Everyone tells you how quickly "they" grow up and how before you know it she'll be driving...it kind of all seems true now! Those first few months seemed sooooo long, waiting for you precious girl to come home from the hospital...and now, time is literally flying by!
Since you all know we call Maebry "bunny", we decided to do an bunny / spring garden themed birthday party for the Maester. LOTS of bunnies and carrots and all things springy. Christa really did an outstanding job collecting decorations from all over to bring the theme to life. Many many props to Christa for planning a great party...as always!
May was speeding by with XI Media working on our first broadcast commercial and radio campaign with the San Antonio Credit Union and Christa was uber busy with work and deadlines...as always.
The weekend of Maebry's big party, Deborah came into town with her little ones (Jaydon and Kaeleigh) and spent the weekend with us, helping get all of the party goods prepped and just spending some quality time together...it was very nice. All of our parents and bro/sis-in-laws, nieces and nephews showed up early to help prep food and decorate...helping us haul everything out to the park by our house. We wanted to say a big THANK YOU!!!!!!! to all that helped and another massive THANK YOU for everyone that came and made Maebry's 1st birthday such a special day.
The day of Mae's birthday party, I ran around picking up balloons and food, Christa kept Maebry on her schedule of eating and napping all the while getting tons of food and decor ready to go. We were able to set up the party location right on time and we had such an amazing turn out. Friend and family from all over.
The park where the party was going to be held had a decent sized play scape. So the older kids were able to go nuts while the little ones hung around with their mommies and daddies. The food went fast and the cake went even faster as Maebry decided to make her first foray into the world of desserts a massive success! Ohhhh Maebry, you definitely take after daddy in the sweets department! =)
The park where the party was going to be held had a decent sized play scape. So the older kids were able to go nuts while the little ones hung around with their mommies and daddies. The food went fast and the cake went even faster as Maebry decided to make her first foray into the world of desserts a massive success! Ohhhh Maebry, you definitely take after daddy in the sweets department! =)
After the party wound down, Keith and Michelle came over to the house for what turned out to be a really nice after party. Deborah, Keith, Michelle, Christa and myself had plenty of libations and great conversation after Mae went down for nice a sugar induced nap.
Thank you again soooo very much to everyone that helped make Maebry's party such a wonderful time!
On Maebry's actual birthday, we took her up to St. David's hospital for the first time since she got to leave the NICU last July. We didn't get to see too many of the awesome nurses that helped get Maebry home safe and healthy, but we saw Gabe (the front desk guy) and a few nurses who couldn't believe how big Mae was and how well she was doing! We thought going back to the hospital would be a pretty hard thing to handle, but it was actually quite nice, bringing up memories and feelings of joy...making us very thankful to have our little precious gift home!
Maebry, I don't know if you will get to read this one day...I hope you do. We are so very thankful for you every single day. When you hear us and other parents talk about loving you more than words can express...more than anything else in the entire world and beyond...it really is true. It doesn't seem possible, but you are the most amazing part of our lives and we can not wait to celebrate many many many more birthdays to come!!! Happy Birthday Maebry!!!!!!!
And now...on with the pictures!!!
Christa and the kiddos. My best friend and her sweet kids, Kaeleigh & Jaydon, came in to town to help celebrate Mae's birthday weekend.
The guest are gathering and the food is prepped to be served. Let's Party!
Savannah and I inspecting all the sandwiches. I think Savannah might be a hungry momma. Her little one is due at the end of May.
Here are some of Mae's party guest. In front you can Ms. Teri, Mae's nanny, then Mr. & Mrs. Kuebel, friends of Mae, Mommy and Daddy. I also see Mae's Mamaw & Papaw and our Uncle Ted is heading over to Aunt Pam.
Another view of all Mae's wonderful birthday party guest.
More guests...the Wonderful Wednesday kind.
Here is the wonderful bounce house brought, set up and donated by the Tuckers. Thanks guys you all are the BEST!! The kids loved it!
It is cake time! And IT begins!
What's this. It's something pretty and seems to be tasty.
Yep, it's tasty!!
See Daddy, I told you it's tasty.
Here momma you try it to. Thanks for making me a great birthday "Bunny" cake.
OK, now it's my turn. Let's get serious. I am ready to dig in.
Look how well I have done. I think I need more...CAKE. Just a little more, maybe right on my forehead.
Sweet cake and sweet kisses! Gotta love LIFE!
"CHAMPION!" Champion cake eater that is.
Hi there Aunt Linda and Johnny Paul, thanks for coming.
Papaw Gary why isn't your mouth open too. All the ladies are doing it!
Look at my cute bunny birthday guests. Hi Brody, Madison and Kinsey. Thanks for coming.
Look how sweet 2-month old Connor looks with his momma, Jess.
Mission complete. Bunny Birthday, we thank you. Thank you everyone for coming and for all my special gifts!! Maebry loves YOU ALL!
Mae wearing some of her bunny ears before her birthday breakfast.
Look how cute I look. Watch out Bunnies, Mae is coming to get ya!
Here is the whole Kraatz gang commentating in front of St. David's on Maebry's 1st birthday. We love our precious bunny girl. We are SO blessed!
Here is Mae on her activity walker, which is now ridable car trying to hold on to her favorite new stuffed animal Chewbie! Thank you Kuebels for my sweet monkey. 
