It’s been a long year around here. If you wanna read about the dramatic way this guy decided to join us last January 31st, click here.
Me? I wanna put all that behind me and celebrate how far he’s come one year later.
On Meyer’s actual birthday, Asher was in school and Gabe was at work. What I wanted to do most was let go of everything and make a joyous mess.
So I bought the most obnoxiously colorful cake I could find, stripped my birthday boy down to his diaper (although I forgot to do it at first) and put the cake on the floor.
I got my camera and turned him loose.
And yes, I am brave. Or stupid. Either way, there would be no high chair.
There would be a beautiful, freeing mess. We’d worry about cleaning later.
He went straight for the cake and after sampling it, he came for me. I scooted around and around the floor backing away from him taking pictures, until he caught me. And then we were both covered in chocolate cake and blue icing. And we were both laughing with complete joy.
Afterwards, he went into the bathtub and I used my handy, patented K9 Vacuum to clean up the mess. (Told ya I’m a GREAT housekeeper).
We had a party a few days later, not even for Meyer…mostly for all the people who helped us get through this past year of bed rest, NICUs, doctor appointments, heart monitors, feeding tubes and more. 
Speaking of feeding tubes, we got the news yesterday that we’re officially done. One year later and we can finally put it all behind us.
Happy birthday Meyer and thanks to all of you who’ve been with us through this journey. You’ve lifted me up, inspired me with your stories, and when I was down, you reminded me how lucky I am to have this amazing little blessing.
Tomorrow, back to the snarky. But today, I got nothing but love.
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I’m nominated for Circle of Moms Top 25 Funny Moms. I would’ve never made it through the last year without my sense of humor and I’m glad I could share it with you. Won’t you vote for me? You can vote once every 24 hours.
Talk about putting the hurt on a cake! I love that you let him enjoy his birthday just how a one year old should. Happy birthday to your sweet boy!
I saw the mess of icing all over the floor and felt bad for you thinking, oh no, how’s she gonna clean that up? Nightmare! But then I realised I’d obviously forgotten you were a genius and already had that covered. So much easier to clean up once it’s been licked clean
He’s beautiful, and obviously enjoying the celebration! Thank you for sharing your family’s story with us.
Now that’s the way a baby’s first birthday should be celebrated, the messier the better :). Happy birthday ill’ man!!
I love so much that you put the cake on the floor and just allowed the joy and mess and chaos. Such a metaphor for motherhood. Congratulations to you and baby. Big love.
That is darling and hooray that the feeding tube is something of the past! You must be relieved, I know my sister was when her daughter was able to go without hers. She was quite a bit older, but it must have been the same sort of relief.
Way to go buddy!
What a great idea–and what a great way to let loose after what sounds like a harrowing year.
Happy, happy birthday! And the k-9 cleaner makes me (almost) want to get a dog – pure genius!
My, but you were put through a wringer over this last year. Frankly I wondered what the fuss was about until I followed that link. Well done to ALL of you. Still I expect you’ll worry until the two of them begin pummeling the holy crap out of each other over an Action Man or some such.
What a great and joyous post! Happy Birthday to your extremely handsome boy and to you too! I love that you just let him go with the cake and had fun! What a year for the two of you, and for your whole family! So happy for you all.
You’re one brave lady, for a number of reasons! There’s nothing more liberating than making a mess (though I like to do mine outside).
Happy Birthday to your sweet baby!
Aww. Happy Birthday! So sweet. And congrats on the feed tube bit. So glad the kid didn’t have to eat cake through a feeding tube – that would of been hard & probably not that tasty.
that is just so cool giving him his cake for him to eat for himself. He looks so cute and adorable!