Birthday present from Aunt Susan and Meg

So I waited until today for Aiden to open his presents from his Aunt Susan and Aunt Meg. I wanted him to get used to his other birthday toys and then give these to him when he could enjoy them more.

Meg and Susan....He loves it!! Oh, and so did Molly and Velvet (Nana's dogs) so I'll have to wash them. he-he

Mommy Dawn making cookies for Ryan

I was busy making Ryan some fun cookies today, while Nana played with Aiden. Ryan is now on the swim team, and of course he loves dinosaurs. Therefore, I made two dinosaurs--one with a swim suit and goggles on and the other in a wet suit getting ready to go surfing.

Oh, I also made a yellow dog (Nana's golden retriever, Molly) with a weak attempt at making him dress up as a Parasolarophus (a personal joke between Ryan and I). Oh, do you love my one piece long-john? Comfy with hurting tummy....(ok, so that is my excuse. I just like it.)

Aunt Gloria's visit

I just have to say how blessed we are. Not only did I get a wonderful Aunt, but Aiden gets to be loved on by her also. Aunt Gloria (my mom's sister) lives in southern Virginia where my grandma used to live. She used to live in Springfield, VA but retired out in the mountains and built a beautiful home. We don't get there as often as we like, but hope to change that soon.

Anyhow, she was so tired of seeing cute pictures of Aiden and had to come see him. She has made that trip numerous times to come be with me and the baby (of course Mike as well).

We had SUCH a nice visit. Aiden has been noticing strangers so I wasn't sure how he'd respond when he woke up from his nap. He reached right out for her to hold him. Soooo sweet!

Gloria got on the floor with Aiden and chased him around the house. You go, girl!

Aiden playing in the mirror in the guest room.

Aiden laughing at her...LOVE those dimples!

All that playing made him tired. He just snuggled up with her. So precious!

VIDEO:

Aiden's 1st Birthday Party

Sunday was the day we celebrated Aiden's 1st birthday with close family and friends. We had A LOT to celebrate this year!! Aiden and I have recovered very well and are thriving. So, of course I thought I would just throw something simple together. Yeah right! I know myself better than that and knew I was full of crap when I said it. I spent the night before the party reupholstering the kitchen chairs and making curtains. Hilarious. Anyway, it all turned out beautifully and Aiden had a blast!

This was the photo card that was handed out to our guests thanking them for all of their prayers over this past year while Aiden and I recovered.

Daddy and Aiden

Chris and I cheesing it while Hunter laughs at us.

Aiden playing with one of his favorite stuffed animals.

Julianna Lassiter playing around with the party hat.

I'm tying a doggy balloon on Ashlyn's backpack. Love her curls!

As usual, Aiden and I were chasing each other on the floor.

My dear friends Sara and Carole. Don't know what I'd do without them being next door!!!

Aiden and Andre waiting for other guests. (Andre was born 1 day after Aiden!)

Chris snagging some love from Aiden.

Brooke finally able to hold Aiden. She's been missing him.

Maybe he looks like me just a little bit???

Justin and Brooke chillin'

Harper, Aiden's girlfriend, is my little princess! I just love her!!

Harper and Aiden playing.

Nana and Aiden while Christie, Ashlyn and Julianna are being goofy.

Daniel and Nickolas playing volleyball with the balloon.

Nana soaking up some Aiden love.

Let's just say I put more effort into the party decorations than into the cake. Sadly, I started decorating the cake when my friends were arriving. It was supposed to look like our dog, Niki. I won't tell you what I called it. This is a family/friendly blog. LOL!

We used the theme THE DOG-CLUB for 1 year birthdays. I chose it because Aiden just loves dogs!!

Aiden walking to the table so everyone could sing 'Happy Birthday' to him.

Mike, Aiden and I are enjoying the mess we've created!

Messy!

I had to sneak some sugar from my little pumpkin!

Momma Cooch and I adoring little guy

Aiden did pretty well opening gifts...especially for a 1 year old.

Christie got Aiden an adorable outfit that came with a hat. I LOVED it on him!!

Aiden just loved playing with the balloons. Thank God none of them popped!

Momma and Daddy Cooch gave Aiden a cute car. Aiden loves it!

I felt like this was a taste of Aiden as a teenager showing off his cool car. All the kids just loved it.

What a great -- and exhausting -- day!

Aiden turns 1 TODAY

I can hardly believe it's been a year since Aiden was born. SOOOO much has happened this year. Yes, parts of it were very difficult, but God took us through it. Thank you to EVERYONE who prayed and supported our family through the healing process (of both Aiden and me).

We are having a small get together on Sunday for his birthday. However, this morning, Nana called and sang Happy Birthday to him. It is SO cute! He just loves being sung to. Love that cheesy smile!