We survived labor, delivery, stitches and colic.  We survived sleepless nights, breastfeeding, Ferberizing and teething.  We survived bumps and bruises, learning to crawl and walk, and a first birthday party that was nearly rained out.  WE SURVIVED! It’s been a year – a long, fast, time warped, painful, joyful, exhausting, exhilarating year.  It’s been A WHOLE YEAR!  Unbelievable, fuzzy, vivid… all at the same time.

My baby went from this

Courtesy Regetis Photography

To this in the blink of a very tired, bloodshot, wired from coffee, eye.

As my friend, Kerri, said, “12 hours to 12 months went by so fast”!

Kendall officially turned 1 on Saturday, the 2nd, but it’s a good thing we didn’t plan to have the grand celebration until the following day since our priority on Saturday was searching for supplies to build an Ark in preparation for the next great flood.

Everything went fabulously on Sunday, except for the beating he took from the tile floor and refrigerator prior to and after the party.  Because what would first birthdays be without looking like you were the pinata at your own party in all the pictures?  I kept hoping we’d open up a helmet, a face guard, and some bubble wrap amongst all the presents, but it looks like I’ll have to run out and get those on my own.

I know you are all waiting with baited breath to find out how his rocket ship smash cake came out.  I will say it was a far cry from my original cake wreck, but I can’t take a single ounce of credit for the fabulousness.  My rockstar sister made it, on top of working in my sewing sweatshop, helping me whip up ugly doll “aliens” for party favors.

Here it sits, perched atop the red velvet cupcakes from our favorite roadside diner, Cooppies.

Let’s just say she felt compelled to step in and help us out after Scott attempted to make his own version of a rocket ship cake and came up with something more appropriate for a bachelorette party than a first birthday party.  He is going to kill me for posting this picture.

You should try not to be so jealous of our amazing cake making skillz.

So, here I sit, on the cusp of life with a toddler.  A true blue, walking, talking, temper tantrum throwing, brilliant (even if too much for his own good at times), handsome, lovable, messy toddler.  This is seriously my favorite age ever, and as I type that I realize that progressively each age/stage has been better than the last.  Yes, each had it’s moments that I will love and cherish, and each new one brings it’s own challenges, but I hope that life with Kendall continues this way- every new stage becoming my new favorite. Because if having a baby has taught me anything, it’s to cherish this moment and live for today.

“Be happy for this moment.  This moment is your life.” – Omar Khayyam

Kendall is 1 year and 3 days old