Happy 2nd Birthday Oliver!

As you know I LOVE parties especially birthday parties.  I knew it would be tricky this year because of Eleanor arriving 3 weeks before Oliver's birthday so I started planning in February.  I had everything done and ready to go before she arrived. I'm so glad I did because I had no energy for anything the first 2 weeks of her life.  Ok, back to party details.......I decided on a construction themed party.  I was inspired by Olliebug's love of cars, diggers, and dirt.  We invited 5 of his guy friends and basically played for an hour.  I created a large road on the floor (butcher paper, electrical tape & labels - so easy!) for the boys to drive around on.  I also had 5 sensory buckets on a tarp.  The marshmallow bucket was everyone's favorite.  After playing for a half hour and making a huge mess we moved outside for the piñata.  Each kid had multiple turns swinging the bat but no one was successful at breaking it open.  I finally just tore it open and threw the candy.  The didn't mind at all ( I love 2 year olds).  We came back inside for cake, ice cream, and presents.  This was probably one of the easiest birthdays I've thrown to date.  I had so much fun planning it.  Happy Birthday Oliver!  May you remember all the fun you had.  

 Ollie was not thrilled I made him sit by his cake before the party.  He really wanted to eat the cake before everyone arrived.  I kept catching him sticking his finger in the frosting.  

 This was my first year of making his cake.  Normally Casey's mom is here for the boys birthdays and  is in charge of cake making/decorating.  I think I did pretty good for my first cake.

 I had so much fun making the party favors.  Each boy got to take home a bucket that had a toy, chocolate rocks, stickers, and a shovel filled with Reese Pieces (the tag said "I dig you").  I put a tag on the bucket that said "Thank you - It was loads of fun".  

 Here's a good view of the road my mom created for the party

 The sensory buckets

 Another shot of the party favors and cake.  Oh, each boy got to take home a construction hat.

 It wouldn't be a Robles party without the picture board.

 Oliver taking a swing at the dump truck piñata

 Blowing out his candles

 Olliebug stuffing his face

Opening gifts

Eleanor's Photo Shoot

With sweet Eleanor in my arms I'm typing this post with one hand.  She hasn't decided whether or not she wants to go to bed yet.  I'm voting for bed:)  Anyway, earlier today we took Eleanor in for her first photo shoot.  She was very cooperative which made for some adorable photos (I'm bias though). Below are a handful that we like.  Enjoy!

Spencer's riding a pedal bike

Spencer hopped on his pedal bike one afternoon and asked Casey to help him get started.  Once he was moving he told Casey to let go.  Casey was hesitant but listened and what do you know Spencer knows how to ride a pedal bike with no training wheels.  Yahoo!  Now Oliver has moved onto the strider bike and both boys are happy.  It makes taking a walk easier with both boys riding a bike.  

One Week Old

Even though her week mark was on Monday I thought I would post pictures anyway.  It's amazing how much time 3 little ones can take.  If I'm not helping Oliver then I'm helping Spencer or trying to protect Eleanor from the boys.  And, don't get me started on Eleanor's eating.  She is consistently eating every 2-2 1/2 hours whether it's day or night.  This does not leave me very much time to get house stuff or projects done.  When midnight rolls around I'm ready for a little sleep but am tempted to check some tasks off my growing to-do list.  So far the little bit of sleep has won over hence this late post:)  Right now I can't imagine doing this on my own.  We've been lucky and have had family help the past week and half and will continue to get help through the end of April.  Hopefully by then I'll be ready to be on my own:)

 Eleanor going for a stroll around the hospital.  Her brothers wanted to ride in her basket with her but had to settle for the sides.

 When we got back to the room after the walk we let the boys sit in her basket.  It's not as fun as it looks though!

 As you can probably tell Eleanor is a little yellow.  She tested a bit high on her bilirubin which resulted in having her under lights when we got home.  

 Getting ready to go home for the first time.

We thought checking out at night would be smart.  The boys would be in bed.  We could get settled in and get some sleep.  We were wrong!  It was the worst idea ever.  By the time we signed all the paper work, got my medicine, and got home it was after 10:00 pm.  Then Eleanor thought it a good idea to stay up until 5:00 am.  Ryanne was tired but understanding cause it was Eleanor's first night out of her element.  Next time we will be checking out in the morning.

  

 Eleanor didn't like her carseat at first but quickly warmed up to it.

 Eleanor heading back to the hospital to get her blood drawn.  I couldn't help but take a picture.

 Spencer holding Eleanor for the thousandth time.

 Oliver getting his turn.

 The boys just love and adore their sister.  They want to hold and kiss her the minute they wake up and that doesn't stop until they go to bed.  We've added holding Eleanor to the bed time routine.  

 Reading stories

 Great Grandpa and Grandma Erickson came to visit.  

 Grandma Grandma getting in some last minute snuggles before heading back to California.  She was AMAZING with the boys while I was in the hospital.  And when I got home she was a huge help to me.  We couldn't have made it the first week without her.

 Eleanor's first bath didn't go over as well as we thought it would.  Of coarse Spencer had to share this moment with her.  He wanted her to wear goggles but she didn't stay in long enough to put them on.

 Nothing like some snuggle nap time with dad.

Grandma Karen and Grandad came to visit for a few days.  Grandma was wonderful at holding Eleanor which allowed me to rest throughout the day.  And Grandad was excellent with wrestling and taking the boys on outings.  Spencer got spoiled and went bowling, miniature golfing, and to Cabela's with Grandad.  And, Oliver was thrilled when Grandad attended his music class.  Grandad really put himself out there with music class.  It's more of a mom/grandma thing, but he did what was best for his grandson.  Thank you Grandad.  

Our sweet girl loves to be swaddled which is new for us.  The boys hated being swaddled so we had to take a mini lesson of swaddling at the hospital before we left.