The First Birthday

Today was the big day... Fulton's first birthday. I don't know where the year went. Too too fast. I was so glad his birthday landed on a Saturday so we could celebrate the first one on his actual day. 

 His birthday was centered around the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." I found lots of cute ideas on Pinterest and the cuteness was endless. Including this number 1 I made for the front door. Just wanted to remind people how old he was.

 If you have read the book, and if you haven't you really should, it's super cute. But anyways, Fulton's babysitter cut out (with her fancy cricut) all the foods from the book and we covered the walls with them. It started making me hungry looking at all these delicious treats.

 I made this handy dandy extra large caterpillar out of his monthly pictures. Oh how fun it was to look  back at each month and see how much he has grown. I thought it was such a great idea that I would put it up earlier this week one night after Fulton went to bed. Not such a great idea the next day when he starting ripping them down and eating them.

 Aunt Keri made the awesome cute Number 1 on the fireplace... out of cupcake wrappers. What a genius. It was too cute. And mom made some fabulous water bottle labels that said "The Very Thirsty Caterpillar."

 This was the favor and book signing table. The favors were a collaborative effort between mom, sister, and myself. And all the guests were asked to sign Fulton's caterpillar book with a special birthday message. I thought it was a neat way to have a keepsake of who came and a way to look back on it.

 The outside eating area. It turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day in the mid 80's, but the tent was nice to shade from the sun in our backyard.

 Here's the food table. Aunt Keri made the lifesize caterpillar and I love it so much I might just keep it up for decoration for a while. We had some yummy foods thanks to mom and Keri, including: cocktail weenies, chocolate chip cookies, goldfish, watermelon, strawberries, sausage balls, chocolate dipped pretzels, grapes, cheese cubes, apples with dip, rotel dip, cake pops, and chocolate oatmeal cookies. I think I gained 5 pounds today from all the deliciousness.

 Fulton's fabulous caterpillar cake. Mrs. Vin, his babysitter, made this precious creation. Let's just say some mommies are probably going to be scrubbing green icing out of clothes for a couple of days.

 And she made his smash cake too.

 We finished setting up a few minutes before the party started and took a few family photos before beginning the big shindig. Fulton was not in the smiling mood because we actually had to wake him up because he was taking such a long morning nap and people were about to arrive. I never like to be woken up from my naps either.

 Random shots of the festivities. We were able to have the AU game on outside for our friends that root for the other team.

 Sweet friends and family.

 Lots of people that love this little man and came to help us celebrate.

 Now it was time for cake, the best part. Fulton was not having any part of this hat. We should have practiced this week...maybe next year. Or I guess not since it has a 1 on it. Maybe when he is 10, I can add a zero and make him wear it.

 At first this little guy just ate the fondant fruit off and just chewed it.

 Then the fun began. He was loving it.

 Made a huge mess, had cake in all crevices of his face and his hair. He was a hot mess.

 We cleaned up and played with our friends and when everyone had gone we had a little gift time. Now, on the invitation we asked for no gifts, and if you wanted to bring something, then you were asked to bring a donation for The Foundry. We just don't want Fulton to think birthdays are about gifts, and he truly didn't need anything anyways, we would rather collect items for others. With that being said, some people didn't follow the rules, including my family. Aunt Keri and Uncle Pete got Fulton this super cute chair and he had a ball playing with it. It's just his size. Now if we can just get him to sit still, I think he will enjoy it.

 KK and Pops sported Fulton with his first set of wheels in his very first Cozy Coup. He wore himself out helping Pops and Daddy put it together. Man that thing came with some parts.

 He loves it already and if gas prices keep rising, he may have to share with us and I might start driving it to work.

We opened a few more things, he got some cute new clothes that I am sure mommy is more excited about than he is. Can I just say that we could not have done this without the huge help of my fam. They are awesome. My mom and sister have spent hours and hours making things and helping us prepare. And the guys have put in some sweat and muscles to help us get ready for this big day. It was a wonderful day to celebrate Fulton's 365th day!! He isn't even officially one yet, but at 8:34 we will sing a quiet Happy Birthday to him from across the house and hopefully he will be sleeping soundly. Happy Birthday to our sweet Fulton! We love him to pieces.

Ladies Man

Matt's school had a football game this week and we went to cheer on the wildcats. This is what Fulton did the whole game. He loved watching the cheerleaders. We are really working on SS. Code word for "stop staring." He totally gets this from his momma. I love to people watch. If he would keep his sunglasses on it wouldn't be so obvious, at least that's what I do. If these sweet girls love cheerios and slobbery kisses, then he's your man. 

Game Day Gear

Well, it's officially the start of football season again. Matt informed me this morning that it was national wear your college team colors day. 

 So, I had to change clothes, but Fulton already had his gear set out to wear. We are just bursting with excitement that our Tide plays in about 24 hours. Woohoo! We are slightly jealous because part of our fam is already in Dallas gearing up for the game. boo.

