Skylah's Ultimate First Birthday Celebration: March 14, 2015

It has been a long time since my last blog post. There is a reason for that. I spend my days chasing a one year old firecracker named Skylah. That's right my miracle baby turned one year old this month. To say that time has flown by would be an understatement to say the least. I feel like I blinked and my newborn became a full fledged toddler.

 I Am One Year Old!!

Update: Skylah

  

Andy made a chalkboard sign for the party

 She has 8 teeth and says three main words, Mama, Dada, and No. She is a lightning fast crawler and is very proficient at pulling herself up on the furniture and cruising around the room. She can also walk but I think she is scared to abandon other movement methods just yet. She loves Graham crackers, Banana puffs, and swinging at the park. She is a very calm and balanced child who is wary of those she does not know. She is a Mama's girl through and through.

1 year in photos

She is a naturally beautiful child who still has her striking blue eyes. Everywhere we go we get stopped and complemented on her looks. It is a bit awkward because I still don't really know what to say. Even her pediatrician told us she is one of the most naturally beautiful babies she has seen. At present her red hair is turning more into strawberry blonde and it suits her very well. I maybe a bit biased but I love everything about her even her temper which she rarely shows. It is the joy of my life watching her learn and grow. She is very observant, a trait she shares with her Father and I see his inquisitive nature shining through Skylah everyday. 

She is the best of me and the best of Andy rolled into a ball of sunshine and we could not be more proud of her. 

 Ultimate Pi Day / 1st Birthday Bash

We decided that we wanted to throw a big party to celebrate our daughter and thank our family and friends for all they had done for us over the last year. 

The party is this way!!

Birthday Outfit!

We as a family benefited greatly from all kinds of service both during pregnancy and postpartum. There were meals brought in, advice given, supportive texts and phone calls sent, rides to and from medical appointments, and child care. Not to mention the baby shower, the gifts and being included in ward member's events and lives. In a nutshell, things would have been so much harder for us without the sustaining help and care of our friends in the ward and family and we wanted to thank them in some small way.

The ladies that made the party possible.

Buffet Table

 If you have been reading my blog for any amount of time you know that Pi Day (March 14) is a much celebrated and revered date here in the Spencer household and has been since before our household was established. It was even Skylah's original due date but she came on March 5 2014 a tad early to be a Pi Day baby but not too early to be a 0-5 baby (0,1,2,3,4,5) We have always observed and celebrated accordingly. 

This year was no different except we combined the celebrations and festivities into one "Ultimate" party. (This year Pi Day was known as Ultimate Pi Day because it only occurs once in a lifetime. The two events seemed to fit together perfectly.

The three of us and cake.

 

I have to say if I did not have friends with experience in these sorts of things who were willing to help me I would never have attempted to throw the kind of party we had. 

Cupcake cake

Without their advice, support, help, and resources the party would never have been the grand success that it was. (I'm calling it a success but I don't think I'm wrong.)
I have many pictures of these ladies quietly refilling the drink station and the buffet so that Andy and I could enjoy the party. I can't thank them enough for their kindness and service.


 I also need to give a big shout out to Andy, my long suffering but ever supportive husband who executes the ideas and schemes that I come up with in a way I never could on my own. 

The party's theme was pink cupcakes and polka dots. Prior to choosing a theme I assessed what I already had to work with around the house in an effort to keep cost low. Turns out I have a fair amount of stuff that works for having a party. What I didn't have Tauna and Lynn did, so it worked out really well. The cake stands were Tauna's and I just loved them. They were so cute!

Buffet overview

More cupcakes

 When it came to what to serve I considered for a few minutes making my own cake and cupcakes until Andy reminded me that baking with a toddler who refuses to be put down for any significant amount of time would be stressful and most likely result is a spectacular failure. He said he would gladly pay someone else to do the baking. 

Cupcakes, Fruit cups, and Chocolate Covered Prezels Oh My!

The #1 cupcake cake, smash cake, and additional cupcakes all came from Wal-mart. They did a great job, I could not have been more pleased with the way everything turned out. 
The #1 cupcake cake matched the invitations perfectly and the colors were exactly as I expected them to be. The cake and the cupcakes were beautiful and delicious. I was so pleased.

