The Final First Birthday

It occurred to me on an ordinary day in January when responding to a question I was frequently asked. 

 

Polite stranger smiling - "How old is he?"

Me, politely smiling - "Eleven months."

 

And, then the realization that in a mere month, our final babe would turn one.  Later that day a quick Google search for the perfect first birthday invitation to inspire the theme and color scheme of our final first birthday party.  The countdown had begun.

 

 

 

Friends and family gathered for our littlest man's special day.  He awoke to a house full of loved ones ready to celebrate this special milestone, marvel over his wobbly steps, observe with great anticipation as he gently poked his miniature white cake with cream cheese frosting seeking guidance and approval before fully appreciating his first bites, and clap as each piece of tissue paper was scrunched and tossed aside revealing special treasures perfect for a boy of one.

 

He has always appreciated the attention of others, his bashful smile and subtle tilt of the head his trademark sign of deep and satisfying pleasure.  With each clap and raise of his arms, I looked on marveling over our boy, our last little Larson.

 

Before cake we gathered, Jeff offering words of gratitude to those who have influenced and supported us throughout the years, but this past one in particular as we welcomed Everett David into the world.  He concluded with one final sentiment, "Thank you for coming to share in our last first birthday party." And, then the tears of a young mother who knew this day would one day come and the realization that it had, in fact, arrived. 

 

I struck a match and we gathered round, voices young and old singing a familiar tune of joyful celebration.  His siblings sang out, eyes bright, awaiting their little brother's first candle to be blown out.  I puffed, and met the gaze of my littlest man.  One. 

 

What is it about a tiny person devouring his first bites of cake? We kept our gaze firmly on the birthday boy as he patted and poked, toying with the idea of licking his fingers.  Watching his older siblings delight in his slow and steady approach to eating was a highlight of the day.  

 

There have been many milestones in his first year of life, some documented, far more that have not. This is the product of life that is full, and his place as number four.  And, while I cannot remember his first food (I think it may have been sweet potatoes) or the date he began consistently sleeping through the night (it happened in month ten), I can recall many precious and tender moments that were shared in year one. The late night feedings that brought he and I to the living room sofa, the way he has always felt perfectly small in my arms, his ability to find my eyes in a room...always, his bashful yet engaging spirit, being held by older siblings on the couch at night when the lights were low and the house seemed perfectly quiet and peaceful, first visitors, placing him next to his older brother in bed before final prayers were said and the look of pure love and delight that would wash over his brother's eyes, first outings with all four littles, the looks and comments of people as we made our way around town, our crew always together, a force to be reckoned with.  So many beautiful moments wrapped up into one year.  

 

I could sing a thousand songs about you still that would not do
There’s a million tiny things that make the things that you do, you
I wouldn’t trade our time together, wouldn’t trade for anything
Cause nothing else here in the world can bring the happiness you bring

 

And I am, over-whelmed, by you
Am, over come with joy
You’ve, taken me higher, and shown me what love can do
Where would I go, or be, without you

 

Overwhelmed by Tim McMorris