Our Baby is ONE!

Today our little angel turned ONE!

Click here to view all the 1st birthday party photos!

The day was a complete whirlwind and so much fun, and I only wish Andrew somehow understood that today was for him. That it was such a special day for his Mama and Daddy as we honored him and thought about how special he is to us and how lucky we are to have him. Here’s a link to Andrew’s Birth Story. :-) And click here to see a video from the day he came into the world.

One year ago today, we were amazed that he was here with us, in awe of how we could be so lucky to get such a beautiful, wonderful baby. We brought him home and ever since he has been the BEST baby and has made our lives overflow with complete joy every single day. I can say we are truly blessed. I was blessed by a wonderful and enjoyable pregnancy, blessed by an easy labor and delivery and finally the biggest gift arrived and he is simply amazing.

We’ve had a number of big challenges to face since Andrew arrived, but we really believe that’s why he’s here right now. He is our rock, he keeps us moving forward in the right direction, he helps his family find joy in some of our hardest times. With Andrew here, it’s really hard for me to look at the struggles I’m facing and not see the cup as half full. I find that completely remarkable—God has placed this person here with me in my life when I need him the most.

It’s such a mix of emotions today too with Jeff not here to celebrate with us and the rest of the family that couldn’t be here (but wanted to so bad!). We took lots of photos for daddy and for everyone back home in Illinois. I think Andrew really did have fun, even if he didn’t understand all of the excitement was for him.

Andrew, you will always be my little baby. Today I thank you for everything you have already given me in only the first year of your little life. I love you more than I can ever put into words.

Love, Mama.

April 9 - The Due Date

This time last year, we were waiting for Andrew to arrive and hoping we would meet him over the weekend. Here's my April 9, 2009 post. Looks like Andrew agreed with me that it was time to come meet his mama. I went into labor that night and he arrived on Good Friday, April 10!

Party planning, decorating, cleaning, etc, etc...continues tonight. Thanks to my wonderful friends Rachel and Jess for coming over and helping me get organized, decorate and watch Andrew while I ran the last few errands. We had 3 mamas, 4 babies, 3 cats and a dog in this house and we still got all this party stuff done PLUS Jess highlighted and cut my hair. Thank you babies for your cooperation! :-)

My baby is ONE tomorrow! Still so happy, but still a little sad.

Happy Easter

In case you forgot, this is actually Andrew's second Easter :-) I cannot believe this time last year, we were bringing him home from the hospital. He came into the world on Good Friday, April 10 and Grandma May and Aunt Beth welcomed the family home on Easter, April 12. It's so fun having a spring baby. We've had a great weekend and miss daddy even more around this time of year.

At 8 months Andrew visited Santa and did NOT enjoy it. However, at almost 1 year old, he thought the Easter bunny was just great! We also took lots of photos outside later that day and he dug through his Easter basket a little early. Then we went to church with Rachel and her family and took some more photos in his cute little tie and khakis.

 

I had a lot of fun enjoying all of this and I can tell he did too. ;-) BUT Saturday is his first birthday and it makes me a little sad. I think everyone else sees it more than me, but our little baby is more of a little boy now. Sniff, sniff....

Soon, no more bottles (not that he can sit still anymore for me to feed him) which means less cuddling for me :-( Someone stop him please! Oh this is so hard, but so fun at the same time and I can't think of anything else that can compare to this experience. The good news is, he can hug and is trying to learn to blow kisses, so I have more to look forward to, right? But I will mourn anyway and miss my baby so much. I think you might have seen the last of your "baby" daddy, so be prepared to meet your toddler!