life as an emers: Garrett's First Birthday, Part I

Well, our Garrett boy turned 1 recently, on June 20th to be exact. I can't believe it's been a year. Actually, I can believe it's been a year; it's certainly felt like a year. All that about time flying has not proven true for me. But what's crazy is how much Garrett has changed in a year. I think this is the year he will change the most, yes? I mean, physically for sure, he's gone from a helpless, tiny infant to a walking, babbling small person with a will of his own and some very specific opinions on food, grooming, and our daily activities.

the birthday boy and his dad

But the good has definitely outweighed the bad this first year, and we are really grateful to have such a beautiful boy in our lives. His grandparents are pretty fond of him as well -- so much so that his Boston Grandma gave him a party while we were there -- that makes two parties for one very spoiled little boy! We were in Boston in mid-June for a visit (Garrett's Uncle Jason and Aunt Corrie had never met him!). We grilled out Friday evening at Jason and Corrie's house, celebrated Garrett's first birthday, and had a delicious and truly beautiful birthday cake made by the Baur family's pastor's wife's sister. Got that? She makes cakes to raise money to build water wells in Africa. Couldn't get any cooler than that.

Garrett's mom and dad teared up a little when everyone was singing "Happy Birthday." I know at least one of them was NOT expecting that to happen! His first year kind of flashed before my eyes. It's definitely the hardest thing I've ever done, and worth every minute. Sorry, sappy mom stuff.