Eli's Birthday Celebration: Part 2

All week long I had been praying that the weather would cooperate for Eli's party Saturday morning and my prayers were answered! Saturday morning dawned bright and clear. It wasn't hot, but it wasn't cold; it was PERFECT! Mom and I had stayed up till 1:30 that morning working on Eli's cake, so I didn't have too much to do the morning of the party. Josh set up the tables and chairs outside, Mom and I decorated, and Dad was in charge of Eli.

I wanted Eli to take a nap before the party, but that backfired on me. He ended up only getting about 30 minutes of sleep, but there wasn't anything we could do because he woke up and wouldn't go back to sleep. Rather than fight it, we just rolled with it and prayed that he'd be fine at the party. Lucky for us, Eli LOVES being outside and can go, go, go when he's outside. He got a little sleepy and rubbed his eyes some, but he was such a trooper. He was WONDERFUL!

The party couldn't have gone any better. We invited mostly family and some close friends that have really helped us with Eli this past year. It was just great to celebrate Eli's first year with such wonderful people. Towards the end of the party, I got a little teary eyed when I stood to thank everyone for coming and for everything they had given Eli. I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that my baby boy was ONE! I feel like time has slipped through my hands, but there is so much promise in the future! I can't wait to see how much Eli is going to grow, change, and learn in the years to come. It was a PERFECT day; a day I was reminded over and over again of God's goodness and love. He has blessed our lives in so many ways! I am so very thankful!

The gift table

My ONE YEAR OLD!!

The cake was a labor of love, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. It's not perfect by any means, but I had so much fun baking it and decorating it. Mom and Dad helped me and we made some wonderful memories. I've got to start thinking about ideas for next year's cake now!

Our little family

Mammy and Sarah taught Eli a new trick. They ask him, "What does Zue-Zue do?" and he clasps his hands to his chest. It's so funny, especially since she does this any time she is surprised. How funny!

My brother, Joshua, and his fiance, Andrea

My brother, Caleb, and Andrea

Jess and Jordan

Kally and Hayden

Zue-Zue and Sarah

Mammy, Aunt Debra, and Zue-Zue

Mr. Roy and Mrs. Gwen

Photo frame I had everyone sign

Happy Birthday, Eli!

Pop did a great job documenting the entire event for us!

The end result...not too bad!

Present time!

My grandmother in North Carolina has made almost all the grandchild a Raggedy Andy or Raggedy Ann. I still have the one she made me! She made Eli one to match his nursery. As soon as he saw it, he gave it a big hug and kiss. It was PRECIOUS!

Clayton and Eli playing in Eli's "Climb n' Slide Castle" Grammy and Pop gave him.
It was a BIG hit!

Two proud parents!

He was out in just minutes after taking his bottle.
He had a LONG, but WONDERFUL birthday!

It looks like Christmas!
On a sidenote: We've decided to start the toy rotation with Eli. He got to keep 3 toys out, but the rest of them went to the top shelf of his closet. We'll get those out over the next several months. We want him to learn to enjoy and play with all his toys. Hopefully, this will help!

Woo Hoo! I LOVE my slide!

The birthday boy with his birthday balloons