1 Year stats: Height= 29 1.2″ (42%) Weight= 20.3 lbs (14%)

Exactly one year ago, we met this little guy for the first time. That same little baby  has blossomed into a playful, spirited little man who is constantly winning the hearts of everyone he meets.

Yesterday was his birthday party and everyone who has been a part of his life came to celebrate his first year. There were lots of cake, piles of gifts, and about half of the graduating class of 2027. At the beginning, Caleb loved greeting his friends at the door (especially little Jason and Jersey girl). But then as the day wore on, he busied himself by defending his toys from baby invaders and watching the grown-ups play ping pong and basketball. He was kind of a grouch toward the end but this was due to a new birthday molar coming in (we didn’t find this out until today).

He loved opening his gifts (well, mostly just playing in the gift wrap):

The cake smash took a little getting used to:

He even showed off his new walking tricks:

I would defintely say the party was a fun success. By the end, Caleb was tuckered out and thankful for bed. This morning, we had our own little family birthday party and opened a his gifts from Mama and Dada.

Many people have asked Andy and me what it feels like to have a one year old. I don’t really know how to reply to that. I think Andy put it best: It feels like forever since I’ve been pregnant, but just yesterday since Caleb was born. This year has been full of  anticipation, miracles, utter exhaustion, smiles, little giggles, terror-filled hospital visits, sweet moments, exciting milestones, learning curves, baby boogies, and furry friends. I couldn’t have imagined when I was in the hospital about to deliver this little miracle, that my life would be full of so much joy, that Andy would come home and immediately run to his little boy and give him a big hug, that family gatherings would now consist of everyone in a circle around the living room watching two cousins play on the floor, or that my heart could even contain all of these emotions all at once. I don’t know what I did in my life to deserve such a wonderful little person. This is just a taste of God’s magnificent grace.

Happy birthday Caleb. You are a much-loved little boy.