Elliot's First Birthday Party

We had a blast.  You can see more at www.maisondepax.com where I shared pictures and decorations... but for this blog, I want to share my sweet boy:

And, for the record, I was horrified when I looked back just now and realized how remiss I have been in posting on this blog... I'm going to try to change that (I know, I know, I've said that a lot).  I am jumping ahead to the present because I know my mother in law is dying to see pictures of the party, but then I intend to try to catch up.  We'll see.  Anyway, we had a great night playing in the yard.

We enjoyed friends and neighbors (and Elliot enjoyed the attention!):

He even played well with the little girls:

Big brother had a blast, too.

Opening presents was a little crazy, but he seemed excited:

And, of course, Oliver had to help:

And he started playing keep away awfully early:

In the end, I think he found it a bit shocking. ;)

We went back outside for cupcakes...

Though Elliot seemed more interested in the pom poms:

And he managed to knock his birthday cupcake out of my hand and onto the table while we tried to sing happy birthday... at least no one was burned!

He certainly seemed to enjoy his first cupcake, though.

As did his friend, Kyla. :)

I think the highlight of his night, though, might have been riding on his brother's tricycle.

I'm so thankful for this precious little man!

To Elliot on his First Birthday

You brighten my life.

Your smiles, laughter, slobbery kisses, and hugs are balm to the soul.  You dance whenever music is played.  You make your own music, playing the piano or the drums for hours, and for now, you're definitely a soprano.

You love your big brother more than anyone.  All you have to do is see him and your face lights up.  You scrunch your nose and laugh from your belly.  You love your daddy, too.  Any time you see him, especially early in the mornings, you call "Da-da" while you point at him and then laugh hysterically.  But your momma is your security.  When I sit on the floor, you crawl right up into my lap and into my heart.

Speaking of crawling on people when they're on the floor, your favorite game is wrestling with Oliver. You don't seem to have figured out that he's twice your size (and he hasn't either...), but you love to push him down and roll over him.  I hope you two will continue to play with such joy and laughter always.

You are the best natured kid.  You've been a little loud yelling screaming shrieking lately, but it's usually because you're happy.  You love cars, balls, bats, and anything boy.

You have the most gorgeous eyes.  Long lashes (where did those come from?!?!) and a dreamy pale blue...

You scared me when you started pulling up and walking with toys at a mere 9 months, but you sagely (and graciously!) waited until 11 months to actually walk.  And now, though you often choose to crawl instead, you're doing great.

Your not a huge fan of food, but you seem to be growing just fine.  You play with your tongue out about 90% of the time, so maybe it's just too big for your mouth?  I'm sure you'll grow into it, and I'm not worried about it... But you can see your distaste for food when you weren't even interested in your birthday candle yesterday.

Despite this, I couldn't ask for anything more.  I love you, and I hope you have a fabulous time at your birthday party tonight.

With all my heart,
Mom