HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATCHEROO!

Catch's first birthday is over! So bittersweet. It went really well, even though now we've realized that we didn't do an important tradition - sing happy birthday. My poor baby! Hopefully, he'll forgive us. We also wanted to do a slideshow, but I didn't get it done in time. I'm going to work on one though, and hopefully send it to all the family.

Catch has been sick for a while, but he managed to suck it up for his party. He was in such a good mood and really loved all the attention. He's definitely a ham! We had so much family and friends there - about 40+ people. I didn't realize how many people love him. We are absolutely blessed. After the party, we took him to the zoo. He passed out as soon as we got in the car, which was perfect. By the time we got the zoo, he got his 2nd wind. Catch loved the zoo. He was responding to everything he was seeing. He was exciting to see that. A couple of my volleyball girls, Bailey and Hannah; their mothers; and Haylea, one of his favorite people, met him up there. It was such an enjoyable time, and even though we were wiped out, I'm glad we took him. His birthday ended at Hooter's, yes, I said Hooter's. Bonnie was craving some wings, so we all went up there. Let me just say, he loved the Hooter's girls. :0)

So, get ready, there are LOTS of pics.

The entrance to our party, and it was a zoo.

Catch with his meemaw. He doesn't get to see her too often, but he sure took to her quickly.

I had a book where everyone could write a special message to him. I'm going to put pics next the messages, so how many people love him and celebrated his first birthday with him.

The morning of his birthday. Poor baby, he wasn't feeling too great. Neither were we - we only had 3 hours of sleep.

My love! He makes me so happy!

Nana putting Catch on his new 4-wheeler. He loves it!

We had zoo-related games set up for the kiddos to play. I think they really enjoyed it all.

Catch's cool zoo cake made with love by his Nana Lisa.

The cupcakes had animal crackers on them. Nana outdid herself.

Getting ready for his smash cake, which he didn't smash.

Not a fan of the smash cake.

Opening presents with Nana and Papa.

He loves his bat and ball.

Getting goodbye kisses from Aunt Kelli.

Jungle Guide, Catch Matthew Manley

The boys with Pawpaw

Best friends

Best friends playing

Catch with Grandma Coonie

Uncle Jon and Aunt Jeananne

Meemaw and Pawpaw

Getting ready to go to the zoo with my volleyball girls: Bailey, Hannah, and Haylea (his favorite water girl :0) )

The Petting Zoo - Catch was super excited to see the goats.

I love this family photog

Catch loves playing with Haylea.

Waiting for the otters to swim by. He was so giddy!

Trying to play with his future wife, Kelli. This was their first date. :0)

Love this pic!

Dad and son looking at the gators.

Taking a walk with Berlinda, one of my volleyball moms. She always took him walking around the gyms during tournaments. He loves her, especially since she was always giving him food that Chris and I wouldn't dare give him. :0)

Our family pic - I'm looking pretty tired.

SUGARS!

Gammie and her baby boy

Auntie Bunky!

Auntie Da!

Uncle Baba!

Bons and me at the zoo. Two tired mamas.

If you can't tell, we are pretty exhausted by this point...

Awwww...

Now, don't judge too harshly. Bonnie was craving some Hooter's wings, so...

I think these pics speak for themselves

Story through pictures

Quick update: I took Catch for his 1-year-old check up. He is doing fantastic! 23 lbs. and 6 oz., 30.25" long, and 19" head. If you haven't figured it out yet, Catcheroo has got a big head. But as my mom (Gammie) would say, that just means he's got a lot of brains. :0) He had to get a couple of shots and these broke my heart more than the other ones. He looked at me like wondering why I was letting them do this to me. I honestly felt horrible.

Dr. Bob said we could start him on whole milk, so we gave him his first glass last night. Organic, of course! He congested. I'm just glad he likes it though. Auntie Da is bringing him some organic chicken, turkey, and beef from the Whole Foods in Dallas. I can't wait to add it to all the veggies he likes.

Since his doctor's appointment, his eyes have been a little swollen. I'm guessing it's either allergies or a reaction from the shots. He woke up about 10 pm last night. He was extremely upset, and we couldn't calm him down. Finally, around 11:15, he fell asleep next to me in bed. He would wake up sporadically, screaming and fussying, but once I gave him his pacifier, he went back to sleep. Although he likes to jab me in the chest and stomach throughout the night, I can't help but love being that close to him. It's so hard not to just let him sleep with us more, but I don't think it'd be a good habit. Or would it??? ;0)

Enjoy the pics!

Catch's new favorite toy at daycare. He finds it immediately every time he gets to daycare.

Wednesday's birthday outfit!

Uh-oh! I got caught!

Catch saw the camera and had to race to get it. Phones, remotes, and cameras - a few of Catch's favorite things.

My future volleyball stud

He loves to take off a sock - not both - just one.

New favorite spot in his room.

Melts my heart every time...

Peek-a-boo!

Atta boy! 2 bats!

Mama was tired, so Catch thought he'd lie with me. I told dad to snap a picture quickly.

Thursday morning - my poor baby's eyes were hurting him.

Thursday's outfit - definitely one of my favs!

Playing with his truck again!

His first birthday card! From Great Grandpa Wright. It had a mirror inside and Catch loves mirrors! Not sure what this says about him... ;0)

Found the mirror!

Looks like some serious studying

Back in his favorite spot

Time to read, or should I say eat?

Peek-a-Boo!

These days, Catch's favorite game is Peek-a-boo. He loves to hide behind a wall or blankie and then pop his head back around. In the video, he just ducked his head, then popped up. When I didn't have the camera out, he did it so much. Once I got the camera out, he wanted to play with the camera. Go figure!

We played outside at Nana and Papa's house. Catch kept wanting to play with my car.

Let me in!!!!

It's been a busy few months...but we're back!!!

Catch and I went out to the 2nd Annual Daylight Donuts Golf Invitational to support Dada and Papa. It was a bit chilly in the beginning, but it ended up being a perfect day for golf. Catch LOVED riding in the golf cart, playing on the greens, napping in the golf cart, and eating the delicious chex mix Papa made for all the participants. It was such an exciting and exhausting day, that Catch FINALLY slept the entire night! It's been about 3 weeks since he's slept an entire night, and a hard day on the greens was all it took.

Getting ready to get ride to the first hole.

Giving Dada a good luck hug before his first swing.

Peek-a-boo! Catch's favorite game.

It's a bit bright out here.

What a nice swing daddy!

Ready to take the wheel.

Distracted by the tastiness of the wheel. ugh...

He is too funny.

Man, I just love this smile!

We were riding back to the clubhouse, and Catch fell asleep while Lisa drove. It was too cute.

This was about a good 30-minute nap.

Nap time over, time to play!!

My turn, my turn!!!