Sonshine Kai

"You are my sonshine, my only sonshine.

You make me happy when skies are gray.

You'll never know dear just how much I love you.

Oh, please don't take my sunshine away"

To celebrate the wonder of you, we spent the day as a family going on a morning waterfall hike. Waterfalls are full of wonder and so are you so it just felt right. GG was visiting and got to see how much you love the hiking backpack she & Grandpa gave us (before you were born, at my baby shower!).

You try to climb into your pack whenever you see it around the house asking to go for a ride in it. You try to climb into it as soon as we put it on the ground and laugh and smile about like it's the thing when you are seated inside. Even though we scared GG half to death taking you UP the waterfall, we had a great time watching your excitement. As we walked around the strong mighty oaks I was reminded of the verse that filled my heart when I was pregnant with you. "To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garmet of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) For you are indeed healthy, strong, and growing mightily like the tall brave spring oaks preserving by using the winter cold for sustenance, thereby reaching higher and taller with spring buds.

You clapped for Dada as he climbed higher!

First time playing in the sand

First the fingers

Then the mouth

"Ewwwie!"

Time to explore!

When you were born my prayers were granted and I was given a son to light up our family with the firstborn rays of son-shine. Little did I know then, that you had the beaming vibrant personality of sunshine! It only seemed right to celebrate your first year with a sunshine birthday party to give thanks for you, our sonshine. I made you a sunshine vegan cake with fresh squeezed orange. Then, I dropped it on the floor. TWICE! This crushed me because the second time it was completely perfect all frosted, decorated with a sunshine-I even put the candle in it-when I was transferring it to put a clean doily underneath for cake stand perfection (ughhh!) all the while, with you sleeping on my chest in the ergo, when you awoke you up to, "Daaaaaag it!" So, please forgive this sad mini makeshift sunshine cake. The only consolation was that taste buds don't judge appearance. Onward!

Your birthday hat

oooohhh!

"Happy Birthday to you!"

Make a wish

Kissing DaDa!!

First feel of cake

Thanks, but...

I'd rather have Birthday noodles

Cousin Hailey's pretty card

Playing with your new drum from Aunt Lori & Uncle Paul

Time to play with GG & Grandpa's gift!!!

For the grand birthday finale GG & Grandpa got you....

Your first junglegym!!!?!?!!!

Just your size!

Whooo-hoo!!

Thanks GG & Grandpa!!!

Kissing DaDa goodbye as he left for work

You love to play with GG!!

Exchanging kisses

We are very lucky to have GG here to spend your birthday week. She gave you, your very first bath when you were so tiny you couldn't fit in the tub and she placed you on a towel in it! Now, you are a strong healthy one year sharing smiles and amusement as you play with the three wind up animal bath toys she brought you. Just amazing!