Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you Cash...

You have 2 molars in! And I didn't even know you were teething. No complaining here. It's every mothers dream to not know when there baby is getting teeth in, so kudos to you you tough little boy.

Also, you are done with bottles! And you did just fine transitioning to sippy cups all the time.

You are getting used to milk and prefer it warmed up a bit.

That's about it for now.

Love,

Mom

What else are you supposed to do?

When it is 104 degrees outside, your choice of activities is relatively limited. So, we choose to bypass the attempt at heat stroke and stay inside until it is around 7:30 or 8:00 and hone our skills.

To be honest, I don't even know why we put toys in the toy box. He prefers to take the toys out and get in himself.

He told me he wanted to start his own blog to document his deep and extensive thoughts... so he asked for a laptop for his birthday.

Notice that Cash is in his bathing suit. We hit up the sprinkler outside after he submitted his blog entry.

Love,

E

Dear baby,

Today is your actual birthday. You should feel a bit like Oprah because we have pretty much been celebrating your birthday since Saturday morning. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Birthday's are meant to be special. And you my sweet boy, are special.

Last night, while you were sleeping, I poked my head into your room and marveled that 1 year ago to the night I was standing in your empty room dreaming of what you would look like. Dreaming of who you would become. Dreaming of holding you. And now... my dreams have come true. I know what it is like to hold you and see you and I am learning daily of the person you are becoming.

This morning I hugged you tighter than most mornings because the realization that you are not my tiny baby anymore is slowly settling in. The realization hits me like a ton of bricks one day and a tiny pebble another. And it's okay. I expected this. I have attempted to prepare myself to come to terms with you getting older and bigger. And I'm dealing.

Last night I actually cried. Not like a sobbing ugly cry. And not because you are 1. I cried because I realized, in a matter of moments, how different my life was before you. How different my heart was before you. And how different my life and heart will forever be because of you.

Last night I cried.

You looked at me and smiled the biggest smile I have seen in 1 year. You ran over to me, wrapped your arms and legs so tightly around me I wasn't sure I could breathe, leaned back and gave me a kiss. And I cried. I cried because of how happy you make me. I cried because my chest swelled up so big with pride because of the sweet little boy you are becoming.

I love that you love me. I love that I am the one you come to when you are in need of some TLC. I love that you are a true meaning to the word boy but can push that aside for one small minute to give me a kiss and let me know I am important.

I just love you. Happy birthday sweet boy.

Mom

Alphabet birthday bash recap...

Some might say I went a bit overboard with Cash's first birthday party. And those people would be right. I really enjoy planning parties, and the enjoyment only magnifies when it is for my little nugget.
Happy 1st birthday baby boy! We love you.
The family member who came to the party. Thank you all for coming. It really meant a lot to us.

Why not start with the gifts...

Cash's cousins loved helping him open his presents

Sweet baby Keller made it to the party. What a trooper.

Some of my best friends ever. Thank you guys for coming..

Little Miss. Kyler made an appearance in her leapord swimsuit! What a cutie!

He wasn't 100% sure if it was cool to dig into his cake or not. But he enjoyed it...

Cash and his Cici...

Cash and his Lala...

My mom and cousin, Dillyn

Me and some of the old b-ball girls..

Some of the kiddos enjoying the slip n slide

And shall I introduce Miss.Ellie? Look at that cutie...

Just getting some lovin from his cousins

The Allen's ladies... minus a few

The proudest parents in town...

Just having a quick convo with Mr. Keller

This was Ellie's first outfit of the party. Yep, if I have a daughter it will be dangerously expensive.

Alphabet magnet favors for the kiddos...

Alphabet sippy cup favors for the kids...

Dr. Seuss's A B C book favor for the kids

More presents than he could possibly need

I loved his highchair birthday banner...

Dessert table pics...

Alphabet sugar cookies... that tasted amazing.

Again, thank you so much to all those who came and helped with the party. Cash had a blast and that is the most important thing.

Love,

E