Smith's First Birthday

It's only JUST April so I'm not too late sharing Smith's birthday, right? We didn't throw a big party but we did get him some big balloons and let him enjoy his very own smash cake. Brett was recovering from the flu and the kids had a snow day so even though it fell on a weekday, we were all able to be together all day to give our littlest Denbow some extra love. 

Ruby helped me mix the cake but I separated some batter for a smash cake and then separated the remaining batter into three pans without realizing I needed to let it bake a little less than usual. I got busy cleaning and keeping Smith off the top of the step ladder and then pulled out a lovely smash cake and three pans of something that resembled the texture of cookies and broke off in chunks when I tried to remove them.

We were needing to let it all cool and frost before his next nap so I didn't have time to make another one so I improvised and just told the kids that ugly cake still tasted good! More on that later.

Smith's smash cake is the shape of one of my Pyrex bowls because I didn't have a large enough aluminum can to use as a mold. My heart was set on letting him have his own, though, so I did what I always do when I don't have what I need and found the next best thing. I am nothing if not resourceful these days!

As you can see, he started out slowly and then realized sugar tastes amazing and that he needed it all over his face. This last photo above is actually right when we took it off his tray so we could let him open presents. He was not happy with us.

We let the kids pick out what they wanted to give Smith and since he mostly sticks things in his mouth or bangs them on hard surfaces, we all decided little Beanie Babies from the flea market would be a good choice. Also, a ball and some Hot Wheels because duh. He was happy enough just having his big brother indulge him in a game of drop it from the highchair and have it retrieved for you. 

After presents I carved out the softest parts from the cake pans and layered them up with cream cheese frosting and told the kids that we were getting our own smash cakes. They got to add their own sprinkles and in the end it tasted just as good because cream cheese frosting covers a multitude of baking mistakes.

This boy was such a gift after a few years of wondering if we'd be able to add a third to our family and he loves his brother and sister like they hung the moon. I love being able to see how their relationships are already unique to each of them but real and true and thankfully mostly loving since he's not quite broken any of their stuff at this point.

The most special part of the day was when we were able to Face Time with three sets of family members and he took his first step, second step, and third step while we were on the phone with each of them. I kind of jumped the gun claiming he'd be walking by his first birthday but he helped me save face by technically attempting to all on his own. Thanks, buddy. 

I have never been more sleepy in my life but I've never been more aware of the sweetness the love of a child can offer as with my third. He's always wanting to be held but he's also always grabbing my face to offer a kiss. He still wakes me up a few times a night but he's got the brightest eyes for me each morning. He's teaching me so much about paying attention even though I can see how quickly this time flies in the form of my eight-year-old that towers above him. Weren't we just doing this for the first time?

I can't wait for all of the birthdays to come with this crew. SO many cakes in our future! My chances of getting it right one of these days is pretty good.

-Rachel

P.S. I recently posted about how this man almost came into this world at a school meeting the night he was born. Read about that here. 

Comments

[Krista Goddard]

Rachel I love your candidness!
So refreshing and encouraging. Your goof ups always bring a smile to my face because they are so relatable. I strive to do the best for my family as you do but I am so far from perfect and have so many goof ups myself. Reading your blog is so refreshing in that way. Its just real life....
Thank you !!!

[Rae]

oh YAY!!! Happy Birthday, Smith!! Never too late to post fun birthday pics.

xoxo

[kristin]

aw yay! happy birthday smith! such a cute and clearly bright little fella. that third kid gets so much love, eh? :)

[Lisa]

Thanks for sharing Smith's special day! Happy Birthday, to a little cutie-pie!
(All three kids are just adorable!)

[Laura Hager]

These pictures are the cutest! It looks like your little guy had a great first birthday!

Laura
http://laurahager.blogspot.com

[Susan]

awww...Happy Birthday Smith!
I love the candle!, where can I buy one like that? I´m not on the U.S. so I tried to find it on amazon, how is called that kind of sparkling candle?
Thanks!