Birthdays are big in our house. We love to celebrate and birthdays are the best celebration of all, because it celebrates us! So we were pretty excited when Benjamin turned 1. Not excited in an "I'm going to spend 100 hours making a fondant birthday cake in the theme of Noahs ark", but excited to celebrate this boy who has been such a blessing to our family. Growing up for me, the birthday morning always set the tone for the rest of the day. My mom would decorate with crepe paper and balloons and she would have a few presents set out for me as well as my favorite breakfast cereal (the good sugary kind). So I wanted Benjamin to have a similarly good experience right from the start. This is what our kitchen looked like at 11:00 pm the night before his birthday.
This is what Benjamin looked like as he viewed his presents for the first time.
These are my "kids" playing with Benjamin's new toys. Anna was very good at "helping" Benjamin play with his toys.
Because Benjamin was born on July 3, we decided to turn it into a Fourth of July BBQ of sorts and invited some of our favorite people over. That is the best part about birthdays-- good people and good food!
The theme of the party was a smiley face! This is truly the essence of Benjamin. I considered all sorts of themes-- owls, trees, animals, rainbows...but a smiley face said everything I feel about my little boy, and what everyone says about him. He is just a happy guy!
So that made the cake really easy.
Benjamin was a champ when it came to eating it. He is a man after my own heart.
and occasionally he used a spoon...you know, because he practices good etiquette ;)
and finally he lifted the plate in triumph of eating the entire thing
although he was still licking the crumbs from his high chair until I finally took him away. This is my beautiful boy. My happy guy.
Benjamin got a mid birthday party bath. Wipes just wouldn't have cut it here.
Newly bathed, Benjamin was still an impeccable host.
He has 8 teeth.
He is 27 lbs 6 oz.
He is 33 inches long.
He is in the 95 percentile in everything (including general awesomeness)
He doesn't fit into many 12 mo. clothes anymore
He loves bananas, blueberries, strawberries, PB sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, refried beans, split pea soup. Basically, if its food, he eats it and loves it. He eats like an adult. He almost doesn't fit his high chair.
He is just pulling up to standing.
He is more interested in turning the pages of a book than the story. He likes hinges and opening and closing doors.
Two things have made Benjamin cry (outside of falling on his head and screaming in rage for his food to be delivered to him faster): blowing up a balloon and blowing bubbles.
He loves to have songs sung to him, especially "the wheels on the bus" "B-I-N-G-O" and "If you're happy and you know it clap your hands"
He rubs his feet together and rubs his hands over his tummy when he is really excited.
He has had at least one offer of adoption from a 7 year old girl!
We love Benjamin so much. Because he is so good natured, he often doesn't get a lot of the attention (we have a squeakier wheel in the family) so it was nice to spend a day that was all about him!
1 comment:
Such a cute boy. I can't believe he is one already.
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