Guess how many Jelly Beans in this Jar.

My dear friend Tauna graciously hand dipped my pretzels for me and rolled them in the sprinkles that I purchased especially for this event since I could not find any in town that were the color I wanted  ( I bought them on Amazon through an affiliate link and when they arrived the package stated they were from Fillmore Utah, what are the chances?) 

A table dedicated to Skylah

Smash Cake

One trip to Costco and I had the fruit for the fruit cups, ice, water to drink,and a Pi Day related prize. ( a giant jar of Jelly Beans) Tauna had some Sprite in her garage left over from Christmas that she wanted used so we had a water dispenser and a Sprite dispenser. I froze some strawberries to act as ice cubes to keep the Sprite cold and look fancy  (thanks Pinterest) and we had our beverages taken care of. I added a few cups of puffs and Cheerios for the littlest guests and we had our food needs covered.

Keepsake Plate

The plates, cups and tableware were from the Dollar Store and the napkins, banners and pinata came from Party City. The flowers were from Tauna's backyard and really tied the whole thing together.

I bought Skylah's outfit on the Internet and had a keepsake bib with her name on it made for the occasion. In an effort to stay with the theme I bought my bright pink necklace and shirt on clearance at Walmart and I ordered Andy's shirt off the Internet.I came up a few craft projects in the weeks leading up to the party.  

Andy made the faux chalkboard sign on his computer and we had it printed as a poster at Walgreens along with all the other photos. I was able to use a coupon code and we got a great deal on everything. I made the photo collage and printed the various photos of Skylah we displayed through out the party

Pinata Fun

Andy made the keepsake plate, which was a huge hit with party goers. We wanted something that Skylah could treasure years to come since her memories of the actual party will be hazy at best. Her birthday is in the morning so we thought it would be fun for her to have something to eat her special birthday breakfast on (not to mention birthday cake) for years to come.

 I bought the burlap table runners at Joann's fabric on clearance. We brought Skylah's play tent from home along with the other toys. 

Blowing out her candle

In honor of Pi Day we played a game where we asked everyone to guess how many jelly beans were in a Costco sized jar. The winner took home the jar. Talk about a great prize!! We were very surprised when there was a tie for the correct guess. We offered to settle the matter the best way we knew how. Paper, Rock. Scissors, Lizard, Spock but the two winners settled things amongst themselves.

Welcome and Sign in

In an effort to keep the older kids entertained at a baby party we had a pinata in the shape of a number one. It was a pull string pinata so each child had a string to pull. It was much harder to get the candy to fall out than you would have thought it would be and when it did come down the pinata itself fell down yet it did not break so Andy and Dave Lang had to help things along.

The day of the party dawned hot, in fact that day set a record for one of the hottest days in San Diego in March since 1924 and I had been afraid that it might rain. Ha Ha


 Luckily, Tauna's backyard was shaded and cool and we made sure to have lots of drinks on hand so that the party would be enjoyable for everyone. It was at this point I was so glad that we did not have to celebrate at the park where we would have had no shade or cover at all.

What a great turn out!

Skylah wore her birthday outfit. I wore my pink and purple shirt and necklace in and effort to be festive and match the feel of the party, and Andy wore his special Pi Day shirt which was unfortunately black and so were his shorts so he was very hot. When I arrived to decorate for the party Tauna had white jeans on, Lynn had a white skirt, and I had unknowingly matched them both with my white Capri pants. (Great minds thinks alike, I guess :))

It's my party!!

We had a great turn out and everyone brought a gift for Skylah which was very nice but unexpected. She received toys, books, some keepsake items ( a wall decal with her name on it and a real tea set) and clothes so she is set for awhile. 

She was more interested in the wrapping and packages than the presents themselves so I did most of the opening which was a tad uncomfortable since everyone was watching me and I was trying to keep an eye on her at the same time.

Opening Gifts

Yup these are all for me.

