Happy First Little One

Yesterday was the big day, our little baby turned one and is now considered a toddler (or wobbler depending on who you ask). Of course as soon as he woke, Kerry and I serenaded him with our own snazzy rendition of Happy Birthday (me clad in mismatched monkey pajamas and Kerry dancing around in his usual boxer/t-shirt mix). Sam looked at us like we had lost our minds but offered up the obligatory clap at the end of our singing. Of course he has no idea what the big hoopla is all about, he just simply enjoys the extra singing and sweets offered to him throughout the day.

We had a great day, treating him to all his "favorite" things including grilled cheese sandwiches, meatballs, cupcakes, playing with his little friend Addy, a long walk around the block and of course, a visit to the dog park so he could wave his spoon at the rambunctious Pugs. Watching him walk around the park that we have visited so many times made me a little emotional. I remember describing all the things we will be able to do at the park (swing, slide, run) and telling him that very soon he'll be big enough to enjoy the park outside of his stroller. And now, he can.

In my opinion, first birthdays are less for the little ones' and more a celebration for the parents, toasting that "we survived the first year." The last year has been full of extreme highs and exhausting nights. Kerry and I both agree that it feels like the longest/shortest year of our lives. We can't remember what our lives were like without Sam but we also still feel like such newbies when it comes to this parenting stuff.

So, while Sam enjoyed his red velvet cupcake, Mom and Dad kicked back with a nice frothy beer, toasting one another on a job (so far) well done.