He might be ONE,

but he will always be my baby.

Little Twinkie is now ONE.

In true Davi fashion, I was too disorganized to throw Twain an official party in a timely manner. Some of my friends threatened...err...strongly encouraged me to do something in honor of this momentous occasion, lest they throw a party for him.

So the night before his shot-gun party, I was like "Oh shoot. What am I going to do?"

Thankfully, my dear friend Alisha insisted on making Twain an adorable birthday banner. If it were not for her, I would not have had a clue what direction to take. I went out to Party City and bought some matching party paraphernalia.

It was the perfect weather to have the party out on the deck.

Thanks again Alisha, for saving the day!

So, the day of the party, there I am in the kitchen, sweating bullets, trying to take care of needy children and attempting to frost a cake.

It was not going well.

After haphazardly frosting the cake, I decided to try some fondant for decorations on top.

Have you ever used fondant? At first I was really puzzled by it--unruly stuff that is difficult to roll out.

And to worsen matters, I ran out of food coloring to dye the fondant. Rats. "OH YES! This is precisely why I don't throw parties", I reminded myself.

Back to Target for some food coloring. Rolled out the fondant. Mixed together some food coloring on the fondant to achieve desired color palette(lime, orange, aqua). Cut out some fondant dots with some lids. Place colored dots on cake. And there you go. Nothing fancy, but festive enough.

And I have officially decided that once you get used to fondant, it's not so bad.

I also decided to make Twain a shirt the day of the party. Actually I think I started it the night before...but finished it the day of.

The patch above was purchased from the army-surplus store. The number 1 was originally stitched in red, and I just hand-stitched over it with orange embroidery floss.

John thinks that Twain looks like a little rugby player in his party outfit.

I concur.

Seriously this kid is crazy at times.

And it's party time!

Twain eating his cake. {photo below by Lorie}

And opening gifts(more on his cute gifts in a separate post).

photo above by Lorie

Even though I am a big party-pooper, I was so thankful to do something fun for my dear boy.

And now, for his 1-year-old pictures that I took last night.

Twain, at ONE YEAR OLD:

You babble all the time. You have the sweetest little voice and make the cutest little voice inflections, like you know exactly what you are saying. You try to repeat just about any word you hear. Your favorite demand is "More...Nana!"

None of your brothers have been big talkers, so it completely baffles your daddy and I to actually have a talking baby.

You just recently started sharing a room with big brother Ollie and so far it is going surprisingly well.

You are the most curious and persistent little thing I have ever encountered. You love to pull contents out of our garbage cans, much to the dismay of your mama.

Most of the time you are very easy-going, confidently toddling around the house with your little diaper munching up and down the halls. Daddy and I exchange smiles every time we see you walking by.

You are quite independent at times, playing happily by yourself and with your brothers. Such a big boy. And then, just like that, you flip the switch and want absolutely NOTHING to with anyone but your mama. You will just stand there forlornly with your arms stretched out, bawling your eyes out until I pick you up. Kind of melts me.

So even though you think you are big stuff at times, you can never fool me. At home in your jammies, you are the snuggliest, squishiest, rolly-polley-est little baby I have ever seen.

Twain, you bring so much joy and happiness to our home.

You have quite the mischievous twinkle in your eyes.

What can I say?

We love you to pieces.

You crazy little thing.

Thank you Lord, for the extra sweet blessing you gave us in Twain.

When I think about my boys and how each one captures a special place in my heart, it helps me understand how the Lord truly can love all of his children--we are all so special!