When I was putting together Peter's invitation for his birthday party I looked through all of our photo alums to find a picture of each year of his life. I really wanted to show his growth from infant to almost teenager but what I got caught up in was how happy he is and how many wonderful experiences he has had. It was hard to find pictures of Peter alone - most of them had a relative or sibling with him and all of them showed huge smiles, warm hugs and lots of love. In each picture Peter's eyes have the beautiful sparkle that I have come to expect and the mischievious look that makes my heart melt. It is so hard to believe that 12 short years ago I got a call from the hospital telling me that there was a baby waiting for me and today that baby is a bright, handsome, charming 6th grader who makes me proud on a daily basis.
This is the first picture I took of Peter when his name was still Lorenzo and I still had no idea the absolute joy I would experience on a daily basis just being his mom!
My sweet baby boy came home from the hospital and got a bubble filled tubby - this would become his very favorite thing in the entire world and a great way for he and I to connect. Every day I would give Peter a warm bath and then spend 30 minutes massaging him and talking to him so that he would know how loved and treasured he was. These are still some of the sweetest memories I have of his babyhood!
Peter's dream birthday was pretty simple. Tyler sleeps over ALL weekend and they play video games and cards and stay up until midnight on friday so they could be awake when Peter turns 12. Then we have a family party with all of the people that Peter loves in one place. When the weekend was over Peter thanked Bob and I and told us that it was the best birthday he ever had so I think we accomplished everything he wanted!
Since Tyler was coming to stay with us for the weekend Molly decided to head over to Auntie karla's to hang with Abby for the weekend - she was glad she did after hearing about all of the "boy" stuff they did!Before she left Molly felt very bad that she would miss Peter's birthday morning but he really didn't mind so she gave him her gift for him - a gift card to game stop - the perfect gift for her brother as you can see from the hugs!
I always take advantage of these moments between Peter and molly - they don't happen nearly enough! Molly was genuinely excited to buy Peter a gift that she knew he would love - she adores her big brother!
Annie wanted in on the action!
Tyler and Peter spent Friday playing video games and poker with Uncle Bob.
The baby girls woke Peter up early to open his presents and have a special breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes!
My handsome 12 year old!
Opening his presents - there weren't many because the last one was a big one!
The birthday boy was in desperate need of some tighty whiteys for school!
Daddy and Lizzie watching Peter open his presnets - Lizzie kept saying - "Okay - next one!" She keeps us all on our toes!
Tyler with Ellie on his lap - she never leaves his lap if she has a choice!
Peter got a video game that he loved!
And his big huge present was an Xbox 360 Star Wars edition. He was thrilled and thanks to his technologically savvy mom we were able to set it up and start playing it right away!
Tyler and Lizzie showing their excitement over his new game system.
Grammmy and papa came home from the beach to see the birthday boy - what a lucky kid!
Saturday night Bob surprised Peter and Tyler with a late trip to the movie theater to see Batman with uncle Colin. They stayed up until midnight AGAIN on Saturday night and got to hang with one of their favorite uncles and Tyler's godfather!
It's party time!
Auntie Meg was working but Uncle Tim came over with the twins!
My handsome boy loves the play house! He even ate inside the house.
Papa and Katie enjoying the incredible lunch that Grammy made for the party!
Grammy and her BFF - Mrs. Davis!
Auntie Ann's cake - Peter LOVED it!
Ready to sing Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to you.............
May the Dear Lord Bless Peter..........
Brendan loved his place of honor with the birthday boy!
My beautiful birthday boy!
Aunt Randi and Timmy loving their cake.
Auntie Renee and Miss Sue came to celebrate Peter!
Auntie Kake and KK
Tyler and his godfather, Uncle Colin!
Karla and Grammy hanging out outside!
Peter and Auntie Ann
Peter loved all of his presents and told me later that he couldn't believe all the presents he got!
His beloved domo hat!
Paper fight!
Peter getting a lift from his godparents!
And getting some love from his godparents!
We had a wonderful weekend celebrating Peter and the day he was born. It is one of the greatest gifts of my life to be Peter's mother and to watch him grow into the wonderful man that he is becoming! He is loved by so many people who are happy that he was born!
GNM - ILY!
