Here is Jonathan trying to feed his grandpa some cake.

Saturday was Jonathan’s first birthday party and we had a blast. We invited mainly family and a couple of friends that I knew would probably be able to make it and made it very small, so not to overwhelm Jonathan too much. I just can’t believe Jonathan is going to be 1 this week. He is growing up so fast. And it was as if he decided that since he is 1 (or will be on Wednesday) he can start walking, at least a few steps at a time. I mean it was one or two steps here and there for the last couple of weeks, but this weekend he really started taking off — not running marathons or anything, but still more steps than before. At grandpa’s on Sunday (his great-grandpa) he just took off across the floor, maybe because it was hardwood and easier to navigate. It was exciting and scary at the same time because now he’s really going to be into everything, even more than before. I told my mom he just looks too little to be walking. He’s so tiny! Watching that tiny form walk is so funny and cute. It is also a little sad for mommy who realizes her little boy is growing up and walking away from here each day. *sniff* *sniff*

Anyhow, grandma and grandpa gave Jonathan a couple of very noisy toys for his birthday, at least one of which will be going to their house this weekend. He loves pushing the little car thingee (no idea what it is actually called) around and he also loves making mommy or daddy push him around on it while he honks the horn and plays the “radio”. Yesterday daddy stood in his way to try to get him ready to go to the sitters and right on cue he honked the little horn as if to say “out of the way daddy, I’m on a mission.” It was adorable and I laughed, which made Warren (jokingly) tell me I could get the little guy dressed and out the door. Incidentally, grandma and grandpa will have the pleasure of listening to this wonderful noise maker on Sunday’s when we take it down with us. Of course, mommy and daddy also got a noise maker in the form of a little drum set thingee from Fisher Price. Yes, thingee is my word today.

I had been worried about making Jonathan’s cake, but luckily it turned out OK, even if it was a little lopsided, which dad so subtly pointed out with a grin and an admonishment from mom. It was also pretty rich, chocolate cake and chocolate icing. It was the first cake I made and I was ambitious enough to try a double layered one. I actually ended up using a batter mix Warren put together the night before to help me and then one I mixed the morning of the party. Mine got a little too high when it rose, but still worked out OK.

I made an individual cake for Jonathan and we stuck a lit, yes a lit, candle on top for him to blow out. Unfortunately he did what I thought he might and grabbed it before he could blow it out. Daddy snatched the candle away and mommy kissed his finger and after a few moments the crying stopped, but not the guilt on mommy’s part (of course). Uncle Bryan took the photos for the day and had a blast. Unfortunately that meant mommy, who had neglected to brush her hair in all the frenzy of preparations, and was wearing a huge shirt that made her look 6 months pregnant, was in many of the photos. Despite the fact the shirt said “Body by Baby,” mommy was not pregnant again!

Now that the “big party” is over, I plan to have a day just for Jonathan and I alone probably after pay day.

Mommy and the birthday boy, with his little “Cars” hat.