Emerson and I have many years ahead of to celebrate our birthdays together! Actually, as I get older (29...no joke!), I feel like celebrating my birthday less and less, so it's kind of cool that Emerson has his special day so close to mine, so I can get a piece of Birthday cake without even celebrating my own b-day!
I asked my friend Beth to babysit for us so PJ and I could go out for a birthday dinner. The kids were already in bed, so all she had to do was just relax...instead what did she do? She filled 29 helium balloons (the plan involved our RS president, Cindy Haag, come over with a helium tank, to fill balloons!) with compliment notes and kind words, then spread them around our bedroom ceiling, real rose petals on the bed, and a giant card signed by all of the wonderful young women and leaders that I get to work with!!! Isn't that so sweet? I was so touched! I think that was the biggest birthday surprise that I've ever had in my whole life. So cool! Beth left the house before I ever walked into the bedroom...she was so sneaky about the whole thing!
Sure glad I made our bed that day :)
I feel so special to have wonderful friends like that! So very thoughtful of Beth!
But the biggest celebration of all was in honor of this little most handsome little guy, who turned ONE! Wow, what a year! He was born in Fort Worth, and lived half of his life there, but he doesn't even remember that! All his memories will be of our new home. Here is our little Birthday Boy!
Not walking yet, but give him anything to push and he'll get anywhere is no time! So close to walking!
It was very hard to get a good birthday shot of him. He is sure an energetic little boy! Doesn't stay in one spot for more than a second...
Unless he is in Grandpa's lap...then he is totally chill. He loves his Grandpa!
Winstie-boy, partie animal, came to celebrate his cousins b-day:
This picture totally needs a caption like: "Where is your spriped top??? Didn't you get the memo?":
After being a bit overwhelmed with all the partying, Emerson snuggled up to unkie Mark for a little while:
Beautiful Birthday guests:
Happy Birthday to us:
Here is the Birthday smash cake (as far as Emerson is concerned) and lick-the-frosting-off cake (as far as Ophelia is concerned):
And the cake smash:
I love how Emerson just watches Ophelia's every move at his birthday cake. He is like: "If my arms were just a bit longer, you'd not be doing this, sister!" But there was enough cake (and frosting) to go around for everyone:
I guess a puppy cake has been a 1st Birthday tradition for both of our kids. They love it! And my the time they both were one they could sign "dog"!
After a while, Emerson got kind of tired of eating frosting and of his hand being sticky and dirty, so we had to quickly retreat and bathe him and change his clothes. "I am all sugared out, Mama! All done!":
The present opening part was more exciting for Ophelia. She got to open all of her brother's presents and check them out first. Emerson did not seem to mind.
My dearest Emerson,
I remember as if it was just yesterday, going with you in my tummy to the hospital, my water breaking in the hospital hallway, and a long hard day of labor... but we did it, my sweet boy! One year ago! It's been a year of ups and downs, lots of learning and growing for your tiny body. But you personality and little spirit have been shining though all of it! You are our smiling sunshine and our joy bringer, our snuggler and thumb-sucker, our tummy sleeper and such a smart boy! So happy you are in our family! For all eternity! Love you so very very much, my little one!
-XXXOOO Mama
