Ryan's Carnival Birthday Party

About a week and a half ago, we threw Ryan's first birthday party. I had WAY too much fun with this one. The invites were stinking adorable. My mom did them and I'm hoping to put pictures up of them on here soon.

In the meantime, here are some pictures of the party.

Clown Noses, Ringmaster Mustaches, Jr. Ringmaster Mustaches, and door prize for a iTunes gift card!

Entry display and ticket booth.

Birthday Sign.

One of my best friends did face painting. The kids loved it!

Duck Matching Game.

Play games, win tickets, buy prizes. Yay!

Who doesn't love sand art?

Water and lemonade. Refreshing on a summer afternoon in AZ.

My cousin and his cute fiance made balloon animals for the kids. It was a HUGE hit!

This was probably my favorite part of the party: the concession sign.

If you're wondering...yes, that is a curious George doll. And yes, the shirt does say "Curious Ryan Jess" on it. Courtesy of my mom and dad. Oh, and he is sitting in a cute, red truck. 

I had to steal my "RYAN" letters from the nursery for the party. They were the right colors. Yay!

My last minute addition of a "Baby Food" station was a hit with the parents. 

My hot hubby working the popcorn machine!

Candy/Cupcake station. AKA...you're-welcome-parents-for-giving-your-kids-a-sugar-high-station. 

I had to bring a gumball machine. I mean, c'mon. They're just too cute!

DIY photo booth.

Bowling.

Ring toss. 

Bean bag toss. 

Ryan:Why are all these people crowded around me singing? Wait, what's that? Is that for me? Hmm...pretty good. Am I really allowed to eat this, Mom? Seriously. This is so good. Don't mind if I do! This is the best day EVER! Everyone's staring at me. Wait, they must think I'm cute. Alright, time to ham it up! I love attention!

These cupcakes were to die for. No, I did not make them. My mom and my cousin Casey did. So delish!

I love my birthday boy!

He enjoyed it right from the get-go. 

Thanks to everyone who came and supported us! And a special thanks to all those who helped! I super appreciate it! 

Swimming with Ryan

Ryan absolutely LOVES bath time.

He always has.

So, naturally, it makes sense that he LOVES swimming, too!

 In Park City, Jess and I took Ryan to the pool.

The pool was cold, but one of the three jacuzzi tubs was set at bath temperature.

It was PERFECT for Ry!

 Jess and I kept "swimming" with him from one side of the pool to the other.

He was having so much fun!

He also loved splashing. Of course.

One Year

One year from today my son was placed in my arms for the very first time.

One year from today my son and I got to stare into each others' eyes without another care in the world.

One year from today my son wrapped his hand around my pinkie finger.

One year from today my family became a little more complete.

One year from today I got to say, "I love you" to my son while looking at his perfect baby face.

One year from today a miracle happened: my son was born.

In the past year I have had many sleepless nights.

In the past year I have seen many frustrations.

In the past year I have learned that what I want to do with my time isn't always going to happen.

In the past year I have learned that that's okay.

In the past year I have worried about my son's health, his development, his growth.

I have worried about my skills in parenting him.

In the past year I have watched him grow from a baby into a toddler.

I've witnessed miracle after miracle after miracle.

I have learned the power of faith, trusting my Heavenly Father to help keep my precious child safe knowing that he's not only mine, but His as well.

I have learned that I have an important job in raising this child of God.

In the past year I have learned that I'm not a perfect mother, but nobody is.

I have learned that despite my imperfections, nobody would be a better mother to my child than myself.

I have learned to understand and appreciate the atonement to a fuller capacity.

I have experienced the blessings of sacrifice.

I have learned that a baby can teach me more in an instant than an adult can teach me in a week.

In the past year I have learned that picture books can be the most entertaining books.

I have experienced pediatrician appointments, acid reflux, a 911 call, and moments where my heart dropped thinking for an instant my baby was going to get hurt.

I have watched my baby go from completely dependent, to holding his head up, to rolling, to sitting up, to crawling, to walking, to running.

I have held my son a little tighter on several occasions after hearing the trials of other parents.

I have felt the joys of realizing that sometimes there's no one better than mom.

In the past year I have learned that being a mom is one of the greatest decisions I have ever made in my life.

I have changed--for the better.

Today, with my son's first birthday, I see a future of love, learning, growth, experience, trial, and triumph for both of us.

I don't know what life will throw our way.

I don't know what Heavenly Father has in store for us as a family.

I don't know a lot of things.

But I know that, with faith, we will get through it.

And I know that Ryan was sent into my life for a reason and, likewise, I am his mother for a reason.

Happy Birthday Ry!

Thank you for everything.

I love you.