Silas turns one on Tuesday and we had his birthday celebration today with some family and friends. I get a little stressed out about birthday parties and wanting to make something “pinterest” worthy (I’m an all or nothing personality so this gives me particular anxiety), and this time I just decided to research what made a birthday simple and meaningful from a child’s point of  view. I saw lots of things like spending focused attention on the child, making memories, playing games, etc… it reminded me of my wonderful childhood birthdays where we would just meet at a park and eat a homemade cake and play on the playground. I wanted to simplify my expectations and do just that, so we had a banana split and book birthday party. Everyone just brought Silas books and I didn’t even make a cake! We just had banana splits with all of the wonderful gooey, sugary toppings, busted a piñata and then opened the presents. It was simple and so wonderful. Besides both of my children’s sugar crashes and crankiness from them, I think they really loved the party. Silas has tons of new books to read too!

I still can’t believe this year is over, I want to look back and remember the memories, the growth and the love that I share with my family. Children are a blessing from God and I adore my babies.