Dear Henry,

This past year has been, without a doubt, the very best year of my entire life. I've learned so much, and it's gone behind just figuring out this new role. I feel like I've really come into myself, figured out my purpose, and became who I was supposed to be all along. It's been the craziest, yet most fulfilling journey I could ever be on, and I am so thankful for each step of the way, from the sleepless nights spent rocking you back to sleep, to the early mornings full of baby laughs and cuddles.

People say that a baby changes everything. And it really does. It's changed the way I see the world. Now, instead of thinking of myself, I think of you. Instead of getting caught up in inconsequential things, being your Mom has allowed me to see the bigger picture, because really, you are the truest reminder of what really matters. Every single morning I wake up with a thankful heart. I am so grateful to be able to stay home with you and spend each day exploring, growing, and learning by your side, but most of all, I am just thankful to be your mama.

I read somewhere that a certain culture believes that the baby chooses its mother before he or she is born. That the baby knows how much its parents need him, and arrives in order to teach them all the ways of the world. I like that. One year ago today our life changed for the better, and that was all because of you. Sure, our role is to teach you everything we can, but I often think that you are teaching us far more than we could have every imagined.

Today, on your first birthday, I sit here typing as you push your cars around the kitchen, stopping to laugh at Madeline and marvel at the funny sounds the wheels make. It's hard to believe that a year ago today, almost to the minute, you arrived. That moment is a distinct marker in our life- a true defining moment. Your Dad and I grew from the two of us, to a family of three on that perfect morning, and I am so thankful for that day, for you, and for every bit of joy you've brought into our lives.

We love you so much Henry. Happy first birthday!

Love,
Mama

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If you'd like, you can read Henry's birth story, his birthday one year ago in photos, or more of my Dear Henry letters too.  His one-year checkup is next week, so I'll be sharing his 12-month update then, along with a look at all of his monthly photos.

Below is the video of Henry's first year that I showed at his birthday party this past Saturday (there's an option to view it larger too). Enjoy, and thank you all so very much for being such a special part of our life and specifically this past year, through this little blog. It's so neat to have you along for the ride!

Henry's 1st birthday party

Ahh, what a wonderful and positively special day! Today we celebrated our sweet Henry's birthday, and it was pretty amazing to look around the room and see so many of our most favorite people, all there for Henry. It still blows me away to feel the love on days like today, and I can't thank our friends and family enough for being such beautiful parts of our life, especially Henry's. He's a lucky, lucky boy.

I had a ton of fun creating and crafting every little detail and even making Henry's bowtie. I actually made Hank a matching one too, but he wasn't into it! ha. Being that the party was at two o'clock, I decided to do more of an appetizer/light lunch spread, so I made caprese bites (cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and buffalo mozzarella drizzled with balsamic vinegar), vegan pasta salad, artichoke and spinach dip, hummus and pitas, and lots of veggies. For dessert I ordered six dozen cupcakes from a local bakery and a much larger-than-expected smash cake for Henry. The cupcakes were seriously GREAT. I tried a little of each kind, and my favorite was probably the red velvet. We also had some other flavors- chocolate sea salt caramel, carrot cake, birthday cake surprise (kind of like a fancy funfetti), and lemon supreme. Yum.

One of my favorite parts of the party was sharing a video I made of the past year. There weren't many dry eyes in the room, and it was really neat to be able to commemorate this past year in such a special way. I'll be sharing that movie here on his actual birthday (on Tuesday), so check back in a few days if you'd like to see it too! Another touch I loved was the "12 months of Henry" photos I strung on green and white baker's twine above the food area. It was neat to see them all lined up, and our guests really enjoyed it too.

Overall the party was beyond successful. Henry was in great spirits the entire time, there was enough food and drink to go around, and the "thank you" bags of cookies I made for guests to take as they left were all snatched up. All in all, it was the best day and the most wonderful way to celebrate our sweet birthday boy. 













































silhouette originally created by Mando at Immaculate Tattoo (same silhouette that is on my arm). Made into a digital file and altered by the talented Lindsay Goldner.

A look back...

With Henry's first birthday less than a week away, the mood around here is part excitement, part nostalgic, and a whole lot of bittersweet. It's hard to see your little ones grow up, isn't it? And of course the best is yet to come, but it's difficult to let go of the baby stage- the crawling, cooing little guy that Henry once was. Now he's a quick little bolt of lightning as he makes his way around the room and it's amazing to see how different he really is. However bittersweet it may be though, there's so much more sweet than bitter. I'm bursting with excitement about celebrating this past year, and today I thought I'd take a look back and share a very special video I made exactly a year ago today. Happy almost-birthday, Henry!