My Life in Toddlertown: Sam's First Birthday

I still can't believe that Sam has been in our lives for one whole year. It seems like only a few months ago that I was laid up in the bed, wondering about the little life moving around inside me. Would s/he be like me or Ted? Would s/he be as sweet as Ward or as manipulative as Ann Park was as a baby? Laid back (Ted) or not (me)? Boy or girl? Also the sleepless nights of a 6-8 week old don't seem that far behind me. I remember walking with my friend Sarah and just bawling at how hard it was living on little sleep and, since I was on maternity leave in the summer, I had to still be a good mama to Ward and Ann Park. I was at my wits end. But then he miraculously started sleeping . . . just like they all do. And then we wondered when he would start laughing, and smiling, crawling, and walking. He hasn't gotten the walking part yet, but we are close. I say about 3-4 weeks, maybe 5 depending on how much whining he does to be held!

We had his party last Sunday from 11:30 until about 1:00. All of our close friends and family came which was so great. Sam was a bit overwhelmed, but still managed to have fun, basking in all the attention. I think that Ward had the most fun of all - especially since all his best buds were there. We ate fried chicken, potato salad and fruit and of course cake (not that Sam liked it one bit!). And how can I forget the ice cream man? He was a huge hit!

Here are a bunch of pictures to give you a feel for the party. This big cake (chocolate with cream cheese icing, yum!)

And here is Sam's smash cake:

Ann Park was all ready for the party, but then got into a foul mood for some reason. She spent the vast majority of the party in the playroom watching Little Mermaid with her cousin, Stella. At least she was happy up there and I didn't have to deal with her! But here she is before the bad mood hit:

Once Cher Cher got there, Sam was all over her. He is IN LOVE with Cher Cher and she can't get enough of him!

Ward playing in the climbing tree with some of his friends:

Three of my favorite people (including the little one, Abby!)

A group of kids eating at the picnic table under the swinset. And, yes, we have a "permission required" sign on our swingset. Our yard is very open and we have a lot of kids we don't know who are tempted to use it without supervision.

Sam was very happy when he saw his fried chicken. The boy is an EATER!

The older kids were VERY happy to see the ice cream man. Most of the boys got batman!

After the ice cream, it was cake time! I totally sugared those kids up and then sent them home! Sam wasn't so sure what to think about the cake, although he had no problem sticking his hand right into it. He didn't really like the taste of it, even though I tried helping him out a little bit. Guess he won't be like his mama in that regard!

After cake, we cleaned up and played a little bit more. Most people were starting to leave when it started raining! Thank God for lots of helping hands to get all the presents inside without one getting wet!