We have a one year old!

Yesterday was a big day in our neck of the woods. Noah Andrew turned ONE! I still cannot believe it. First birthdays are bittersweet ... extremely joyful because turning one is a very big deal and it's a huge cause for celebration ... but kind of sad, too, ... accepting that the "baby chapter" is drawing to an end and the "toddler chapter" is upon us. It's days like yesterday when I can't help but feel that gentle tugging at my heart ... those small, quiet pleas for time to stand still and those silent longings for my boys to stay little forever.

asdfasf

Nonetheless, yesterday was a very good day. A day marked with thankfulness and happy celebration. I realize that Noah had absolutely no idea that yesterday was different than any other day. However, Garret, Jack and I were all very aware of this gigantic milestone, and we set out to make Noah's little, big day a special one.

asdf

Here are a few peeks from our day:

Noah woke up to the "birthday bunting" strung on his door -- a fun tradition I started for the boys. He noticed it right away.

LOVE his expression on this one. So very Noah.

Jack's present for Noah. He was so proud of it. He realized halfway through the morning that he didn't have a birthday gift for his brother, so he found one of Noah's old books in his toy box and wrapped it up all by himself. Precious!

Our birthday dinner.

.

We decorated Noah's highchair with balloons. He had so much fun batting at them while he ate.

Adorable mini cupcakes I whipped up at the very last minute. They turned out quite yummy. I found the recipe in this cookbook.

Happy Birthday, my little man!