Drumming:

Golfing:

Reflecting on Riddles’ first year, I am realizing how much my life has changed since becoming a parent.

Had to post:

We had a cute theme …

Cute decorations …

A ton of cupcakes (from scratch, I might add) …

But the Riddles got sick.

Please don’t have people over. I have a fever and a cough and a runny nose.

We canceled the party an hour and a half before the party was to start.

Can I still eat cake even if I have a fever and a cough and a runny nose?

Yes, Riddles. Yes you can.

Even though he was crabby, we still put on his special “1″ shirt and gave him some pumpkin spice cake. We enjoyed a few bites and then opened presents. He celebrated his birthday with his parents and grandparents.

Ah, the party that never was. But you’re only one. You’ll never know.

To a boy who taught me the value of human life.

To a boy who puts it all in perspective.

To a boy who makes me a better theologian.

To a miracle.

I remember thinking that this day last year was the worst day of my life. It was hard. But look at us now!

Happy Birthday. I love you.

When you have a bald baby boy, thin as a rail, with a huge head … do you really have a choice? His costume seemed like a no-brainer to me.

You know those bloggers who post picture-perfect smiling (never-snotty) children and groomed Brittany Spaniels next to a bible verse? And you get annoyed because you are like “who is that perfect.”? But you keep reading?

Enter our family’s pumpkin patch photos! I had grand hopes of recreating the 2010 patch photo shoot – this time with a smiling baby in a “picture-perfect” shot. But Riddles did not have that in mind. You will not be annoyed by these family photos. Let’s take a tour, shall we?

Riddles! Riddles! It’s time to take pictures!

Oh good job! You looked up! But mom wasn’t ready. Let’s try again.

There is a pumpkin on your head – look up at it, kid!

Look two pumpkins – now let’s smile!

TWO PUMPKINS. THAT’S FUNNY. Only funny to mom? OK. Moving on.

Yeah, mom looks great here.

Look at the camera, Riddles!

Why so … suspicious?

No really, what is over there? This is the best pic we got. Not bad.

(Patch 2010)

Here’s Riddles looking through an apple slice by the stem that came out with a perfect little circle. He thought it was funny. This is for you AnAppleaDay.

Riddles is the apple of my eye.