Two weeks ago I threw my last first birthday party. Amid a host of emotions I had to deal with accepting the fact that my children will age. No matter how much I want to be able to hold them in my arms forever or wear them on my chest, the reality is I must build them up to be able to walk and be amazing on their own. As my youngest stared at her smash cake, (a new phenomenon I’ve accepted that’s a party must have), I thought pensively. About how quickly time has passed, about her first year, and about dealing with emotions of her growing up.
First birthdays are a hot topic these days, some people saying that children won’t remember them so why celebrate. Or others seeing it is a great way to celebrate surviving the newborn stage and entering into the infant/toddler phase. Personally I love throwing a party in general so any excuse works for me. With Baby E I knew I wanted to go a bit over the top so I chose a donut theme for her celebration. Researching decor, planning with my family, creating crafts made me keenly aware that these times won’t last forever. What better way to ease into the second year of her life than with something sweet like a donut soiree.
While I’m joyful about the excitement of her first steps and her calling me by name, I’ll miss the small things about her being a baby…
I remember the first few moments of her life when she laid on me and was peaceful, she is still that way. Peaceful and precious, lovable and full of joy; it’s those traits that make me excited about watching her grow up. The aforementioned cake moment was a testament to her personality, she took it in tentatively eventually succumbing to the mound of pink frosting calling to her without hurry. I want to cultivate that in her, even in tiny moments I don’t want her not to be herself. Sure, I wanted her to shove her hands in the cake, make a mess, cover her little face in frosting but these are the times when we have to recognize – our children are their own people.
Her party was a fabulous collaboration of family and friends who gave their help, their love, and their blessings to my baby. The celebrations we have to commemorate our children growing up can aid in softening the blow of the years flying by. I’ve learned to not long for the stages that have passed but rather be present in all the new things happening with the current one. As parents we can reminisce about days long gone and miss who our children are becoming.
I’ve had a one year old twice before now and each time I chuckle at the gummy smiles they grin, relish in the drooly kisses, and cringe at the messes they make trying to nail down how to use a spoon. With the last one I will do the same, though it may feel a bit harder because the chapters are closing with more finality. I encourage you the way I do myself to not rush them along, don’t feel bad about cuddling a little longer, keeping them in the crib for some extra time, because the big kid era is inevitable.
party details: donut boxes – etsy // #1 balloon – Target // “one” balloon – Target // donut float – Target // Letters on Donut made on Cricut by me // t-shirts – gifted // smash cake – Sweet & Saucy Shop // high chair bunting – Michael’s // inflatable pool – Minniedip // balls – Amazon // Donut wall – Etsy // sprinkle hats – Target
I deal with my children aging by knowing that no matter where they are in life, I will be there. I trust myself to give what they need when the time comes. Consistently working on not always having to know the next step but allowing them to figure things out as they go. Also understanding that as they grow and age, so do I which means we’re always in this together.
How do you feel about your little ones getting older? Do you love it or dread the day when your nest will be empty? Let’s chat!
be well,
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