Walker's 1st Birthday Party

The Saturday before Walker's birthday, we invited our family and a few close friends over to celebrate with a ball themed party.  There was good food, bags (aka corn hole here in IN), presents and of course, cake!  I made most of the decorations myself with a little, no, a LOT of inspiration from Pinterest.  Walker was great.  He started to get a little fussy while opening presents, but rallied for probably one of the best cake smashes of all time.  It was a good day and we all had a ball! :-)

Our Baby is ONE!

I knew the time would go by fast but WOW!  Walker is one.  One whole year old!  For the past twelve months, I have had the privilege of rocking him and feeding him; wiping his tears, his nose, his bottom; kissing  sweet chubby cheeks and toes and bellies.  Hearing his first laugh, his first word; watching him take his first step and first tumble.  Before Walker was born, I promised myself that I would make a conscious effort to be present in every moment of his life.  I would savor and relish every second he was in my arms.  I would watch him sleep and play and eat.  I would write down my thoughts and his accomplishments in my journal and I would never, ever, forget how lucky and blessed I am to have been chosen by God to be his mother.

All in all, I think I did a pretty good job, (except with the journal- that lasted 2 weeks) but deep down I wish I had done more.  I wish I had spent more time snuggling him before he could squirm away; more time counting tiny fingers and toes before they were always slobbery and sticky;  more time enjoying him as he was, and less time waiting to see the next milestone emerge.

I have spent a lot of time reflecting lately over the past year, and while I can't say there weren't a few bumps in the road, over all, it was pretty much the best year of my life.  I know this coming year will bring new challenges and also wonderful memories.  I can't wait to see what is in store. No...yes I can.