My sweet Gentry,
Before I actually write about your big day, I just want to write you a few words to let you know what a blessing it has been to be your mommy for this past year.
When we found out that we were expecting another baby, we were shocked to say the least. I often wondered throughout my pregnancy with you if I was capable of taking care of two little ones.
You made my job as a mommy very easy.
You have been such a wonderful little boy. God truly blessed me with my children. He gave me not one, but two healthy, happy baby boys. You have always been a good sleeper, you've met milestones accordingly, you smile and laugh all the time, and I swear you can see right into my soul with those gorgeous blue eyes of yours.
You are a genuine joy in our life together and we love you so very much. I just want you to know how you've not only completed our family, but also complimented it. Your daddy, your brother, and I love you so very much and our life just wouldn't be the same without you in it.
Love,
Mama
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Let's get this party started!
We actually started celebrating your birthday on Friday night. Adam, Michelle and their girls all came over with fireworks that we set off after dark. You got sleepy before we could finish, but that was ok with me. It gave us a little time inside, just you & I.
As I sat there rocking you, I couldn't help but think back to a year before when we were preparing for you to come into the world. All I could do was thank God that He had given you to us. I looked into your eyes and told you how thankful I was for you and said a prayer for you before you closed your little eyes and fell asleep in my arms. Sleep well, precious one.
I took Saturday off since it was your big day so I could spend the whole day with you and our family. You woke up around 8:00 A.M. and so our day began with us singing Happy Birthday to you. You are too sweet! When we started singing, you started dancing. What's really funny is that no matter how many times we sung it to you, you danced every time.
Anyway...
I went and picked up your cake around 9:00 and we began getting ready for your party. We had you a monkey party. You're our climber, that's for sure. Your cake was so cute and matched your shirt from Mrs. Christen perfectly. I couldn't get over your smash cake. I didn't ask for anything specific for your smash cake and was just expecting a regular cake, but Mrs. KayLeigh really outdone herself by making you an actual monkey to smash.
I took several pictures of your cake because I was amazed at all the little details KayLeigh had created. She did a wonderful job at making my vision come true. All I gave her was a picture of your shirt to go by.
We had a water slide/pool party for you. I imagine every birthday will always be associated with water since your birthday is in the summer. Thankfully, you love the water. Mrs. Michelle provided the slide for your party. Although it wasn't a big deal to you, all of our guests had a ball. You preferred to sit in the baby pool in the shade with us.
Here's a few pictures of everyone else playing on the slide, though.
I wasn't quick enough to get him actually coming down the slide.
All you can see is Jubal's feet here. HA!
Even your daddy went down the slide.
All you can see are his hands in the air, though. :)
After you took you a little nap, we grilled pork chops and hot dogs. We all went inside and ate and after our feast it was time to sing you Happy Birthday again and let you dig into your cake.
And then it was time for the moment we had all been waiting for...
Needless to say, you loved your cake!!!
It was a great day. We stayed outside and played in water and talked and ran and whatever else you can think of until 8:30 that night. You were ready for a bath and sleep by then. You and Jubal both were asleep within 10 minutes after getting your baths. It was a big day for you both.
A good, good day!
Oh, here's a couple of pictures of you and your godmother, Darla.
I'm ashamed of myself for not getting any pictures of you with me or your daddy on your first birthday. I didn't even realize it until I went to uploading pics. I could kick myself! We love you, though, and we were right there with you for your big day. Never doubt that. ;)
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, GENTRY!!!
WE LOVE YOU!!!!