Westley's first birthday

Westley James turned one on a May 18, 2011, a chilly Wednesday. Brian and I took the day off work and kept our birthday boy home from daycare. We had brunch at Panera (where West, per usual, was more interested in running around and playing than eating) and then went to interact with the animals at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in nearby Goddard. It was the first time any of us had visited.

Our Baby B. wore a Classic Winnie-the-Pooh sweatshirt, a very fitting choice, I thought. He also sported a birthday T-shirt, which didn't show under several layers of clothing. So he wore his birthday bib over the whole lot so everyone knew about his special day.

We fed giraffes,

had lunch and fed lorikeets ...

... who did our hair (kind of).

I loved seeing a joey in a kangaroo pouch in person for the first time. It made me reflect on my first year of motherhood toting around my own little wiggle worm. The day had me full of gratitude and overwhelmed at what a joy life has been with our little gift.

We fed goats ...

... and saw a little adventurous one born earlier that day. (What a fantastic day to be born!)

The bunnies were hungry, too. Westley just wanted to play in the sand and was unhappy when we left that exhibit.

Brian was able to coax one of the meercats away from his snuggly resting spot with a Craisin.

There were lots of other animals to see, but Wesley was content pushing his stroller around and letting us carry him from one critter to another.

We went home with cold hands and warm hearts. It was Westley's birthday, but I celebrated the year anniversary of when my dreams came true.

Mommy's little athlete

Brian played for the Aldersgate United Methodist Screwballs in the spring, and Westley absolutely loved hanging out at the ball field. He'd carry around his red plastic bat, play in the dirt and (kind of) watch Daddy.

Side trip

A work conference took me to Missouri in May 2011. It was my first time away from Westley James, and it was simultaneously grueling and freeing. I called home often and enjoyed some time away. Funny how life changes, though. I declined the invitations for drinks and mingling with associates in the evenings to head back to my wonderfully quiet hotel room for bubble baths, magazines and, of course, sleep! I shared a pot of coffee and a morning of conversation with one of my favorite uncles before leaving town. And I also brought my camera and had some fun on a little side trip:

I also stopped by a quilt store on my way home and picked up a few things for me and a few things for some of my favorite quilters.

I made it back to Wichita in time for a dinner date with my two boys. It was good to be away, but better to be home.

May I say ...

... how cute this kid is! (Take for example a couple of miscellaneous photos from May 2011.)

All ears

We met my parents and Jen's family at a program about ears at Sedgwick County Zoo in May 2011. It included a lesson, craft and tour of the zoo. The kiddos got to pet a bunny, eat animal crackers and make elephant ears, and GG and Papa got silly and were tons of fun.

The zoo has become a wonderful place for us to take Westley for programs during the evenings and weekends.

Mother's Day 2011

I adored my first (non-preggo) Mother's Day with Westley. We spent it with my parents at the picturesque Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine listening to an outdoor concert, enjoying cheese and wine and soaking in the beautiful day. Westley would've been happy pushing round his Radio Flyer wagon all afternoon.

I loved listening to the songs by Robin Macy. I've listened to her CD through the past few years, and her music was comforting to me when Mom was in the hospital. It made it a special Mother's Day for her to be there, too.

More May 2011 fun

Our little water baby had his first swimming lessons in May 2011. He did well and really loved playing in the pool.

We frequented the farmer's market for pastries for breakfast, produce for cooking and for a fun environment for all of us.

During one visit, on Herb Day, Westley received his first balloon animal. It was a yellow fish inspired by his outfit. Sadly, it popped while he was playing with it in the grass after about 90 seconds. As he started to cry, a little girl walked over, patted him and said, "I know what it's like, little guy." Priceless.

During one of Uncle Eric and Valisha's visits to Wichita, we met up at pirate story time at Barnes and Noble. I tried to take Westley to those story times often. They're great! No cost for a story, craft and snack. Arrrr! Shiver me timbers.