Deven walks!!!

Deven took his first few steps on 7/10 a couple of weeks ago but since then it just didn't look like he was all that interested in going any further...until today! When I picked him up for school he didn't want me to carry him out to the car so we held hands and walked out; we definitely broke some hearts - freakin' adorable. We got home and he was movin' and shakin' just like always but then he just started letting go of the walls as if it was something totally normal! Perhaps he has been practicing at school and just waiting for the right time to show Nick and me. We captured in on camera here and then went to the lake to practice some more. So, I think we can officially say, Deven is walking! Good job little man!

More Birthday Pics

Couldn't leave these out!!

Birthday Boy

In general I don't get overly sentimental about Deven growing up, only because I think it is so fun to see it happen and be a witness to things "clicking" in that head of his. However, I was cleaning up Deven's room in preparation for his official party and had to put away some of his cloths that didn't fit any more. I was a little sad to do it actually and it surprised me. So I thought I would embrace it and do a little flash back. Our baby is growing up so fast...sniff...sniff...

We were so excited to welcome a bunch of our friends and family to our house up here in Canada...I mean Lake Stevens. Seriously thank you for all being a part of our good day. We had people from Des Moines, Federal Way, Bonney Lake, Tacoma and even Lakewood. We are working on your official thank you cards. I had a grandiose idea including card stock, finger paints and crayons but Deven reminded me that he is now a toddler and making cards is just not interesting. So stay tuned, I am hoping to get his attention in the coming days.

Nick and I declared Deven's official party a success with only a few minor set backs. Mainly that Sam thought it was his party and ate a dozen (not exaggerating) cup cakes for our guests. Also, I forgot to charge our camera so we really didn't get any good pictures but thankfully, all of you did remember and were able to forward them to us.

Some Awesome Pike Market Pics

I cannot take credit but I must post these beautiful pics - taken by Karly Lalonde

Lies, Lies, Lies!!

Yesterday was our friend Alex's 35...I mean 29th birthday extravaganza. I use the word extravaganza in every sense of the word. Let me explain.

For the past three months I have served as a double agent of sorts. Note: I do NOT lie well...my parents can attest...the few times I tried I just ended up telling them the truth because I did not have enough creativity to think of something else. Perhaps that is why I wasn't as adventurous as other teenagers...but I digress.

I got a call back in April from Alex. Alex and I are friends but he generally calls Nick...so right away, I know something is up. He explained my mission: discover girl friend Codie's birthday surprise plan, relay said plan back to Alex so he is sure that it is an appropriate venue and crowd to "pop the question," discover Codie's ring finger sizing, and finally, tell NO one (except Nick, of course...but I was only given this luxury with threats of which I will not describe...my Nana reads this!). I am not sure if Alex really knew how much of a challenge this would be for me. Again, I am terrible at lieing.

In order to keep this under 10 pages long let me summarize. We helped Codie plan her engagement party without her having a clue! With the help of ~30 of Alex's family and friends Codie coordinated a Booze Cruise around Lake Union/Lake Washington complete with BBQ brats, Pulled Pork, Ceviche, Haggen Birfday cake and an engagement ring that you could see from across the Boat.

During my three month mission there were many times where I thought I would fail. How in the heck was I supposed to just randomly get Codie's ring size? As every girl knows, girl talk will inevitably lead to marriage, babies and 'plans' in that order. However, I had been given a time line. In order for Alex to be able to purchase the ring with enough time before the party I had to work fast. As such I could not wait for the inevitable, I had to create it. See above discussion about overall lack of creativity. I ended up talking about my engagement/ring experience and then just ever so casually - practically made her - try on my ring. Approximate ring size - CHECK

Next...where to have this Surprise SURPRISE Party?? First thing was first...over come Alex telling Codie that he didn't want anything fancy, just low key. Codie's first plan was a Pub in Fremont, which any other time was absolutely perfect for Alex the romantic. This year's party though, at Alex's request, could NOT be in a pub. Hmmmm...a boat...a boat sounds awesome. I texted Codie, twisted her arm ever so slightly and it was done. Perfect engagement venue - CHECK.

Now all that was left was to not breath a word and remember which secrets I was keeping from Codie and which ones I was keeping from Al...ahhhh...I must admit, about two weeks ago I told a coworker the soap operah-esk story just so I could releive some of the pressure. This person has absolutely no connection to anyone involved so it doesn't count right?