 Alright, that's all I have for game day outfits, but I will share some other randomness, since apparently that is all the blog consists of these days. We must be very boring people. Matt had his first official school day a couple of weeks ago as an Assistant Principal, so of course I had to take his picture before his first day of school. I wanted him to hold a sign like people do with their kids, but he refused.  Such a stud.

Not looking as pretty when he got home. Rough day huh!? No, really he loves this new change and he is doing a great job.

 We ended our first week back at school with a usual weekend trip to the lake where Fulton got his fix of lovin from KK, Pops and Aunt Keri (Uncle Pete was hitting the golf course).

 We went on a boat ride and came up on the rock and Matt was eager to jump off. So we did this character analysis personality thing at school last week with the kids and I took one myself and I got the lowest score in the category of spontaneous/adventurous. Sad, I know. So... I took that challenge and decided I would jump with Matt. Pretty spontaneous huh? Good thing you can't see the picture where the 5 and 6 year old girls were jumping in front of us. But anyways, this is our sweet son wondering why his momma was freaking out on top of that rock. See me shaking in the background... keep thinking adventurous, you can do it.

 Didn't want to get too wild and crazy on my jump, so let's just keep it simple. Straight down and hold the top.

 And here's Mr. Fancy doing his back flip and all. I mean I was going to do mine, but I didn't want him to feel back because mine was better.

And let's end on this cuteness. Fulton has been pumped to be back with his school buddies and he is doing his best to start full time walking so he can keep up with them. Happy 4 day weekend!

Catching Up

No major events to share, but a few random photos to catch up on our not so exciting life. 

So Fulton's hair is getting a little long... I am starting to notice a bit of a rat tail in the back. I do want to grow it a little shaggy, not like ponytail shaggy though. I am afraid a little trim may be in our near future.

This hunk a chunk turned 11 months last week. These months are seriously flying by. The big birthday bash is just around the corner. I think he might have gotten his first taste of a little sweet something today when he grabbed a piece of this cookie I had in my hand. I didn't realize it until I saw crumbs on his face. Sneaky one he is.

We have been practicing our walking skills. This started last week. He is getting pretty good at walking while pushing his car, but hasn't been brave enough to step out without his wheels.

We spent some time at the lake this weekend and mom and dad had their supper club up for the day. I know they were ready to finally see us go home because Fulton was such a squirmy wormy on the boat, unless Pops was letting him drive.

Ok this is really random. So, we are out riding the boat, Matt is driving and all the sudden he says look at the shore.... and this is what we saw. This truck had apparently crossed the road and came down the side of the hill right before the bridge and landed upside down on this rock. Creepy sight. So then we start thinking what if someone was in there and no one had noticed. Remember all those adults on the boat (mom and dad's friends) they all suggested someone needed to swim over and check...and guess who they voted to do it. Poor Matt. He didn't mind. He loves a good challenge. He jumped right off that boat and swam over, climbed up that rock and stepped down to see in the truck. I mean he was a lifeguard at Shipwreck Island and all. Talk about freaking out, I would have peed my pants if they had voted me to do it. Thankfully there was no one in it, just praying those people made it out safely.

Today at church Fulton moved up to the big boy class. He actually has been going the last 2 weeks because the baby class was packed out (some fertile folks in our church). But today was the official start day and he enjoyed it.

Aunt Keri came to play this afternoon and brought Fulton a prize back from the Dominican Republic. Some Moroccas (however you spell that) and he was just a one man band making some music with those puppies.

We started a new adventure tonight. Brushing our teeth. We are probably a little behind on this one, considering most of the toothbrushes we looked at said 4months and up...oops. The little booger loved it. I wish my toothpaste tasted like apples.

Loved it so much he just kept going with it. So, that's what we have been up to lately...pure excitement, I know.

My New Love

So this is my new love... Pinterest. I know, I am a little behind. But I finally joined this about a month ago and I am hooked. Love it. Matt says I am addicted, I disagree. 

Here are a few of my recent projects from my new hobby. 

 My burlap cross. Now, don't look to closely because it has quite a few imperfections but I have been wanting something burlap for our door and just couldn't bring myself to pay the prices. Good ole Pinterest to the rescue (and a little encouraging from my sweet friend Stephanie) and this was the result. Only cost me $2.99 for the burlap because I had everything else.

 Don't let the hot pink freak you out, no it's not going in our living room (I only wish I could be that daring). But I saw on Pinterest where you could spray paint old brass lamps. Well, I was needing a little pop in my classroom and some more pink to match the hanging lanterns, a quick trip to the thrift store and Lowes and this was the result. I also glued a cute pink flower to the shade to complete it. Now, there is a sad part to this... I got just a little little bit of pink spray paint on the driveway. Matt wasn't too thrilled about that part. Ooops.

