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| Photo taken by Luke Kavajecz |
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| Party favors consisted of painted drift wood, honey sticks, organic lollipops, and chinese finger traps |
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| Tissue garland made from dollar store supplies and spray painted wood beads. Cost a total of $7 to make! |
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| Crepe paper garland. I bought long rolls of this online and cut circles out of it, then folded them in half to create half moons over string. |
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| Helen's friends Jasper and Liam |
Soooooooooooooooooooo we did it! We threw a big old birthday bash for Helen. Even though the sun didn't decide to show it's face (argh), we still had a great time. I believe around 75 folks showed up so it was a far larger event than even our wedding! Not sure what I was thinking, but I guess you only turn 1 and have a Golden Birthday once, right?
It didn't really hit me it was a year until two days after the party. That's when I cried. I cried because I was sad she was getting older, but mostly because I was SO happy we made it. We survived our first year of being new parents and it was HARD. SUPER HARD, but we did it and I have grown ten fold from this experience and I am sure will continue to grow. But let me tell you, it's SO worth it. I never thought a little human being could change your outlook on life and make you a better person so quickly.
It sounds funny, but Helen has given me such confidence! For real. I am probably 10 times more confident now than last year. I use to get nervous meeting new people, or going to events alone. Now it feels good, I like putting myself out there. I find myself more honest, loving, and nurturing to not only my family, but to friends and new people (especially moms) I meet. And this will sounds super dumb, but I don't get uneasy anymore when I feel like wearing something a little over the top. I've just been on this path of "I'm a mother and I am going rock this intense outfit my husband thinks looks like a Golden Girl!" I am laughing aloud right now, because it probably sounds bizarre, but it's true! Helen has boosted my confidence.
Helen has also made me think more about my inner self. My spiritual self and mind. Not to get all religious on you, but I grew up in a pretty conservative Christian upbringing on my moms side. As a grew up I distanced myself from this, which I am thankful for, but still wanted to nourish the faith in God I did have. I love that I have strong faith, but never knew where to grow it. I didn't like the church I grew up in and I didn't really know where my faith was directing me. I still don't really know the answer to that, but I feel like I am getting there. I have been trying to teach myself to be more mindful and in the present moment. And to love just being. And most importantly sharing this with Helen and hopefully finding a community that nurtures this, her faith in God, and love in people and her community.
So basically, Helen has been the best teacher and learning experience life has given me and the cool thing is she's only 1 so I have many more lessons in my future.
This post will also mark my last letter to Helen on the blog :
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| Helen getting ready for her party! |
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| Enjoying her tee-pee gift |
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| With her great grandmother Carol. Blueeeeeeeee! |
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| Tissue garland in action |
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| 15 foot pom pom garland I hung across our fence before packing |
YOU ARE ONE! We can hardly believe the first year is behind us. You gave your dad and I so much joy as we planned and celebrated your birthday on the 1st. Our golden girl. Our beautiful loving little girl. You are the light of our lives!
It's really hard to sum up all the new things you've done in the past month. You still aren't full on walking, but you are taking a few steps here and there when you feel like it. You say "uh oh" about a hundred times a day, but it never gets old.
You're really into cheddar bunnies and your snack cups. All is well in the world if you have those two things. You've been a pretty picky eater as of late and I blame it on those darn bunnies! You are, however, drinking mama's kale juice which makes me really happy you are getting some greens!
The weather has been horrible here, but when it's nice you love being outside. We go to Old Main almost every day with Argos and you love finding rocks and sticks to play with. Most recently, you've been loving sitting in your wagon and getting pulled down the block.
You thrive around other kids and love playing with them. Showing them your toys and giving them hugs and kisses. I think you're starting to get a little bored with your mama, so I am trying to plan many play dates.
This letter will mark the last to on the blog, but I will continue this journey in your baby book and my journal.
Thank you for shining the sun in our lives the past 365 days. Love you always. Mama
