A very happy birthday... so why am I crying?

It started yesterday at the grocery store. I was perfectly fine until I reached the wrapping paper. That's when I lost it.

Shocked at my sudden emotion, I had to laugh. But that was just the beginning.

I got choked up when Ryan told our waitress today at lunch that it was Lukie's birthday. And then again several times in the confines of our own home.

What's wrong with me? I'm hoping you'll all tell me I'm perfectly normal.

The weirdest part is I'm not sad. Well, maybe on some deep level I'm sad that he's inching away from baby-hood (I'm not ready to admit he's not still a baby). But I also think I'm crying because I'm happy.

I'm happy that he's here and happy and healthy. It's not lost on me how incredibly blessed we are to have two healthy babies sleeping under our roof tonight.

I'm also probably emotional because time is moving way too fast. It seems like just yesterday I was giving birth to him. Those memories are so fresh that it just doesn't seem possible it's been a whole year.

More than anything, though, I think I'm crying because it's an important milestone and there are a lot of emotions that got us to this point.

I also should probably admit it has a something to do with it being the first of many times that I'll be reminded he's growing up and will one day leave me. Actually, it's the second time that made me cry. The first was when he transitioned from our bed to his crib. Oh, our little independent boy.

Anyway, it's not about me, it's about Luke's big day. So I'll try to hold it together to post some birthday pics of our ONE year old.


It was a beautiful, 70-degree day for Luke's birthday...

Between two children taking a total of three naps, lunch out and then evening Mass, we didn't get to presents until about 7:30. Here Luke's saying, "FINALLY! Let's get this party started!"

Clara showing her baby brother the ropes...

I can't tell you how excited he was about this tool belt. It's as if he was saying, "It's about TIME! What does it take to get some boy toys around here???"

I was stunned to discover that all the presents I picked out were a HUGE hit - with both kids! They are so into them!

Okay, maybe it was because they were majorly hopped up on sugar.

And his big boy present from Nana and Boppy...

Tool belt? Check. ATV? Check. Okay, now I'm ready to be a one-year-old.