Happy 1st Birthday Caden!!

One year ago at 6:42am weighing in at 7lbs 6oz., Ed and I welcome our amazing little boy Caden into our lives.  We were overjoyed when he arrived and had waited a long time for him.  We never in a million years had any idea how much joy that little man would bring to our lives over the next year. We have smiled, laughed, cried many tears of joy and have been filled with such pride time and time again because of him. 

You are truly a blessing Caden, and we love you more than words could ever express.  On your very first birthday and all that will follow we wish for you a life filled with lots of love and even more laughter.  We hope you dream big and know that no matter where you go or what you do in your life we will always be here to love and support you.  Family first little man... always!! Love ~ Mommy and Daddy

 This is when Caden first got back from the race and saw all the decorations for the first time.  He couldn't get enough of the balloons.

 Even birthday boys have to take time to eat lunch.

 Caden and Uncle JT

Graci and her crazy Uncle Eddie

 Hangin' out with one of his favorites.. Aunt Susan!

 Time to blow out the candle!

 My neat boy wasn't quite sure he wanted to get his hands messy.  Note to self.. don't get yellow icing next year.. it looks like your kid is squishing mustard in their hands which adds a whole new element to the level of grossness.

 He enjoyed painting his high chair yellow.  I think he thought this would draw the dogs to him, as it usually does when he's eating.  Little did he know the beasts were trapped outside for the party.  Sorry Buddy!

 And this is what happens when you put your hands on your face with icing on them. 

 And Dee Dee thought he needed a little help with the smashing.  This didn't end well and then we headed straight for a mid-day tubby.

 All cleaned up and ready to tear open some preseents.

 A basketball hoop from Uncle D and Aunt Susan.  They are determined to make an athlete out of this kid.

 Opening Uncle Mike and Aunt Pammy's gift sent from California.

 Playing the drums.

 A little quiet time with Ma Ma and a balloon.

 Uncle D and Aunt Susan with the Birthday Boy!!

 JT and Hunter coloring at the after party.

 Listening to Uncle Mike and Aunt Pammy sing Happy Birthday to him before bed.

And to spare all of you the decoration pictures, I saved them for the end in case you just wanted to look at the cute kid and not all the crazy Mommy decorations.

 Yes, those are water bottles in the shape of parking cones.

We had a fantastic day from beginning to end.  Thank you to everyone who made the long trip to celebrate with us in Jersey.  Thank you for all your great gifts.  Your kindess and generosity is overwhelming.  Thank you to Caden for sleeping until 8:30 this morning and napping the day away.

That's all the Birthday stuff for now.... we'll see you again next Friday for our second party!!