joint b-day party

After all our summertime excitement/craziness and the start of the new school year, we decided to hold off on Joseph's actual first b-day party (he didn't know the difference anyway;) and celebrate his and Porter's at the same time.

I really don't know why, but for some reason I was meant to be the mom of boys (with the exception of my darling Mae). And I just love each and every one of them. They are all soooo different, which I find fascinating and exciting and complicating and sometimes frustrating all at the same time.

While we have yet to see what kind of personality Joseph will really have (aside from his free-spirited tendencies of running everywhere, brushing his teeth any chance he gets, dancing on the kitchen table, and doing anything and everything daring), Porter has certainly carved out his place in our family, particularly with his distinct love of reading!! The kid could forget to get out of bed for an entire day (foregoing food and pretty much anything else) for the sake of finishing the newest book in his current favorite series--Leven Thumps, Eragon, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, Harry Potter--take your pick. He even forgot to get off the bus one day after school (despite his siblings and friends exiting) because he was engrossed in his reading.

Oh, Porter, how we love you and your appreciation of great stories and intriguing adventures. You are so curious and smart and thoughtful and good. You are a blessing to our family!

So, back to the actual party. The festivities started with a cheerleading routine by Miss Mae & Cousin Gracie. Then presents ...

Joseph got a ball ...
... and a good-ole-fashioned smash 'em in thing.

Porter got a book (shocking) ...

... something homemade from James (our little handyman) ...

... and a Thor movie.

Time for cake and ice cream--thanks, Grandma Loo.

Oh, the excitement of the first birthday cake.

Maybe a little too much excitement ... this was right before he started throwing the cake in every direction.Whether the baby or the adults are more excited is up for debate.

And finally, after party fun.

With the new ball.

And Grams, herself.

I almost forgot to acknowledge that Joseph's birthday also marked the one-year anniversary of a huge miracle for our family. We are so eternally grateful for our belief in miracles and the ever-apparent hand of God in our lives. Sometimes when I watch our little one-year-old running around the house, and attempting to climb ladders, I almost forget that it was through faith, prayers, and divine intervention that he arrived to our home safe and sound. Of that I am certain, and I know that it is something I must never forget.