Asher's First Birthday! (photo heavy)

For a few months before Asher turned one, I wasn't quite sure how we'd celebrate his birthday. I knew I wanted to do something great to celebrate his sweet life. I had imagined a themed birthday bonanza with decor, a photobooth, games for all the kids, a well-planned menu, etc. But considering the circumstances, I knew things would be different and non-traditional and not quite as epic as I imagined. But I also knew - no matter what - Asher needed to be celebrated whole-heartedly. No matter what, that would always hold true. We didn't have any grand plans but what we ultimately did was with Asher in mind. In the end I know he enjoyed his many celebrations and I hope he felt the love and happiness around him.

PARTY #1: On Wednesday September 4th (one of Kevin's days off), he hosted a small party for Asher at our house. Kevin invited some of his family (his dad, mom and his brother and his family) as well as a few friends. Asher got some new toys including a little piano, John Deere tractor push toy (he loves anything with wheels and flubbers his mouth as he pushes around his trucks and cars), some Boon bath toys and several things I got him at IKEA including a tunnel which is a hit - he loves it. Kevin's mom arrived and left early due to her work schedule but she helped set up the decor and played with Asher before the party started. They had a simple menu and Kevin ordered a cupcake cake for Asher that was made of chocolate and yellow cupcakes. Asher dug into the cupcakes like it was just another meal! He ended up getting sick the next day - his birthday! - and had to go home early from Mother's Day Out.



Asher picking up his birthday cake from Tom Thumb




The dining room all decorated for Asher's party



Asher (left) and Sammy, one of his friends, swimming in the yard after they had cake

 



PARTY #2: Asher's birthday, Thursday September 5th, he went to MDO in the morning, then went home with my dad (who is one of his caregivers during the week) and had a nice quiet afternoon with a long nap; by the end of the day he was feeling much better after his cake overload. That evening we didn't do much but Kevin and I did make sure to take a couple photos with Asher. He had his bath and was in his new birthday 'rock star' pajamas all ready for bed, but we still got the photos. I ended up rocking Asher to sleep that night and got to hold him in my arms the minute he was born a year ago, 8:24pm. After I laid Asher in bed I told Kevin that Asher was now "officially born" and he went in to talk to him in his crib as he slept.


Our little birthday boy



Asher at bedtime on his birthday


PARTY #3: On Friday, September 6th, Asher was with my dad in the afternoon since Kevin was headed back to work that night and had to sleep. Our routine is that I leave work to pick up Asher and we get a quick dinner before I head back to the house for Asher's bedtime. We usually go to our local Mi Cocina since all the staff know us and dote on Asher everytime we eat there. They decided to bring out a candlelit flan for him and sing "Happy Birthday". He wasn't sure what to think of it! He was quiet and just watched them the whole time. Considering his sugar intake from the earlier in the week, I didn't let him eat more than a couple tastes of flan; we helped him with the rest. ;)


Asher and his birthday flan at MiCo



PARTY #4: On Saturday, September 7th, I had a party with my family, Asher's final birthday week celebration. It was very small, just our family at my parents' house. We got a cake from Nothing Bundt Cake (I picked carrot hoping it wouldn't be TOO sweet; it was perfect!). We had a simple burger lunch then did smash cake (we got a tiny bundt cake just for Asher to smash). Then he opened even more presents. I got him a couple items from IKEA that I had set aside so he could unwrap some things from me, then he got some goodies from his Lolli and Pop - new clothes and a bunch of trains and accessories - and some things from his Uncle Nick and Amanda - his first cowboy boots (A must for our little Texan!) and his first Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers t-shirts. He opened some presents from his Tulsa family, too (my friend and her family) which included a RC car which Asher immediately took to, a cute new outfit for fall and a beautiful book called "The Little Island".



Asher's bundt cake

Blowing out the candles for him



Smash!

 

Asher's new rocking moose from IKEA

 

Racing through his new tunnel



The precious birthday boy


It may not have been a "traditional" birthday celebration but it was a happy one for Asher and one surrounded by people who care about him. I know he was loved and cheered on and embraced all week.

His birth and life are the best things in MY life to celebrate and I'm glad he was feted all week long. It's hard to believe he is already one. He is already a toddler. He is saying new words weekly and changing and growing daily. I love being able to interact with him more and more as a little boy who is learning about his world. I'm so excited to see how my boy continues to grow and develop and be able to enjoy the blessing of his sweet character and happy demeanor in my life every day.

"Of Asher he said,
More blessed than sons is Asher;
May he be favored by his brothers,
And may he dip his foot in oil.

Your locks will be iron and bronze,
And according to your days, so will your leisurely walk be."

Deut. 33:24-25