Blink

A year gone by.  Blink.  Just like that.

It has been a full year since we brought home a certain sweet raven-haired baby from the hospital.  A little guy who has nestled his way into our hearts and our home in such a way that it is hard to imagine a time when he was not part of our family.  Our Little Brother.  How he is loved.

Newborn Deaglan -- how he has grown!  And lightened (in terms of hair and eyes).

This past year has simply flown by -- a cliche, I know.  But, seriously, it is true in this case.  You know, I probably told people that Fionn's first year flew by too (it's just kinda what you say, right?), but that wasn't entirely true.  To be honest, there were times when it was sloooow going, people.  When I think of that year, I just think of a blur.  One tiny blur crawling away and another larger (and more tired) blur following close behind, trying to stop the tiny blur from destroying something or hurting himself. You'd think it would have made the time move faster, but somehow it didn't.  Throw in some new mom anxiety and...well, it was a long year overall, folks.  Now the second year of Fionn's life...that's when it got more fun.  Harder to be sure in a lot of ways -- but definitely more fun.  We started having more adventures, making more friends.  The pace picked up, life was good.  (And continues to be good MOST of the time).

Hello!

Deaglan's first year, in comparison, has been much calmer.  Much quieter.  Heck, the kid didn't even start moving until less than 2 months ago!  As a result, it's been a lot...well, easier, to be honest.  I felt like I was able to enjoy Deaglan's babyhood a good deal more which was nice. 

So perhaps it was fitting that Deaglan's party was similarly more laid-back and a whole lot easier than that of our darling firstborn.  You remember Fionn's party?  We basically invited everyone we knew.  It was a little out of control.  Wonderful, to be sure, but a little nuts.  We just didn't have the energy to do that again for Deaglan.  As my mom wisely mused at Fionn's party, "I can't wait to see what the first birthday party looks like for your second born.  I bet it won't be anywhere near this big."  Wise sage, that Mom of mine. 

As it turned out, we celebrated our little man last Saturday with a small backyard BBQ.  There were only a handful of people there, and they were all close friends.  It was lovely and intimate and pretty perfect.

Jon and Austin Davey

Even when the rain started pouring down, forcing the party under the covered front porch, it was okay.  The kids huddled around the porch swing and pushed toys around at our feet.  The grown-ups chatted and drank a few beers while music played in the background. Nothing wrong with that.

Lilly Thornblad (in the middle) with the Zalubowski girls.  Note Fionn photo-bombing in the background.

Brian and Josh Wirth -- once the rain passed.

Eventually the rain dried up, and we were able to head back to the backyard for burgers, brats and corn on the cob.  Oh, and cake, of course.  Don't forget the cake.

Ah, the cake.  Nothing highlights the difference between Fionn's party and Dex's party quite like the cake.  For Fionn's birthday, I slaved away grating carrots for this homemade all-natural carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.  I also made Fionn his own special little cake in a tiny little bundt pan.  Here's a flashback.

Flash forward to Dex's party.  Costco cake.  Nothing natural about it.  Definitely no individual cake for Dex, that's for sure.  We just hacked off a big slice of sheet cake and dumped it on his tray.  Happy birthday, kid.  Go to town.

And he did.  Judging by the massacre he made of his hunk o' cake, I think he liked it.  Generic chocolate frosting and all.

It was a great day.  Heck, it was a great year.  Happy birthday, Little Man Dex.  Mommy and Daddy (and Brother Fionn) love you so much. 

What do you mean this cake isn't homemade?  I want a do over!