Romney's First Birthday!

Romney is one! How the days have flown by and how fitting this quote from Peter Pan is that I stole from my sister, "Little boys should never be sent to bed, they always wake up a day older." I couldn't agree more! There are times when bedtime is the worst because I reflect on the day we've had and regret having to let go of my sweet baby a little bit more. I wish I could pick him up without waking him and hold on a little more to this stage of life. Already Romney longs to be independent! He's been walking since 11 months and clearly has his own agenda. He's happy to be with us, but likes playing with his toys and exploring our house. Although he can't always express what he wants, I can tell he longs to make his own choices and be his own master. He doesn't want me telling him what to do! Despite this independent streak, he loves cuddling with me on the couch and loves it even more when we tickle him! He enjoys being chased and playing games, and he is learning more words. Today he learned how to say "uh-oh". His favorite words are da-da, night-night, no-no, and hi. He is the happiest in the morning when I get him up for the day and the grumpiest after his afternoon nap. He's always been willing to go to bed and we've never had any issues with sleep, just like his sister.

I remember life without Romney, and it was a good one. Olivia could have been an only child and we still would have been happy, but now we have more with Romney, and I'm so grateful for that! I love the relationship Olivia and Romney share, I love the growth I have felt in my own heart for both of my children and my husband. Each of these children and relationships teaches us something and I am so grateful for what my children are teaching me, for what I have because of them, and what I can offer them in return. 

Olivia helped me decide on a Cookie Monster theme for Romney's first birthday party and we ran with the idea! My mom was able to come into town and I swear the cake would not have turned out as cute as it did without her. She made the frosting and instructed me on what to do and I'm so grateful for her willingness to come out and take part in Romm's special day. 

In the morning before the party, we had a mini pre-birthday photo shoot: 

I made Jordan stand guard so Romney wouldn't smash the cake before his actual birthday had started! 

Our friends arrived and after the babies played for a bit, we opened presents! Romney was spoiled by his family and his friends loved helping him open his gifts. 

I'm never sure who has more fun the babies or the dads....

Next it was time for cake...........

Olivia no doubt giving her brother some wise cake-eating advice

He loved the eyeballs! 

Getting past that frosting was rough! 

All messy and ready for a bath! 

Thank you to everyone who came and wished Romney a happy birthday! He's such a joy to be around and we love having him in our family! One thing I've learned from being a parent, is that there is such joy in watching your children learn and grow and becoming good people. I would argue that you can never really know someone completely, but our goal in life is to do everything we can to develop those relationships and learn as much as possible about those people in our family and close circles. I love getting to know Romney. Every day he changes and learns a little more and every day I'm discovering something new about his personality. I love every minute of it, the good and the bad, although it's mostly good. This boy is worth celebrating! Happy First Birthday Romney!