One

I can’t deny it any longer…my baby is one.

The time since Jaylen was born has passed entirely too fast. We continue to feel blessed with the fact that our little guy is doing quite well and has filled our family with more love than we imagined was possible. His birthday was a memorable milestone where I found myself reflecting on how much he’s grown this past year.

We decided that we’d hold off on having an actual birthday party, knowing Hope has a birthday coming up right around the corner. We still did something small to help recognize his special day. Here are a few highlights from today:

Hope & Jaylen playing early in the day.

Hope decorated balloons for her little brother.

Hope even made a card to accompany the gift she helped pick out for Jaylen. She’s so sweet to her brother. She wrote:

on the front: Happy Birthday Jaylen – you are a cool bro

on the inside:
I wish you were still little Jaylen but the time has come you were so cute now you are one I love you so much I love you
love Hope to: Jaylen xoxoxoxoxox kisses hugs

Jaylen enjoyed opening his gifts.

We sang happy birthday to him, he seemed to enjoy it.

Of course he loved the cake. He wasn’t so sure what to do at first, but in the end he enjoyed it so much that at one point he was even shaking to reach for it.

So as I reflect on this past year and wished there was a way to freeze time to keep some of the moments from ending, I now instead smile…knowing many great memories are ahead.

Here’s to you little guy…Happy Birthday Jaylen!

If you would like to see photos of Jaylen from the past year you can check them out in flickr.