My little pat of butter is ONE today, people.

I cannot quite wrap my head around this.
It seems like just yesterday when I took this and announced I was FINALLY expecting.

Then the NEVER-ENDING-PREGNANCY full of illness, scariness, disappointment in gender, clotting disorders, needles, endless ultrasounds and stress tests and insurance hell.

But he was so cute, even in my tummy.
And even though I was so sick I could barely walk at the end, I was happy.

And then?
May 19th, 2009 came and the decision to induce was welcomed because I was NOT doing well. So, I was ready…and pretty dang hawt looking if you ask me.
Or, I was hawt UNTIL MORE HORRIFYING PAIN THEN A HUMAN SHOULD FEEL HAPPENED, THAT IS. (This photo is made even more charming by the “CENTRAL LAUNDRY” print on the gown, no? I look like I’ve broken out of the home, y’all. Also? The next time I try to go through NINE HOURS of INDUCED labor UN-MEDICATED to try and save two grand on an epidural? KICK ME IN THE HEAD.)
Then?
He was here in all his wee modesty.
And I felt more joy than I ever, EVER thought I would feel again.

Every single day has been a joy because of Aaron.
EVERY single one.
I could, and do, watch him for hours and hours and hours on end.

Staring at him is a favorite pastime of mine.

I meet this day with a bittersweet feeling.
How did he go from this?

To this?
SO FREAKING FAST???!!!!
His first year, my very favorite time in the lives of my children, is over.

And that makes me want to sob.
But?
He is still here.
Healthy.
Breathing.
ALIVE.

And no one, NO ONE will smile a brighter smile today than his mama because of that.

I love you, little one.
You are my heart–thank you for bringing so much joy and healing to it.












Happy Birthday to sweet Aaron! He is too cute for words. Thank you for letting us celebrate this milestone with ya. :)
Those last two pics – do you always open your mouth when you see him up close?
Seriously. He is one of the cutest babies I’ve ever seen (don’t tell my kids)! That smile must light up your life…and those eyes? I can’t even talk about them! And those cheeks? They must be the home of more than a million-zillion kisses. I don’t know how you could keep your lips away from them for more than a second!
Happy Birthday, Dear Aaron…Happy 1st Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuu! ;)
Happy Birthday Butterlump!
What a cute little guy! ?
oops that wasn’t supposed to be a question mark. stupid keyboard…
Hooray! Congratulations to all of you and Happy Birthday Sweet Aaron. Gosh, could that kid be any cuter? Loved the photo with the straws. Hugs and kisses all around.
Happy first birthday to your beautiful boy.
Happy Birthday Little One!
You sure have had an effect on your Momma, even her writing style is happier!
Happy birthday Butterlump!! I cried when my son turned one :)
*sigh* He is SOOOO FREAKISHLY ADORABLE. And I don’t say that about every baby. I only say it about the ones that ARE actually FREAKISHLY ADORABLE. I mean, LOOK AT HIM! “SQUEEEEE!!!!” INDEED!
Happy Birthday Baby! So cute.
Gah! Adorable!! I can’t believe he’s a year already!! Happy birthday, Butterlump!
Happy birthday to the little butterlump!
He’s lucky, he just happens to have THE BEST birthday ever. :)
Woohoooo!!!! Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Haaappy Biiirthh Daaay deeaar Butterlump! Haaaaappppy Biiiirrrtthhh Daaaay tooooo YOOOOUUUUU!!!!! :-D
He is beautiful. Why do I always get teary when I read your site? Even the giving up diet coke brought a tear to my eye.
Happy Birthday to both of you. Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday.
Mine turned one yesterday. It was a happy, but weepy day. Knowing my last baby is now a toddler.
*sigh*
He is such a sweet little guy! Happy Birthday little Butterlump! I hope you guys had an amazing day!!!
Happy Birthday to that adorable boy who brings his mother so much happiness.
My mom’s birthday was the 18th. It’s her 64th (so of course, the cake says: “Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64!”)
Butterlump is some years away from *that* cake.
But my point was….Awesome people born in May!
Happy (belated) birthday sweet boy & mama. Your words brought tears to my eyes, I feel the same way about that 1st year. My last baby is 20 months now and I get sad at the end of each day that time goes too fast but am joyful for each day at the same time.
You are such a great mama!
(((HUGS)))
Ohh… that photo of him wrapped in his blankie with his thumb in his mouth made my ovaries cry out!
Happy birthday to both of you. I hope this milestone gives you all some peace of mind and soothes your tattered hearts a bit.
I remember the tears brought to my eyes when you posted that you were expecting. It seems like yesterday. I was and still am so happy for your family.
Happy Birthday Aaron!!!