birthday...chapter 2

Today was a day I've looked forward to for a long time. We got to sing happy birthday to Riley and watch him mash birthday cake into his mouth. There is something about the joyful abandon of a one year old eating birthday cake that I have always loved. It's not just about tasting some sweet stuff. No, the birthday cake is truly experienced in every way possible. A feast for the senses. Taste, smell (especially when he jams it up his nose), the sight of the cake in front of him for the first time and of course the wonderful feeling of frosting between the fingers. First, some pictures of how things looked before the party, then some pictures of the carnage:

A festive table













Ducky on the cake

















A nice big piece of cake













Fascinated by the balloons














After cake there were presents. Here's Riley enjoying a new toy plane (thanks Jon & Oil) in the way only a one year old can:




















After waiting so many years to be a daddy, I love the day to day stuff, but these highlights are that much more joyful.

Speaking of joyful, considering where we were and what we were doing one year ago today I couldn't possibly be more pleased. Even with a boy who has woken up crying twice since I started writing this (I think he's teething again.) This is much better than Children's Hospital... It highlights how blessed we have been.

Thank You Lord for our wonderful Riley-boy! We love him!


Jonathan