About Joshua's first birthday party, and long overdue at that.

This will have to be quick for multiple reasons, but I don't want to make it seems like I'm trying to short cut the store at all.

Josh had a good time, although he was putting on a brave face the entire time. He was fighting a bit of a cold, and because of the day's activities he only got one hour of a nap rather than 2 1/2 hrs. So he did amazing for having those two issues on his plate. He loved seeing everyone and interacting with everyone. He was walking around and playing. Caleb and Tessa were fun to watch in his opinion. We kept Joshy busy by opening gifts for him. He was amazing and gave each toy it's own separate attention. It was very neat to see him interact with new toys, and finally toys that are just his own and ones that big brother can't lay claim to. Everyone has Joshy's interest pegged pretty well. He likes things that flash, light up and play music. He liked the Elmo electric guitar from Grammy Judy and Papa Bill and the light up and musical lady bug from Auntie Charlotte the best. Caleb was really taken with all the toys. I keep having to tell Caleb that those are Joshy's toys and he then asks Josh if Josh will share. Cute. But Josh has fun with each item and does share without hesitation, just don't take what he has in his hand at the moment. So thank you to all who were so thoughtful and came to Josh's party and got him such gifts that he is truly enjoying!

Josh, our eater, was hilarious when it came time to have cake. We had angel food cake with chocolate frosting and accented/topped with strawberries. We got close so that he could see the cake and blow out the candle (with help, Caleb elected himself as the official candle blower) and Joshys began grabbing the strawberries off the top. He was enraptured. He ate half of the strawberries right off the top. He got very tearful when I took the cake away for cutting, but when his slice returned with extra strawberries, all was forgiven.

The whole event was very laid back, calm and over quickly... although clean up was a process. But my precious boy was worth it, and everyone did have a good time.

Here are a few pictures;photos tell a better story than just words.

Thank you all who came to Joshy's party. It means alot that his family is around him. I know that we have all done 1st year parties before, but this is Joshy's first and I'm grateful to all of you who prioritized Joshy and made time to come and celebrate with him.

Our baby boy is a toddler now, he is growing so fast. He is so cute and expressive in his mannerisms or attempts at words. He really knows what is going on. He loves his world around him. I'm very glad that I get the oportunity to stay home with him and see him grow and develope. I wish his second ear is as happy and fun as the first and brings new experiences and joys. God bless.