The Birthday.

5:46 pm on March 19, 2008:Exactly one year later (I still see a double-chin!):

The birthday was wonderful and enjoyed by all, and when I say that, what I mean is, I wasn't rushing around like a crazy person, I was actually spending the day with my Birthday Boy and enjoying him. Wonderful.I started working on this blue+green banner about a week before, and hung it the night before so he'd feel festive when he saw it in the morning. I really hate to put it away, it's making me so happy!We picked up some balloons that morning. Four of the dozen are still flying high!He opened presents all weekend, veeeeeeeeeeeeery slowly, and we let him take his sweet time, enjoying it. Perhaps he'll be like his mama, waiting til the very last minute to start unwrapping, because, as you know, once they're opened, that's it. You're done til next year.

This is one of my very favorites. Perhaps ever. It's just him, his smile, his laugh, his zest. I'm happy to report that this Killins kid did get to enjoy cake on his first birthday, happily shoveling into his mouth.
Later that evening, we watched his first-year video, the one little snippet we'd taken each Wednesday for the first year of his life. So amazing to see him grow and change, and yet to see how he was always going to be this little guy, right off the bat.

We love you, Little Fish. Happy One! We can't wait to share in your second year with you.