Rubber Ducky, James is One

My baby’s birthday is Wednesday, and yesterday we invited family and a few friends over to celebrate. It ended up being quite the celebration!

Family came from near and far to see Sweet Baby James cluelessly have his first birthday party.

James started quacking weeks ago in preparation for his Rubber Ducky birthday party! We rented a bubble machine that was a big hit with the kiddies.

We also had lots of goodies for all these busy little bellies.

And a special goody for the birthday boy.

A bathtub was filled with drinks with one curious little ducky checking it out.

Barbeque was enjoyed by all! (Even I got a chance to inhale some bites!)

We also had lots of entertainment for our little ducklings. Happy children make happy parents.

We had a drawing station with duck crayons,

and a bubble wand station (where little ones were found elbow deep).

“Aunt Cheyet, when are we going to open the pinata?” asked my darling little Catie, who was dressed in rubber ducky yellow with sister, Ellie.

The kids gave it their best shot.

And then Justin stepped up to the plate and got the job done.

Before we knew it the sun was going down, James was nearing a meltdown, and it was time to sing happy birthday and eat some cake!

Looking back at pictures, we may have been closer to that meltdown than I realized.

We sang happy birthday then, played The Beatles birthday song (which was a tradition from my Dad) while we watched James dig in!

Meanwhile, the other kiddos grabbed some “Bubble Pops” and cupcakes!

James took a quick bath and finished his party in his pj’s. (What a baby thing to do, right?) Feeling sentimental, I tried to steal my kisses before someone took him from me.

James finished the party in the bouncy houses with his friends and cousins.

The birthday boy went to bed and had to rest up for his baptism… yes, I am crazy and that will be the next blog… while the older kids and adults continued to celebrate. As I began to clean up for the baptism brunch, I stopped and took a look at the aftermath.

I had a couple hours to make my house presentable for the brunch I was hosting the next morning. I inadvertently chose my son’s first birthday party and baptism to share the night that the time changes. But I was overtaken by the love that surrounded our family. I look at these pictures, and I don’t so much see scattered toys and spilled drinks. I see family that are friends. And friends that are family. And I see little ones that I love as my own.

And that is what this special day was about. I appreciate everyone’s help, and I would especially like to thank my committee: Amy, Laurie, Carrie, and Erin. :)

Justin, we survived the first year. I love you.

To my Sweet Baby James, I love you more than I ever thought possible and you will always be my favorite little ducky.