After we opened gifts it was time to serve the cake and sing "Happy Birthday". Skylah had a little cake of her very own to eat and we served both the cupcake cake and the cupcakes. Skylah was so funny the way she ate her cake. She was very dainty at first, dipping her finger into the frosting and licking it off but as time passed she became more brave and eventually her whole face was covered. It was all fun until she rubbed her eyes and got frosting in her eyes and then she was done. We cleaned her up and she was fine. Later as I cleaned up the cake I found a tell tale tiny face print in what was left of her cake.

On the way home from the party she went to sleep in her car seat and she did not move for almost three hours after we took her into the house, she was that tired out. It was funny because when she woke up it was almost like she was wired and she did not go to sleep at her regular time. She was very animated and expressive as she played with her toys that evening. When she did fall asleep that night it was like she just crashed and she never moved again until almost 8:00 am the next morning. ( I think she would have kept sleeping if I had not awoken her to get ready for church.)

Thank You!!!

In the end I could not have been more pleased by how everything turned out. The decor looked as nice as I had hoped it would, we had plenty of food and drinks, and our dear friends turned out to help us celebrate this once in a lifetime event for our daughter.

I would be remiss if I failed to thank the whole Lang family for graciously allowing us to use their home and backyard both on Friday for set up and Saturday for the party itself. They really made the whole thing possible.

I like birthday cake!!

I am so grateful for the friends we have here in California. It means the world to me that so many people love and support our family and love our daughter. It means so much as we live so very far away from everyone else at this time in our lives. They have been a source of great support and comfort to us as we have navigated and survived the first year of parenthood and I am so grateful for each and everyone of them and the special place they hold in our lives. We are truly blessed to be where and with who we are. 


Andy and I agree that it will be a while before we attempt anything like this again, maybe when Skylah turns 5, or maybe 8, we will have to see...

Spencer Family Season Greatings Vol. 2 Issue 1

Spencer Family Season Greetings

Vol. 2 Issue 1.

Andy, Melissa & Skylah Spencer

13034 Wimberly Square Unit 22

San Diego, CA 92128

Greetings from Southern California! 

As I write this it is rainy lightly, just enough to wet the sidewalk and cool things down. Rain here in San Diego is so rare that when it does happen, we revel in the change and start pulling out our sweaters and jackets and other winter wear. Prior to press time, it was a balmy 85 degrees and sunny with no sign of rain today.

Year in Review.. and What a Year it was!!!

Last Weekend Childless- February

Andy and I had a life changing year this year. By far the most eventful and joyful year we have experienced in our 11 years of marriage. 

The Three of Us

Our daughter Skylah Ann was born on March 5, 2014 at Kasier Permanente San Diego Zion hospital at 8:27 am. She weighed 8 lbs 12 oz. and was 19 inches long.  After a short stay in the hospital we returned home on March 8 to start our life as a family.

Many people have asked about Skylah’s name as it is quite unusual.

Her name means “brilliance" or "scholar” depending on which origin you use. After the crushing darkness of years of unexplained infertility when we found this name it conveyed everything we wanted in a name for our daughter. Her middle name Ann is homage to the maternal line of woman who came before her, and it is also something that she and I share with each other.

Peaceful Skylah

   Sitting here it is hard to believe that my little tiny miracle is now 9 months old, she is a lightning fast crawler, insatiably curious, and the joy of our lives.

Other Notable Events This Year

Grandpa Spencer and Skylah- March

Grandma Spencer and Skylah- March

Grandma and Grandpa Spencer came to California to meet Skylah for the first time. After a brief stop in Arizona enroute to San Diego They were able to come and spend a few days with us in late March. They were immensely helpful while they were here and we were glad that they were able to make the trip.

  

 Skylah was given a name and blessing by her Great Grandfather Gene Kirk in Vernal Utah on May 26. She was blessed in her Grandpa Glenn Spencer’s ward with many relatives from both sides of the family present making it a true family affair. Her dress was specially made for her from my wedding dress, veil and headpiece which had been made by her deceased Grandma Deborah Southam. It was a truly amazing dress worthy of such a special occasion. While in Vernal, Skylah and I were able to visit numerous relatives before we returned home to California.

