Anderson's Birthday Morning

Anderson slept in on his birthday,

so Alekzander blew up mini-balloons 

while we waited impatiently

to start the birthday celebrations.

Alekzander was so excited for Anderson to open his presents,

but once the birthday boy finally woke up,

the only thing he was interested in was the balloons.

He had no idea that today was his big day.

He caught on quickly and eventually tore into his presents 

like a seasoned birthday professional.

{Opening his present from Alekzander :: Vtech Go Go Smart Animals}

{Opening his monogrammed hooded dino towel 

and dinosaur Camelbak water bottle from mommy & daddy} 

 {Aunt Tessa Bug's dino themed present!}

One Family Celebration

A perfect birthday for a 30-something...

A half day at work.

Museum discoveries.

A city exploration.

Dinner at a favorite spot.

Family time.

Perfection.

Five!

Sweetest boy. 
We are so proud of you.
Proud of your bravery this year - facing school, making friends, branching out.
Proud of your kindness every day - to your brother, to your doggy, to your friends.
Proud of your creativity - building car washes out of wood blocks, making bathtub milkshakes.
Proud of your intellect - endless questions, counting, writing, spelling your favorite food "BL-BRE" and your name.
Most of all, we are proud of your heart.

Instead of presents from your friends, we asked for books for one of our favorite non-profits, Rohr Rockstars.  Instead of tears or whining, you said, "OK" and even posed for a picture holding the heavy pile.

Even though you are starting to rough-house with your brother, you always make sure he is okay - even after the accidental bump.  You know what what he needs before we do.  You like to touch his face and talk to him in the sweetest voice.

On your special day, you chose to run errands with Mommy and picked out two Christmas presents for children who would not have a Christmas otherwise.  Your heart shined through when you picked out a present you would have liked to keep for yourself but wanted another little boy to enjoy it.

At dinner each night, you add something to the blessing.  You, alone, are a blessing, but your prayers are always thoughtful and selfless.  You thank God for your family, our safety, and you remember to pray for your uncle specifically remembering the place where he is deployed.

You are the best snuggler and freely hand out "I love yous" when they are needed most or - even better - just because.  You have so much love in your heart; you are loved so much. Adored beyond words.

Happy 5th birthday, big guy. 
We love you!

Party Prep

Posing in front of the movie posters that Daddy drew

for Alekzander's Planes: Fire & Rescue viewing party.

The party plan :: 

Invite 13 TK classmates for an after-dinner, drop-off, movie-viewing, 

pajama-wearing, lovey-toting birthday party on a Friday night.

Simple refreshments.  Zero decorations.  Toys/distractions hidden.

Easy and fun.

We followed through with the Planes theme with a few special, early birthday presents

{Planes: Fire & Rescue movie, Planes sleeping bag, Planes: Fire & Rescue pajamas}

and had to test out the goods and the projector before Alekzander's friends arrived.

Brother had to be in on the pre-party action too.

Do You Like My Hat?

We traveled to NY with a few "Go Dogs"

and passed this place every day on the way to GPS and GMS' house.

Amazingly someone else has a slight obsession with "Go Dog Go."

Unfortunately, he said, not many people recognize the art.

But our family knows the art and the lines of P.D. Eastman's book well.

Anderson even understands "Do you like my ..." and 

he will put whatever he has in his hands on his head like a hat.

"Do you like my hat?" is probably said three times a day at least.

Post-piñata craziness at a birthday party,

Alekzander decided we should wear the broken pieces on our heads.

He chose not to look silly, so left Anderson and I to ask,

"Do you like my hat?"

 I do like your hat.

Birthday Expressions

 Big Brother :: So excited about Anderson turning ONE!

Anderson ready to dig in!

Another birthday dessert? 

 I can get excited about that!

 Do NOT take my birthday cake away from me!

Mama and the birthday boy :: recovered once he had some 'cake' back!

Bowtie Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday, sweet boy.

It is hard to believe that a year ago,

we had no idea we would be meeting you so soon.

I am thankful that you were in a hurry to get out,

but let's not hurry this whole 'growing up' thing.

You are growing so fast.

As I chase you down before you make it to the staircase,

and listen to you talk yourself to sleep,

"la la, nigh nigh, babababa..."

it is clear that you are so big.

You are also so silly

and flirt and close your eyes and smile big.

You have a scrumptious real laugh,

and a hilarious fake one.

You can stand for a few seconds on your own

before you do a controlled sit down to the ground.

You can climb stairs when allowed,

and you love climbing up and down the front stoop.

Your poor toes and knees are already all skinned up.

You said "banana" or a three-syllable word that sounded much like banana

when we were feeding you banana 'ice cream' the other night.

Your birthday dinner was turkey burger, pickle, and asparagus, 

followed by your third birthday dessert - 

banana bread 'iced' with banana ice cream.

You and your brother love your birthday present -

a red and yellow Cozy Coupe.

Already, you two have used it a lot,

and already you have learned how to crawl in and out.

You still need to learn to face the right want when you're driving

(or brother is pushing you around like a maniac)...

and to stay on your bummy, but you fully understand

when Mommy tells you these things.

You are so smart.

So cute. So busy.

And so, so, so loved.

You have been such a blessing your first year.

I love my job of loving you, leading you, holding you, feeding you.

Your daddy and brother adore you just as much.

You freely give your love through slobbery kisses and sweet back-pat hugs.

Happy Birthday, sweet Anderson.

You are our sunshine.