I've come to learn that birthdays have little to do with celebrating the actual birth of your child. I mean who really wants to celebrate those moments. Besides, I relive many similar ones (with hardly as good a result) on the toilet almost daily.
But what they do allow us to celebrate is making it through another year of parenting. That candle on the cake and the icing on the face means that we survived. They survived.
And that, my friends, is definitely worth celebrating.
With Quinlan, I wasn't sure if I would make it to her first birthday. Then I didn't think there would be anymore first birthdays.
For totally different reasons, I wasn't sure if I'd make it to Drew's first birthday.
I know I've said parenting is a thankless job, with no honors or special certificates. But seeing my son's bright face as it's smothered in icing and bananas is the best thanks that I could ever get.
Happy Birthday, Drew-boo. So pleased that you graced us with your presence. Our worlds will never be the same. And for that, I am so very thankful.
Happy belated birthday, Drew!
Posted by: Damselfly | January 23, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Happy Birthday to both of you!
Posted by: angie | January 22, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Queen of Shake Shake | January 21, 2008 at 05:43 PM
He's adorable. Frosting and all. Happy Birthday, Drew!
Posted by: Dana | January 21, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Love the banana hands.
Happy Birthday Baby-love.
Posted by: Manic Mommy | January 21, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Late, but wanted to say happy birthday, Drew! And happy one year to Kristen, too! (Seriously, I think the mom deserves all the gifts at a baby's first birthday party.)
Posted by: Christina | January 21, 2008 at 01:46 PM
That's one gorgeous little man! Happy birthday, Drew!
Posted by: mayberry | January 20, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Happy 1st Birthday, little nephew! We wish we could have celebrated with you!
Posted by: The Other Sister-in-Law | January 20, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Glad you made it...well done, Mom!
Happy Birthday, Drew.
Posted by: ewe_are_here | January 20, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Oh, happy day!!
Posted by: Oh, The Joys | January 20, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Happy birthday to Drew.
Posted by: Phoenix | January 20, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Happy birthday, Baby Chalk!
Posted by: prescott | January 20, 2008 at 01:28 PM
MMMM banana cake.
MMMMMMM cute little one-year-old.
Posted by: the new girl | January 20, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Happy Birthday Drew!
Posted by: ImpostorMom | January 20, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Happy Bday lil man!
Posted by: mama k | January 20, 2008 at 11:43 AM
What a sweet baby. He does look neat and well-mannered. Or did you just post the "nice picture"? You know, by leaving out the ones where the stuff was smeared all over his ears, up his nose, and on his almost-bald head?
Such a cute baby.
Posted by: Michelle | January 20, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Well done, Drew and Kristen. Congrats on making it this far. It's like a roller coaster: it's fast, it makes you sick to your stomach, it's over too quickly, but damn it's fun.
Happy Birthday, Drew.
Posted by: FishyGirl | January 20, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Happy birthday, Drew!!
I was so hoping that you and Bird would share a birthday. . . but I'm still pregnant. Drat.
Posted by: canape | January 20, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Happy Birthday, Drew.
I can't believe it's been a year already.
Posted by: Mrs. Chicky | January 20, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Happy Birthday Drew, that's a classic and beautiful photo.
Posted by: motherbumper | January 20, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Oh, Happy Birthday to little Drew, and Happy Birthing Day to you!
We just had a 5th birthday at our house. It occurred to me it's the mamas who should get treated on the kids' birthdays. Spa day, anyone?
Posted by: kablina | January 20, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Happy Birthday!! You are on your way to becoming a big boy and that only means more destruction. Hold on Mom, just think there will be more hell during the teenage years.
Posted by: Wendy | January 20, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Happy birthday, Drew. Enjoy that post-banana, icing, & juice diaper, there, Mom. :)
Posted by: submommy | January 20, 2008 at 01:55 AM
He is adorable!
Enjoy him now.
It goes too fast.
Mine are 12 and 13 and
I want them as toddlers again.
I miss that time so much.
Believe me, it will go
fast.
Enjoy!
Posted by: Melissa P. | January 20, 2008 at 12:28 AM
It has already been a year? Wow. Happy birthday to Drew, and Happy Birth Day to you, friend. A blessed event to be sure.
Posted by: Mrs. Chicken | January 20, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Happy Birthday, sweet boy! Did he get a stripper cake? That IS what they do in the south, isn't it? ;)
Seriously, icing and Bananas? I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.
Posted by: Christy | January 19, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Oh my god, must you mess with my hormones like this?!
He's darling. Happy birthday to Drew, and congrats to you and the Huz and Q.
Posted by: mothergoosemouse | January 19, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Awww. He's yummy enough to eat.
Posted by: Heather | January 19, 2008 at 11:43 PM
congrats on keeping him (and yourself) alive for a whole year. woo!
Posted by: Lara | January 19, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Happy Birthday Drew! You've done well Mom.
Posted by: Procrastamom | January 19, 2008 at 11:32 PM