Growing Sound Roots: O-fish-ally One Year: A fish themed birthday party!

The first birthday weekend was just right! It was not too big and not too small. We had family and a few friends. The birthday boy enjoyed himself and didn't even cry. He played, opened gifts, and tried cake for the first time. He practiced walking and took three steps on his own for the first time. The weather forecast said rain all day and we had beautiful sun. The picnic shelter at Lincoln Park was cozy and comfortable and fun. We had a sensory tub with foam fishies for Micah and his one toddler friend Isaac. We had bubbles. We had fish coloring pages. We had a colorful chevron photo booth area with lots of silly fish props. We had goldfish crackers and blue jellybellies with Swedish Fish. We were going to have fish tacos, but got lazy and served beef tacos instead. ;-) There were blue and orange balloons (just as exciting to the birthday boy as all of the toys and presents!) and a colorful banner (made by his Nana) with photos of Micah from each month in his first year. There was a gorgeous and delicious fish themed cake made by Micah's Gramma Susan (yes, even the little white chocolate fish on top were hand baked!). She also made yummy fish sugar cookies. Nana and Aunt Beth helped with white chocolate under water themed lollipops. The day was so perfect. We were surrounded by love and had a bubbling healthy little one year old boy to celebrate. Hard to believe that one year ago I was under full anesthesia as they tried to save my baby as his little heart rate dropped suddenly! Through the long days and sleep deprived nights, the clusterfeeding, the cribless naps, the pumping, the refusing solids, and everything else it has truly been amazing. Phil and I may not have had much time to grow our own relationship this year, but we have each had amazing moments with our special little Micah Howard. We are lucky and blessed. I can't wait to see what year #2 brings!