He's ONE!! Happy Birthday Collen!!

Today, Collen is a year old!!! It was surreal to wake up and see my little baby boy...and realize he's been with us for an entire year! In any other instance, a year wouldn't seem like such a long time, but it has flown by so quickly! We've learned so much about Collen over the past year. He has taught us selflessness, how to play again, the importance of laughter, and the genuine love that only a child can share with his parents....and vice versa. He is such a delight, and we consider him to be a blessing and a miracle! God brought Collen into our lives at the perfect time - a time when we needed him the most, and he has brought light, laughter, and joy back into our hearts and our lives.

I'll update tomorrow with his 12 month "Collen-isms." Until then, enjoy some pictures from his birthday party (we went with a sock monkey theme!!) and his birthday!! He had a wonderful party and did brilliantly the entire time! He loved his cake (which was by far the healthiest birthday cake I've ever seen! Score for mommy!!), and he seemed to truly enjoy the friends and family who were they to celebrate such a special occasion!

The party was held at our church in the youth meeting area - "The Loft." It was the perfect place for a birthday party!

Eating lunch

And now...the cake!

"Mmmmmm!!! Mom and dad have been holding out on me!"

Opening gifts. He was more interested in playing with the other kids who were playing with his gifts. ;)

Happy Birthday!!

Shortly after being woken up by mommy...snapping pictures and exclaiming, "Happy Birthday!!!"

Mommy's boy...