First Birthday Party

(If this post seems over the top with detail, it's only because I want Owen to someday read about his first birthday party and know what we did.)

After two months of planning, Owen's first birthday party has come and gone. Chris and I are exhausted (he and Owen are snoring on the couch as I type this.. I'd take a picture but I don't want to risk waking them). I decorated the house with green and yellow streamers after Owen went to bed last night, and when he came downstairs this morning he was intrigued by the decorations. He definitely knew that something exciting was coming up, because he silently watched us from his playpen all morning. Normally he'd whine and want out.

My mom showed up with the cake at noon and I couldn't have been happier with the way it turned out. Her friend operates a bakery out of her home and was able to perfectly replicate the puppy and doghouse from the invitations.

Guests began to arrive at 1pm and the house quickly filled up. I put the finishing touches on the food and everyone dug in! We had turkey and roast beef sandwiches, bbq meatballs, potato salad, pea salad, veggies and dip, and homemade sugar cookies and thin mints. Owen hadn't had a nap yet and was beginning to tire out, so we did cake around 2:30. We gathered around to sing Happy Birthday and he began to smear the icing on his cake. He played for several minutes and proceeded to smear icing in his eye. He cried for a few minutes but we cleaned him up and he was fine.

Chris helped him open his huge stack of gifts. He received some wonderful toys, books and clothes. I think most people would agree that the highlight of the party was Owen's speech after he opened his gifts. He stood up next to his wagon, put his hand up in the air and rambled off a string of baby babble. He paused for everyone to laugh, and rambled off another string with his hand still in the air. Here's a translation of what he said: "I would like to thank all my guests for these wonderful gifts. It's nice to see how many people love me. Please take a piece of cake for the ride home, and drive safely."

People began to filter out around 4:30, and the house was empty by 6pm. Jen came back over and took Owen to the park to give Chris and I a little bit of quiet time (thank you!). All in all it was a great day and we enjoyed time with friends and family. We're so lucky to have all these fantastic people in our lives, and the love they show our child means the world to us. Thanks to everyone who helped make Owen's first birthday a special one!