Axel is ONE!

Written by Melissa

Such an awesome feeling to officially have a toddler! It's true that Axel has been a biggin' for some time now, but he's just now starting to really maneuver all that weight around and get in the mix with his siblings and cousins. He had an amazingly awesome birthday with family and friends. Much love to all who came and all who were there in spirit!

This week we'll head to the doc to learn all about his stats, but I already know we're looking in the high 20s as far as poundage. Silver lining: Mama is getting buff with all the heavy lifting! Check back for an update from the doctor's appointment. Until then... for your viewing pleasure.

UPDATE: Axe's Stats
Weight - 26.28 lbs (97.08 percentile)
Height - 31.69 in (96.88 percentile)
Head circumference - 18.5 in (75.15 percentile)
Like I said, a biggin'!!!

  

Easter Hopped Right on Into my BirthWEEK

Written by Melissa

We had a great time at the beach with Nana and Mills. Of course, the Easter bunny came for a visit - can't believe he knew how to find us there! We enjoyed all our time in the water (well, mostly the hot tub) - and definitely enjoyed our nightly ice cream. We were lucky to have been able to spend some fun in the sun with the Owens' family, too! We're pretty sure Axe gained a few ounces (or so) on this trip - but then, that's a daily occurrence for him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun videos of the trip:

 

And one last one after the long ride home - we were easily entertained at that point!

Upon our return home, we were blessed with an unexpected visit from my dear cousin, Ann. She was up for a not-so-fun reason (doctor's visit), but hopefully we added some joy to her stay. I know Axel was certainly in love with another A-person!

 

 

Now, y'all know, I like to celebrate my birthWEEK, not just my birthDAY. So, Andrew really made things special with a family/chosen family dinner on Saturday --- which was made so incredibly amazing by the customized memory jar that everyone who attended contributed to... a walk down memory lane! Some of the stories went WAY back - making me cry, laugh, and cry-laugh (you know that thing you do when you are so hysterical  you've got tears streaming!). Thanks to all my family and friends for Saturday night - I will never forget it!

 

Then, I had a Mexican lunch with just my boys on Sunday, followed by a super duper surprise gift late Sunday night! I'm positive one man in heaven is smiling down on Andrew this week... he might've even provided an angelic nudge toward the purchase, who knows? One thing is for sure - Andrew knows his way straight to my heart!

 

 

 

The celebration continued this morning with an awesome gift on my front porch from Heather, Jim, and Ariana. We had an early exchange (as Heather will begin her birthWEEK celebration in a couple days!) provided by the ninja skills of Jim - he tiptoed up the porch for the package swap at the crack of dawn. Barnibus was none the wiser, although I'm pretty sure he's just getting too old to care. Ha! Thanks to the incredible writing skills of Heather, I have a treasured gift forever.

 

 

Finally, the celebration will continue this weekend on Lake Lanier - just a girl with her man, a cabin, a boat, and her Atlanta neighbors (woohoo, Lowes - watchoutnow) to call it a bonafied birthday bash!

 

What a year... and not even a milestone. Andrew always sets that bar high!

 

Much love to all.

Spring is in the Air

Written by Heather

We three Michalski's are acclimating to the Atlanta area weather. There is a notable improvement in our allergy symptoms this year, despite the higher pollen counts. With saline spray and antihistamines on stand-by, we have been more than happy to be spending more time outdoors. Short trips to area parks and playgrounds, family outings in the open air, as well as Easter-time fun and festivities, have provided the following cute pics. Hope you enjoy! And we cannot wait for more family fun in the sun, or whatever the weather.

Happy Easter

Written by Melissa
Photos by Heather and Melissa

What a month. Both Nana and I were 'mystery readers' at Asa's school two Fridays in a row. Nana entertained the Kindergarteners with "My Grandma's a Ninja" and passed out candy! A tough act to follow, but I read "The Name Jar" and gave each child a pencil with their name and name's meaning on it. Take that, Ninja Nana!

Speaking of ninjas, Asa tested for yet another karate belt... the boy is getting good!

As the weather has gotten warmer, we've gotten together with friends and family to celebrate Spring and early Easter.

 

 Now we're off on vacation for Spring Break... wishing you all a very happy Easter!

Knock Outs

Written by Melissa

Asa is playing soccer again - and I really think it's his best sport. He gets it! And he's already knocked out a few goals in his first game. I'm a proud Mama and I'm sure I'll be on the sidelines for many soccer games to come.

We've also begun the grueling task of renovating our upstairs bedroom. We are hopeful this will be a quick turnaround, as we are only trying to knock out a few walls. But if we hired this crew, it'd take decades to get anything done!

Finally, I thought I'd conclude with two knock outs from the 80's --- and now!

9 Months and GROWING...

Written by Melissa

Axel is a 9 month old beast!

24.23 lbs heavy - 97th percentile
29.33 in tall - 85th percentile
18.9 in head circumference - 99th percentile

Doc says it's okay for him to now eat what we eat (in super small, mushy portions), so he tried out crab fried rice last night. And quite expectedly, he loved it! Good thing it was pretty enough to eat outside. Clean up just required a hose (for the porch, of course - the boy got a bath). :-)

Other foods on the LIKE list:
hummus
guacamole
beans
yogurt
cheerios!

We'll keep introducing more - and Axe will keep packing on the pounds!

Catch Up

Written by Melissa
Pics and video by Melissa and Heather

I've been slammed at work, so blogging hasn't been top priority. Sorry! Hope to rectify my work-life balance issue soon. (Andrew - hint, hint!)

Anyway, we've had an awesome month. Kicked it off at the roller skating rink for the first time with the Clarkson cousins.

Ace got so courageous, he decided to enter the '8 and under' race. He learned the lesson to never give up - watch til the end (one full lap around)! Also, he had quite the cheering squad with Mills and Benn - and yes, his Mama was laughing out loud. Other funny skate vids can be found here.

 

We gathered at Jim and Heather's home for a big Sunday dinner. And when I say big - I mean YUMMY!!! Dinner was delicious and the babies were edible, too!

 

 

Asa had a book character parade at his school. He was designated the 'F' in Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, so he chose to dress as Flash! Excuse his poor mother's sewing skills, or lack thereof. He didn't seem to mind.



And finally some gratuitous cute pics...