And last but not least our newest activity. Saw this one on there too. I saw where you could turn the pack-n-play into a ball pit. Who needs to go to the playground at McDonalds when you can have your own at home?! We need a few more bags, but it's a start. Fulton is enjoying it so far. So I made one more thing with my leftover burlap but forgot to take a picture before it went to my classroom. I am loving Pinterest, getting lots of good ideas and I have another one to reveal for Fulton's birthday party. I fear that going back to school is going interfere with my craft time. Bummer. 

What Are Your Thoughts

It's time for another purchase... and a big one I assume after browsing the car seat aisle several times and looking at the hefty price tags on some of these puppies. 

So I need any and all advice. Several of my friends have already given me the brands they have purchased, but we just haven't bit the bullet to commit to the next carseat. Any advice?? By the way, doesn't this look just like Fulton... I mean on St. Patty's Day of course.

And here's another question for you. So the big debate is when to turn their seat around. Apparently it used to be one year and now they recommend two years old. I mean I don't want Fulton to look like this in a year. Hmm... what do you think?  Thanks for the tips!

Weekend With Family

This weekend we enjoyed an extra long stay at the lake to enjoy the company of all our South Carolina fam in town. They usually only get to come once in the summer, so we try to soak up as much fun as we can. 

Thursday night Caleb and Fulton enjoyed some fun together in this extra small wagon. They are about 11 months apart and about 2 seconds after this picture, Caleb was ready for Fulton to get out. He gave him a sweet little push to help him.

 Friday was spent visiting Papa's grocery store and coming out with way more food and items than were necessary and then we came back for an afternoon on the water.

Caleb kept us all entertained. He loved trying to drive the boat and we had to pry him off when it was time to set sail.

 I think Caleb enjoyed the lifejacket as much as his good buddy Fulton did.

 The Bouchillons enjoying a little boat ride.

Our cousin Amber and her husband Patrick brought their sweet (not even 2 week old) baby. It was a fight for who was going to hold him.

 And our beautiful fam. This is quite the crew.

 My mom and her brother and sis. Can you guess who's the oldest?

 A girls picture, minus Amber and Katie.

 Saturday we enjoyed a full day playing on the water. Fulton was being such a sweet boy sharing his pool with Caleb. Not sure if this was really made for 2 kids, but it worked. Caleb enjoyed dumping all the water out of the pool and watching the adults try to put it back in.

 Trying to look macho.

We did stop by the marina to see the fish again and Fulton wasn't too impressed this time. He was just ready to get back and eat lunch. Pops tried to entertain him.

 Saturday night we went to Mema and Papa's and enjoyed some good ole homemade fried chicken and an after dinner ride in the wagon.

KK put all the stuffed animals into the car and Fulton enjoyed trying to figure out which one to destroy first. We enjoyed a sweet weekend with family. The end to summer is quickly approaching and it makes my heart ache. Boo.

First Of Many

Before we talk about our new first, this little guy turned 10 months old while we were at the beach. So we did a late picture when we got back to document the milestone. 

Hopefully we can make it through 2 more months with the trusty old chalkboard. It's quite the adventure to get him to sit still long enough and not lick the chalk off.

He is on the go, everywhere. Chases Harley and poor guy hasn't come out from under the bed for several days now, Harley not Fulton. But I think our little Harley man is sick... he is going to visit his doctor today and hopefully we can figure out what's going on. I mean I know he is getting old, but let's just not go there.

And eating is a favorite pastime hobby of ours too. He gets that from his momma. I am not looking forward to those days of self feeding with real food, crackers are enough of a mess. I am such a mess-a-phobe. I know, I must get over this.

So, here's our latest fun. Well, you know how I said he is on the go. Well, he got into the closet where I had that finger nail polish accident many months ago and he found the tiniest piece of glass that was buried in the carpet and cut his little finger. He didn't even make a sound and I was sitting right there and didn't realize what he had done until I saw blood dripping on the carpet... ahhh our beloved carpets that we just got cleaned 2 weeks ago. Just kidding.. I was really worried about the little guy and our new injury.

So, why is he wearing a glove you may ask. We could not get it to stop bleeding.. it was on the fatty part of his finger and if we could have just hooked it up to the donor center he could have definitely donated some blood and he kept eating the band aids and then that resulted in more blood on the floor. Anyways, I did what all good moms would do, ok maybe not good moms, but I am trying to make myself feel better. I just put a mitten on and taped it up. He tried unsuccessfully to get it off. No luck.

But his new wound and bandage didn't stop him. He went on just as usual with his Michael Jackson glove.

I think he actually started to like it. But we didn't want to leave it on too long for fear that he may never want to take it off and he would want to go to kindergarten like that and then he would wonder why the others didn't have one glove on.

We finally pried it off of him in time for bath. He was still a good helper, one arm and all. So, that was our first official injury (with blood) of many to come, I am sure.