Holden is ONE year old! This sweet baby boy is the joy of our family life and is so deeply loved by his parents and big brother. Holden has the sweetest little voice and four perfect (if crooked) little teeth he loves to show off with a big smile to everyone he sees. He’s working hard on taking his first steps – we know he’ll be off and running any day now. Holden loves his family deeply, and the way he looks at me with so much adoration makes me feel like the most special “Maamaa!” in the world. It was only right that we spent the whole weekend leading up to his first birthday celebrating this precious little soul we love so dearly.
We’re extra lucky because tons of family flew into Dallas to celebrate with us all weekend. Our teeny tiny space was completely full of people. But we didn’t mind because our boys were surrounded by so much love and support from the people who love them most. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, friends…We had people on couches, chairs, air mattresses, and cots. Despite the tight squeeze, we made it work! My mom and aunt helped cook meals for everyone so we could spend all day hanging out at the house. We also took all the children to the splash pad and neighborhood pool, which they all enjoyed despite the stifling Texas heat. Thank you to everyone who made the trip to be there for Holden’s special day.
On the day of the party, our whole family worked together to decorate the house with homemade decorations. Holden’s cousins Isabelle and Delilah spent HOURS carefully cutting and stapling strips of brightly-colored construction paper together. Then the meticulously-linked paper chairs were strung across the dining room ceiling. My brother Niles diligently inflated about 100 balloons for a balloon garland – and BLESS HIM, it’s quite the task if you haven’t tried.
In the weeks leading up to the party, I felt a little bad because I kept seeing these big, elaborate birthday parties on instagram and social media that made me think our little at-home party would seem lame by comparison. But on the day of the party, every little detail felt PERFECT because it was made with love by our family. Each and every paper chain link, each and every balloon, every single part of this party felt so wholesome and intentional. I hope that one day, Holden will look back and see just how much love was put into his special day. I couldn’t have asked for a more charming and lovely birthday party.
During the party, we played games together as a family and with visiting friends, including a VERY chaotic game where we had to keep a beach ball from touching the ground by any means necessary. We all laughed to the point of tears! That simple game was so ridiculous and yet so entirely FUN for everyone. I know for sure that the “beach ball game” will be a core memory for Andy and his cousins.
Holden’s first birthday smash cake was also a highlight of the day. I took extra pride in making Holden’s smash cake myself. And I’ll be the first to admit it wasn’t the cutest cake. But! Holden was certainly the cutest birthday boy with icing all over his face, in his hair, and on his clothes. We forgot to warn poor Andy about the purpose of a smash cake – he was in anguish when the cake fell to the floor halfway through Holden’s systematic, sugar-fueled destruction. Poor Andy! Luckily for him, we had cupcakes for everyone else. I probably ate about 6 of them. (OK not really. But maybe? I wasn’t counting!)
The homemade decorations are still hanging in our dining room. Even now, a week later, I can’t bring myself to take them down. The decorations just make me so happy. Holden loves looking at the balloon garland that is still hanging over the arch opening between our living room and dining room. Also, I think there’s a part of me that isn’t ready to move on from his birthday. Because taking down the decorations means my one and only baby is getting older.
Holden won’t be a baby much longer. He’s already looking so grown up! Like, how did he go from a squishy newborn to looking like a small child so fast?! Of course I’m so grateful to see him growing and changing. But sometimes I wish time could slow down.
I made many mistakes this first year. I definitely didn’t get to do everything I dreamed of doing with Holden. We missed out on lots of books, long walks together, and cuddle time while I was taking care of Andy. Sweet Holden has been so patient with me throughout this year. There are times when I swear those big brown eyes are saying, “It’s OK, Mama, I can wait a minute!” Thankfully, our days are now settling out and Andy is participating in school programs. I love the time I get to dig in and spend with Holden, just the two of us. I treasure those hours together and truly LOVE being a stay-at-home mom to him.
Holden’s first birthday is also another special milestone for the two of us, and that is one full year of exclusively breastfeeding! (I’m planning to write more about that another time.) For now I just want to say that I’m very proud of both of us for sticking with it. Breastfeeding is second-nature at this point. It’s such a normal part of daily life that I don’t even think about it anymore. I love that even in the midst of our crazy days, Holden and I have that dedicated time together. All the hours we’ve spent together are the most precious of my life. I think it has certainly cemented our bond forever. I can’t imagine how bittersweet it will be to eventually wean him.
Oh Holden, you are just the most special little boy. You’ve made our family complete and brought us more joy than we knew was possible. You are the best surprise and so deeply loved by Mama, Dada, and Andy. You have the best personality, biggest smile, and sweetest nature. And yet you’re still a feisty little guy who does NOT like to share his favorite foods. We love that about you! We love everything about you!
I’m so excited for this next year as we are able to get out more and adventure together as a family. I hope this next year is full of board books and snuggles together after bathtime, long bicycle rides, autumn stroller walks down Swiss Avenue, many hours at the playground, evenings at the splash pad, family and friends loving on you, airplane flights around the world, and treasuring every single day we have with you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HOLDEN! I love you forever and ever.
Fran Newman says
Erin this was the sweetest little note of your 1st year with Baby Holden. I must say you make him sound as precious as he looks. I feel his older brother loves him as much as you and Adam does and hopefully he can transition into the 4 of y’all instead of the 3 of yall. Even though you’re miles away from family it looks like yall are really happy and doing well. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt Adam will see that his family is happy and well taken care of, because that’s who he is. You’re fortunate to have a great husband behind you, and Adam’s fortunate to have a wife that supports and loves him. I’m so happy for you both. Love your Georgia family, Franny