I have quickly learned that babies are truly only babies for what seems like 2.5 seconds. When all of the baby cards advised to "cherish every moment", they really meant it. The moments are flying by. All of a sudden O is transitioning to the toddler room at daycare, getting a mouthful of teeth, and turning one!
It's a good thing we have ~2,500 pictures to look back on and reminisce his first year.
:)
Since Owen's birthday fell on a Thursday this year, we had his party the Sunday before.
How do you make a first birthday even more special?
Well, you get baptized and have all of your grandparents and both of your great grandparents there to help you celebrate. Owen had quite the day!
The stars aligned and his naps were timed perfectly. He had a quick snooze on the way to church...just enough to keep him happy. I was nervous about how things would go, but he did great! He didn't mind the water at all and was quite the entertainer in front of the congregation. I have video, but no pictures of the baptism...still need to get those from the grandmas.
We ran a few errands after church and Owen fell asleep on the way home. Exactly what we'd hoped for! He woke just in time for his party. Such a good boy, giving his momma time to get ready. And, I had lots of fun getting ready.
I took lots of pictures before everyone arrived, but did a very poor job of taking pictures during the party. Luckily, our friend Ali snapped a few shots as Owen enjoyed his first taste of cake. She also reminded me to have everyone sing him Happy Birthday. She will be an excellent mom!
O was so dainty with the cupcake. Just dipped his little finger in and licked off the frosting. Finally, he endulged the crowd and grabbed a handful. Didn't care for the cake, but loved the butter cream.
 |
| dirty hands to the head, his signature move |
After we cleaned him up a bit, it was time to open presents.
But once he saw his shiny new green wagon, there was no turning back.
He was in love.
Nate and I aren't too big on having lots of toys and even encouraged people not to bring gifts, but it didn't work. And Owen is sure happy it didn't. He LOVES all of his new toys.
And I have to admit, he got lots of cool stuff.
And I have to admit, he got lots of cool stuff.
I felt so bad that he wouldn't focus his attention on opening gifts. He kept wanting to ride in the wagon. I kept trying to get him to open presents. See above, that's me putting presents in the wagon for him to open. Nate reminded me he was only one. Fair enough.
After the presents were opened and party-goers began heading home, the boys got to go for a ride.
 |
| love that hair! |
It didn't take long at all before O began trying to stand while in motion.
Nate had the guard rails added by Sunday night.
Owen and the Reids.
Excited to watch these boys grow.
And by this time next year, there will be so many more babies to join in the fun!
We can't wait!!
We can't wait!!
Four generations of Hands.
We were thrilled to have Fielding visit. It took lots of arm-twisting, but we are so happy he gave in!
A BIG thanks to the arm-twisters (Karen and Ced) who made it all happen!
It made for quite a special day with both of Owen's great grandparents, Eloise came too! They were both very kind to make the trip and help us celebrate.
Once our western Kansas crew headed for home, we went to the park.
I think this boy would live outside if we let him.
 |
| Nate trying to be artistic. |
By the end of the day, only one of us was still going strong.
Such a mean mommy...posing with her cranky babe.
~15 minutes later.
Such a good day!
And the best part of all? We haven't even gotten to his birthday yet.
