Dean's Dr. Seuss Birthday

My how my baby has changed just within these last few weeks! I had been planning and thinking about Dean's birthday quite a bit. He LOVES books and especially has gravitated towards Dr. Seuss books since he was a baby, so we decided to do a Dr. Seuss themed birthday party. We felt that it would be best to just do a little family party that night and do something fun during the day with a friend.

Unfortunately I had to work the morning of his birthday, but the night before we decorated the house for him as he was sleeping. I thought it wouldn't really make much of difference to him since he was so little, but as soon as he woke up he was pointing to all the balloons and decorations with excitement. He spent the morning with Papa, and then when I got home from work I took him to the Georgia Aquarium with our friends Sadie and Jace. Dean loves the aquarium and the dolphin show! We were happy and grateful to have a little friend spend the afternoon with Dean.

When we got back, Dean took a two hour nap and so did mom! When he woke up, we started the birthday celebrations! Uncle Cade showed up from college as a surprise for Dean's birthday, and Dean was so excited to see him. We ate pepperoni pizza (Dean loves pizza) and had cake! I had made his cake the day before. Dean was very careful while eating his cake. He used his two fingers to pick up little bites of frosting at a time. He was making the cutest expressions knowing he was the center of attention.

Later, we opened gifts from Grandma Owen while FaceTiming her. Thank goodness for FaceTime! We love seeing her and it was special that Dean could open his presents with her. She spoils him, and he loved everything from her! We then opened gifts from other family, Andrew and I. Let's just say Dean is very loved! We appreciated all the wonderful things he got for his birthday. He was tired near the end of unwrapping presents... We kept him up a little while longer so he could see his Uncle Dyson who was at baseball practice. He opened his big gift from his uncles (Uncle Blake was FaceTiming) which was a big basketball hoop. Dean is obsessed with any ball, so he stayed up shooting the hoop and playing with his new basketball.

We were tired by the end of the day, but it was totally perfect! I wouldn't change a thing. This day really allowed me think back on his birth day. The year has flown by! Dean is such a strong willed, happy, charming, and handsome little boy who we love SO much. He has brought so much joy into our lives. We appreciate all the love and support we have received from friends and family this past year with our new transition of being parents.

He has changed drastically throughout the year, but also a ton just this past week. A few days before his birthday, he started walking! He totally skipped the crawling phase, but seems to be much happier now that he is mobile. He is talking up a storm, (seems to learn a new word every day) and we love how he is so interactive and playful.

Happy Birthday Dean!