One!

Thane had a birthday, shout Hurray!  The first birthday is such a joyous occasion.  The first year is great, but it's also hard for me.  Once my kids turn one I feel like we've usually hit our stride - we understand each other and have some semblance of routine.  I love it when they start to communicate and when their personalities start to shine through.  This is an amazing and fun stage - learning something new everyday. 

The other morning Thane woke up and immediately started jabbering.  That's not uncommon, but this particular morning he had suddenly developed the "ssss" and "ffff" sounds and delighted in showing off his new skill.  Later that day the "ssss" sound progressed to "ssshhh" and became his first official word (besides "Mom" and "Dad") to designate "shoe." Love it! 

First birthdays, though highly anticipated and welcomed, are usually a low-key event in our household.  We paid extra attention to Thane and sang to him all day long, but I don't think he cared one way or the other.  We had SCOOP in the afternoon and I felt guilty because that meant he missed his nap.  

Luckily, a it was a GORGEOUS day (the first 70+ degree day this year) and a friend suggested an impromptu dinner picnic at the park.  It was the perfect ending to Thane's special day.  I packed up some birthday cupcakes and we shared them with friends (I wanted to make Thane a birthday cake, but couldn't decide on a theme.  "What does Thane really like?" I asked myself.  Socks.  Shoes.  Cups.  None of those seemed like good cake choices, so I went the easy route). At the park, Thane got to swing, eat rocks and sticks, and steal toys and assorted goodies from the other babies.  What could be better? 

Aubree and Bryce did all they could to make sure Thane had a good day.  Aubree instructed Bryce that he wasn't allowed to hurt Thane all day.  They both told everyone they saw that it was Thane's birthday.  If he cried, they immediately rushed to his side insisting that he couldn't be sad on his birthday.  Super cute.

And speaking of cute, we got Thane's first birthday pictures taken.  Here are a few of my favorites: