birthday fun...and not so much fun...

little joey is tucked away for a nap right now so i figured i could grab some time on his blog...

it's been a whirlwind of a week, as many of you have probably heard by now. although it was not the greatest timing, it was certainly a reminder of how blessed we are to have such a strong support group and loving family...and to have our health, well, most of the time. it seems that about once a year, i am faced with a situation that puts me back in touch with what is important in life, and this often occurs during times that i am focusing on and stressing about the little things (like if we should use red and orange flatware or plain white for the big bash). well, this time, it was a trip to the hospital with a very sick child who, after always being so dynamic and animated, appeared listless in our arms. i'd like to blame it on just having too much fun during his birthday weekend :)

anyway, thank you all a hundred times over for being so caring and thoughtful during this time. and as my mom said, God works in mysterious ways, and this time i thank God for giving me a reality check to remind me that the tiny bundle of joy we held in our arms in that very hospital just a short year ago has grown to be a loving, silly, cheerful, active, beautiful, healthy little boy. and we love him more and more everyday. (and apparently so did all the nurses!)

joey spread his fun bug to his mommy too, which landed me in the ER, just to make sure baby sister was okay...and she is as active as ever, kicking and punching more than most buns her age!

you have to admit...he looks pretty darn cute in a hospital gown, eh?

now, for some birthday fun pics, in backward order (forgive me, i have LOADS of laundry to do right now)...

joey bag o' donuts...


we know he hates hats, but skullcaps too?

he doesn't hate party hats...he didn't even know he had this on!

this is where the 'backward' order looks really funny...