borrow party decorations, ideas, and even a moon bounce, however none more so than Alissa Adams.  Alissa's ability to be creative never ceases to amaze.  She created the beautiful invitations as well as took so many great pictures.  Alissa thank you for all of your hard work! Also, Mary Catherine Ward- we couldn't have pulled it off without your generosity and creativity!

It was a packed house, and it was fun to see all the kids that came to celebrate.  We truly are so blessed to have so many great friends here in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Norman.  It was great to see so many of you!

Shiner

Just in case you thought that helmet comment on the last post was said in sarcasm, check out the shiner that was on Ellison's noggin when I picked her up from school yesterday.

You may be thinking, "Dang, that looks like it hurts."  I, on the other hand, was left thinking, "Dang, we are definitely paying too much for her school, if she is coming home looking like this."

Needless to say, I was unimpressed.

Crawling...Finally Crawling

So there has been a debate in our house regarding our nearly one year old and her refusal to crawl.  Rather than the expected, "is our baby girl a bit on the slow side?", the debate was on our desire for her to crawl.

Heather has been in "training mode" for about 3 months, trying to get Ellie to crawl.  I, on the other hand, have been content being able to sit in the recliner and watch Ellie, without having to chase her around the house, without having to baby proof every room and every outlet, without having to worry about what trouble she would get into when she was mobile.  Well, as of this week, she is crawling.

Although, it appears this won't be the case for very long.  She definitely prefers the full out walk...one problem...balance.  How important is balance you ask; well, only important for those kids that don't want to look abused.  Ellison has a tendency to attempt the walk and end up crashing on the ground.  Her forehead has become a routine stop for bruises and marks.  As a result of this lack of stability, I am always fearful, based on my previous experiences, that I will run into a DHS or District Attorney, and get prosecuted for the bruises that are consistently on her head.  I am tempted to find a helmet for her to wear on a consistent basis.

Prior to the disabling heat that we are now experiencing, Ellie and I got to spend some time in the back yard.  After school, we would take off our shoes and examine the grass in the back yard.  One immediate lesson learned was that the grass was more forgiving than the patio when it came to our falls.  Not to mention that the grass tasted better too!

So back to the crawl.  It appears that she is capable, although not terribly interested. Rather, she wants to stand up, walk, and demonstrate her independence.

As a result, she is pulling up on everything.  And as long as she has something to hold on to she can walk pretty well.  She definitely prefers, if available, mommy or daddy's hands, as they make the best crutches.

In fact, we have recently walked into her room, when she was "taking a nap" and we discovered that she was standing full out, jumping up and down, giggling, and loving the rail that allows her to walk the entire length of the crib.  So much for our baby girl being much of a baby anymore.