Finally the day came. With Deven in the care of Gramma and Grandpa Bodle Nick and I made our way into Seattle. Little did Codie know every time she was away and even when she was sitting a foot away, me, Nick, Al and Al's family were all talking about it...pure insanity. After A lunch at Seattle's Oyster bar, a secret pony keg transport and 8 bags of ice later everyone met up at Fisherman's Terminal. 2 excruciatingly long hours into our three hour cruise we all gathered on the deck at Alex's request.

Picture a sunny Seattle Skyline, Kenmore Air plane flying by, about 3 video cameras, 4 cameras and a really confused Codie. This was Alex's surprise...right?? Alex went to open his one any only gift but he needed Codie's help. From a cereal box wrapped in news paper from 'The Stranger' Alex whipped out a beautiful blue Tiffany's box and got down on one knee. Tears immediately irrupted from everyone...deck hands included.

Of course she said YES!! Success was ours! I can't believe we pulled this off!!

My little synopsis does not do this enormous feat justice but I have included some pics taken from various friends that may help. Congrats Codie and Alex! It was so much fun helping you both surprise each other!!!

Playing!

We went to a new recreation park in LS the other day. I wonder if Deven will play baseball, soccer and/or football here one day??

Deven is ONE!!

Deven had is official birthday with his unofficial party this last Wednesday. He celebrated by having a fabulous day at school (a.k.a., napped and ate well with no "incident" reports). Of course there was traffic on my way to pick him up from school but Nick swooped in to save the day. We all met up at our fav Mexican restaurant and had a birthday dinner. I totally should have told them it was his birthday but I forgot about the sombrero until it was too late! The lighting was not the greatest but we got some funny pics of Deven rocking water in a straw.



We are saving Deven's first real dessert treats for his official birthday party next weekend...so stay tuned for cake mashing, ice cream mess pics!!

I can't believe it has been a year already. Official measurements will be available after tomorrow's One Year check up. Here are this months up dates though:

Likes:

• Freaking mom and dad out by banging his head on the floor in protest - protest for various things as simple as us leaving his sight or as "serious" as us taking away his new drum set because it is bath time.
• Per above, his new drum set
• Giving hugs - he is a lover not a fighter
• Biting - In contradiction to above
• Giving hi fives
• dancin' - give him a good beat or a guitar solo and he bounces and shakes his head back and forth
• playing outside in the sun...yes the sun appears occasionally here in Lake Stevens

Dislikes:

• Getting his face cleaned - he prefers food, snot and Sam slobber
• napping at school - he is an expert at home but there are too many exciting things to do with all his friends.
• baby measles
• ear infections
• getting four teeth at once

Total teeth: 4 on the top, 2 on the bottom - 6

New foods: Mango and mango juice, curry, cous cous, tamale

New babbles: Bye bye, ni ni dadda, occationally momma

Weight and height tomorrow. Shots are tomorrow wish us luck!!

Belated Father's Day Post

I am so late in getting this up that it is a little embarrassing but please don't let that diminish the importance! Nick deserves the best and I am so freaking glad he thinks I belong in that category. This past year...OK, this past 10 years has had its challenges but Nick is always calm, cool and collected. He has proven this over and over again as a new father. If you know me at all, you know I may have a tendency to over react, over think and perhaps over do in certain circumstances. Nick has always been by my side to listen and at the right times give me a kick in the butt. I feel so honored to be able to share this life and now share this parenting journey with him. Deven loves him almost as much as I do!!

For father's day we stayed local...which is a bit unusual for us. We hit up our local starbucks for morning coffee/soy/juice for Nick/Me/Deven respectively. After morning nap and in pure defiance of the Puget Sound weather we when on a mini hike on one of the lower Mount Pilchuck trails. I would give you the actual trail name but my better half who would know such things is snoozing on the couch and currently unavailable for a consult. Here are some picks of the family. We always let Sam off leash when its not crowded and thus could not get a still photo but these will have to do!

After afternoon nap, the man of the day requested a walk to a lake and a hamburger. Its a good thing we live by both a lake a local burger joint. Again in defiance of the weather we strapped our pride and joy into the Bob and went for a stroll. I need to get a pic of the Burger joint...The Chick Drive In...a one room brick building with the ability to serve up all sorts of greasy burgers, fries and "fresh" berry milk shakes. Pure heaven, if you will! I am pretty sure there was a soccer game mixed in the events of the day too. So there you have it, Nick's first Father's day...a success I think.

We love you Dadda!!