Day 134

What a great day!! It started off by getting up around 7:30 and cleaning and organizing. We had a lot to do for today and wanted to make sure that we had enough time. We put Gus down for two naps and it helped, considering that he didn't go to bed until well after 8:30. 

My mom wasn't feeling good after lunch, so she came upstairs to lay down while I started to cook. My dad helped so much today with moving furniture and cooking, and chopping. :)

I was starting to stress a little and wasn't sure what time to start cooking things. I didn't want to be cooking when people started to arrive at 4. Fortunately, I was able to get it all prepared with help from my dad, Steve, and my mom. 

The big surprise for the day was for Steve. His dad and Sue Ann drove down to surprise him for Gus's birthday. He didn't see it coming and it was very sweet when his dad called to chat, and was walking up the street to the house while talking to Steve. When Steve realized that his dad was talking to him and in front of him, he was so surprised and overjoyed. It was a great moment.

So Steve's dad and Sue Ann helped move furniture and helped up organize and get things ready. Then they left to go and check into their hotel room. They came back and we had a little bit of time to relax before our first guests arrived.

 

Onesies that Gus has worn this past year. Starting on the left, it's newborn, then 0-3 month, then just 3 month and then 3-6, just 6 month, and 6-9 month

 

It was a Mexican food theme... I think everything was delicious!

 

I set up a quesadilla station and it was a HUGE hit!!

I fed Gus a little before everyone arrived...

Then we got him dressed for the party!!

My friend Tracie made Gus's cake and made a frog cupcake cake for me. I love how creative she is, and I wanted her famous red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. They were to die for, and she also made some little cupcakes for those who wanted a taste, but not a whole one.

 

The cupcake cake for our guests

 

Gus's special baby cake

Gus did such a great job today. There were people coming in and talking loudly, everyone wanted to see him, and he was totally happy. He smiled, laughed, waved, and carried on as if it was no big deal to have so many strangers in his house.  :)   He didn't cry or anything all day/night and was in such a happy mood!!

Here are some of our guests that came:

 

Mollie (left) and Allyson (next to her) were in my class last year--- then Emily is Allyson's little sister and was adopted through CAS. Judy (on the right) told me about CAS and without her, there wouldn't be a Gus in our life!!

 

Mrs. Dudding and Francis (was in my class last year)

 

Sue Ann (on far left) and then Maddie (was in my 2007-2008 fourth grade class), her sister Allie (was in my class last year), Olivia (her twin TJ was in my 2008-2009 class) and then Emma (Francis's sister)

 

Elosie and Megan

 

Of course, Grace (Gus's girl friend) and her daddy Thom

 

Matt, Jen and Gus

And then, Adri was there (I didn't get a picture of her), as well as my parents, my FIL, Gulbike and her mom (I tutor her), Kristen, Mrs. Nichols-George (former room mom of mine), and then Steve's co-worker Christie came by with her three kids. It was a house full of people and it was so wonderful to be surrounded by people who love us and love Gus. It was perfect and we couldn't have asked for a better time!!

 

Enjoying some food before the cake!

Here are the pictures of Gus hearing "Happy Birthday" and then taking his first bites and loving his cake!!

After we cleaned him up, we took him into the livingroom and opened gifts. We were showered with so many wonderful gifts... Gus is going to love playing with all of them!!

After everyone left, Matt and Jen were still here and we made plans for a Bulls game with them. It should be a lot of fun. Gus was playing with the awesome frog that his Grandpa Walker made him. He's so smart... he knew to pull it behind him and was dragging it around the house. Those toys are usually reserved for 18 month olds because of the need to be able to walk and figure out to pull it behind you, but Gus is incredibly bright and figured it out. He's ahead of the curve in so many ways!!!

Jen and Matt left and we cleaned up and then Gus was ready for bed. Grandma Walker gave him some love before I took him up for bed.

Tomorrow we're going to the beach and to The Oceanic for dinner on the pier. It should be another wonderful day and so memorable being with all the grandparents together!!!

>^..^<