ONE!

We have officially have 2 one year olds in our house now. I still can't believe it. It's amazing how much can change in one year. I've said it before that I don't think any other year could hold more changes than the first year of having your first baby. They went from helpless tiny creatures swaddled in blankets to roly poly chubs to crawling, talking boys. I am amazed and beyond blessed. I've heard other parents say that there is a sense of relief and pride upon making it to the first birthday. You kept your children alive for a whole year! And I feel the same way. It has been a roller coaster ride for sure, but I would do it all again. They are both such happy, healthy, joyful babies and I am so grateful that I get to be their mommy.

We celebrated this weekend with a family party on Saturday. I decided on a final monkey theme and I have to say that I impressed myself with how it all came together. I made a homemade birthday banner, photo banner of their first year, chocolate cupcakes complete with banana runts on top, and Mom and I made a homemade monkey cake that turned out great. We had my family plus Matt and Rachael, Abbey and Ava over for lunch. It turned out that I had way too much food, but everything looked and tasted great. Everyone came at 11:30 (although Rachael, Matt, and I were frantically finishing set up) and we ate and then opened presents. The boys did great! They kept their attention throughout their mountain of gifts and seemed genuinely excited about their new toys. Everyone was so generous. They got a new tool bench from Nana and Papa, an art book from Uncle Sam, a baseball toy from the Dunbars, a farm toy from Aunt Nancy, iPod holders from Beth, Winnie, and Kyle, a keyboard and puzzle from Grandma and Grandpa, and clothes, a walker, and a book from the Clarks. We are just as excited about new toys for them! We even stockpiled some away in the basement to bring out gradually!

And then the grand finale was their first cake. And it was even better, messier, and chocolatey than I could have imagined! They started out a little slow with just sticking their hand in the frosting. Then they started digging a little deeper, then they began biting it off their trays, and eventually both of them had the entire cake in their hands to their mouth. It was so cute, but very messy! We got great video and it was the highlight of the party for sure. Everyone was gathered around commenting and laughing. They were perfect little birthday hosts!

Yesterday on their actual birthday we went to church, out to lunch with Nana and Papa, and then home for naps. When they woke up we went to the park and then came back for dinner. I made one of their favorites- bbq chicken sandwiches and homemade macaroni and cheese. We even gave them some ice cream for dessert.

It's incredible to think back to one year ago and how far we've come. I'm so proud of all 4 of us! Happy 1st Birthday, Pierce and Blaine!