TAKE 2: birthday week: sunday. the birthday.

Huge thank you to "Uncle Chaz" for sending me these photos. I was so busy soaking up the fun of the gift opening that I didn't take any photos. Thankfully, Chaz came to the rescue!


Yes, she still has the runny nose and the "cold" ... which I now think is croup ... but despite it, she is quite the happy little sweetie.


My cousin Parker was the helper with gift opening, and was oh so sweet assisting Kya. He is going to be a super big brother in a few months!


Kya got the most adorable polka dot helmet from Aunt Caitlyn and uncle Chaz.


On the back of the helmet, it says "I love my brain" ... haha. awesome. She is going to look so cute (and safe) wearing it in her bicycle cart this summer.


The fun mess that is required of a first birthday gift opening.


This is a wooden alligator that "claps" as it is pulled. So much fun! Thanks Uncle Jesse and Aunt Megan!


Kya will be well dressed as a mini-fisherman, thanks to my parents. It might look a little silly now, but it will be perfect for our Alaska trip this summer.

Kya put on a little show with this bop toy from Uncle Andrew. She presses the top, which makes the little balls pop. Followed by ..

 ... lots of clapping and celebration! Then the whole thing starts all over again. She was so darn cute. Lots of fun!


Kya's interest in walking is back in full force as she shows off here with her dino walker. She will walk until she runs into something, then we spin her around and away she goes again.



Grandma and Grandpa Vander Vorst got Kya this toy that sings and pops balls out of the hole (the one Kya is sticking her arm down).


Hilarious show watching Kya figure it out ...


"What is this for?"

Such fun! We didn't get photos of everything, but I want to extend many thanks to everyone for the great gifts and wonderful company. Thank you!

birthday week: sunday. the birthday.

The birthday.

We had a nice little family pancake and sausage breakfast this morning. The house was decorated with pink streamers. The in-town family came over to celebrate with us. Kya loved every minute of the festivities. We had a wonderful day.


The Hager family of three.

I left the house to run some last minute birthday party errands and came home to Kya's biggest boo boo yet. She fell over into the baseboard trim corner. Luckily it was her ear and not her head. It doesn't seem to bother her and certainly didn't hold her back from partying.

We've had the gifts stowed away for the past week for exactly this  reason. She is a sneaky gift peeker already.

Checking out each and every gift.



I baked a cake! Chocolate kahlua. delicious.


Happy Birthday to Kya!


She would have eaten more if it didn't get on her hands. I think she is a tidy one ... like her daddy.


I now have a one-year old.

How is it that I didn't get any photos of the guests or the actual party? mingling, dinner, gifts ... ?
It was fun to host but that makes for a busy Erica and a serious lack of photos.
If any of our guests have more photos, I would love a disc of them :)

Thanks for all the birthday wishes for Kya!

kya's birthday week: thursday

March 31.
One year ago today was the eve of Kya's due to arrive date.

I was one large and uncomfortable lady.

ufda. can you believe I was that big gigantic? oh my.

On Thursday last year (which was actually April 1, Kya's due date), Corey and I attended the Holy Thursday Mass at Ascension Church. I was quite crampy throughout the hour but honestly didn't think much of it. A lady I worked with was also at mass and later on she told me that she "just knew" something was happening that evening. That night, a rain/ice/snow storm moved into the area and my contractions started at exactly 12 midnight. I am 100 percent convinced that the pressure change due to the storm was what started the contractions.

Story to be continued ...

To celebrate this special day, Kya enjoyed her free cupcake from Barnes and Noble.
Did you know kids get free cupcakes on their birthday if they are in the kid's club? Neato.








Let the partyin' begin!