Lots of Support and Love for Skylah- May

In July Andy's sister and brother- in- law LaDonna and Eric Christensen came to San Diego to celebrate their wedding anniversary. While they were here we were able to visit with them and show them some of the local sites included Silver Strand Beach.

Silver Strand State Beach- July

Andy traveled for work to Michigan and Chicago in May and to New Orleans in October. He was able to present posters at both conferences. While in Chicago he toured a particle accelerator and was able to make some useful professional connections.

In late October my sister Alicia Wills came to visit from Anchorage Alaska. It was a good visit with her being able to meet Skylah for the first time. We also took her to see some of the local sites including the temple.

This is how Skylah travels

Andy

Skylah, Aunt Alicia and Me- October

Andy continues to have professional success as a plasma physicist. He continues to be employed by LaJolla based FAR TECH as a staff scientist. He has had success in his coding efforts and has presented posters throughout this year. He has also co-authored a few professional papers.

In his spare time (ha ha) he has been working on coding a few apps for Android. His latest effort is coding a choose-your-own adventure style app. He is very excited about it.

Melissa

Skylah at Baby Stories

I currently have the best job in the world. I am a stay at home Mom to Skylah. Being a stay and home mom has been more fulfilling and awesome than I could have ever hoped for. After working outside of the home all these years I was really nervous about making the transition to being a stay at home mom.

Balboa Park- November

 I love being with Skylah all day. I love watching her learn and grow. I love exposing her to new things and watching her take it all in.

 It is not always rainbows and glitter, more often its diapers, feedings, and laundry, but it is satisfying work and I am getting the hang of it.

 I am deeply grateful that I have been able to be present for every first. I have been there for her first smile, the first time she giggled, her first word (mama) and the first time she crawled. 

Halloween- October

 In addition to mommy duty I teach Relief Society and I am a visiting teacher.I still volunteer with Survivors of Torture a local San Diego based organization that helps people who have been victims of human trafficking or torture albeit less often than I have in the past.  

Skylah

Skylah- Birth- March

Pumpkin Patch- October

Has started pulling herself up to stand and use the furniture to cruise. It seems it will be a short time until she is walking.  She wakes up with a smile ready to go in the morning and she keeps it busy until she lays down to sleep at night. It is hard to believe we ever lived without her laughter and her smile.

Skylah 9 months- December

Skylah’s favorite things are her pacifier, her Sophie the Giraffe, and her Around we Go play table. She enjoys crawling around the house, getting into all sorts of things and places she shouldn’t, swinging in swings at the park, sleeping on mommy, chewing on everything she gets her hands on, and going to the Library for Baby Stories and Songs.

 Her favorite part of the day is when Daddy comes home and they can play together. She does not like being away from Mommy, getting dressed or undressed, and going to bed.

  

Her favorite food is Pumpkin and Bananas puree. She does not like Squash or Peas no matter what I mix them with. She prefers the veggie and fruit mixed purees verses the ones that are just one fruit. She also likes yogurt and Mangos.

Skylah- December

We are working on cup training her and introducing crunchy stuff. So far we have had little success as she is still nursing and sees little point in using a cup or using her teeth to chew.

She currently weights 22lbs and stands 24 ½ inches tall and she has two bottom teeth and at least two top teeth that we've been able to see with more expected to arrive any day now judging by the way she drools and chews everything in sight. She is a very healthy, happy, and beautiful little girl.

Conclusions and Wishes

This year has been filled with new experiences. Becoming parents has been the greatest event of our lives. It is hard to believe that we have been entrusted with such a special spirit to raise as our own. Skylah is amazing. She is all the good parts of Andy and me all rolled into one little ball of light and energy. It is hard to express how much we love her and how much she has changed our lives for the good. We are sad that we cannot spend the Holidays with family this year due to distance but we are excited to start forming family traditions of our own. 

Here’s hoping that 2015 is the best year yet to come! May the warmth of Our Savior’s love light your life during this Season and always, is our sincere wish for you and yours.

Love,

Andy, Melissa & Skylah Spencer