We had Alex's party on his actual birthday: August 24th. Thankfully, I was much more relaxed during the planning of this event compared to the ball of stress I was before Jacob's birthday. And it had nothing to do with being any less excited about Alex's big day (after all, turning 1 is a huge deal!), but a 1 year old simply doesn't care about his party decorations or how his cake looks.
The theme was football. Why? Because Alex loves balls. He loves to throw them, walk around holding them, and in fact, can now associate the word with the object. He is also saying "Bah" for ball. A football theme was also another way for me & Jeff to celebrate the start of football season (which we won't discuss since the Hokies, Redskins, and Colts all lost their first games)!
The party was a very simple one. We had pool room hot dogs, pasta salad, and chips & dip. If you've never had Grandmom's & Granddad's pool room chili, I feel sorry for you. After our meal, it was pool time. I'm glad I had the foresight to ask Jeff to inflate both pools because, as anticipated, the larger pool was the place for the big kids to splash, slide, and be rowdy. So Alex had a little baby pool all to himself. But he didn't mind. He had front row seats to the chaos in the pool beside him.
But of course, Alex couldn't stay away from his favorite big kids for too long!
After we dragged the kids inside and dried them off, it was time to sing to the birthday boy. Here's the football cake I made (with no food coloring required, thank goodness):
& delicious football cupcakes, courtesy of Nan
Alex wasn't quite sure what was going on while the entire room was singing to him. As you can see, he looks a bit bewildered. Luckily at these parties, there are always plenty of excited volunteers who are willing to help blow out candles.
At Jacob's 1st birthday party, he wasn't very interested in his cake. He picked at it, but didn't eat much. Naturally, Alex the Bottomless Pit, LOVED his cake. I couldn't break off pieces fast enough. This was also his first experience with chocolate.
"I think she only gave me a little so she could have more for herself. Mom! Get over here and bring a lot more of that cake!"
Following his binge, he was completely covered in chocolate smears & cake crumbs. He was such a mess that Jeff & I both decided it would be easiest to strip him down and wash him off in the pool outside.
I don't think it's possible for a 1-year old to stay focused on the task of opening presents. Or maybe I'm just making excuses for my kids. At Jacob's 1st birthday, I subjected all of his guests to watching ME open his gifts. I'm sure it was a slow torture for them. This time, however, it was quick & painless. Even though Alex was more interested in walking around the room and picking up discarded wrapping paper and gift bags, we had several helpers who were willing to get the job done. Between Jacob, Daniel, Lainey, & Victor, those presents were opened in no time.
He received so many wonderful presents and truly does love them all. So does Jacob. Seriously, Jacob plays with the new toys as much as Alex. There are even a few that Jeff & I enjoy.
After the gift opening, we all went outside to watch the kids (and some of the adults) enjoy the outdoor activities. This included basketball, t-ball, softball, and riding tractors (Grandmom & Granddad surprised Jacob & Daniel with their motorized John Deere tractors from the lake). With 1 of his new indoor ride on toys, Alex was even able to participate in the tractor drive!
I'd say the party was a success. I think the little kids (and maybe even some of the adults) enjoyed themselves. And most importantly, Alex had a blast. In spite of his short nap that day and feeling visibly fatigued, he was a good sport.
It's so hard for me to believe he's already a year old. What a fast year that was. He seems to be growing up faster than Jacob did...walking sooner, communicating so well non-verbally, and seeming to understand WAY more than he should at this age. I think he's trying to keep up with his best friend & hero: his big brother. And while I'm enjoying watching the 2 of them wrestle, laugh, and play together, I wish he'd slow down just a little bit. Can't he stay a baby just a little bit longer?
Happy 1st Birthday to my wild child with the adorable gap-toothed grin & dimples. You're growing up so fast. At 12 months, you are currently the height of the average 19 month old, which works in your favor as it enables you to grab things I'm sure I put out of your reach AND works to your advantage as you climb on EVERYTHING. You may drive me crazy with your constant emptying of Hailey's water bowl and standing on chairs, coffee tables, and the kitchen table, but you make up for it with your tight hugs, loving gazes, your adoration of your brother, your precious smiles & giggles, your new love of covering your eyes & saying, "Boo!", and your overall sweetness. I have 2 of the sweetest kids in the whole world.
I love you, my little baby- I mean, my little toddler.
Happy Birthday!
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