Hip Hip Hooray .....

Roo Bear is "1" Today!!!!

I can't believe Nolan is actually a year old today. Happy and Sad for mommy!!

Many of you know the overall significance of this day for me. July 9 is truly a testament of God working in mysterious ways. My Mamaw passed away on July 9, 2002 when I was in grad school and exactly 5 years later Nolan was born. Before Nolan's birth, July was such a sad time for my family, but now God has given us something beautiful to celebrate every year. I know Mamaw is looking down on us today celebrating, too. She was such a beautiful person and I know her spirit will definitely live on in Nolan.

The cute birthday boy has been celebrating since Saturday. We had a party at our house for friends and family and Nolan had so much fun!!! He was certainly the "host with the most" and did not get overwhelmed at all by all the hustle and bustle around him. I promise to post party pics tomorrow~today is all about the actual birthday :)

Bill took the day off from work so we could spend a family day together to celebrate our sweet little Roo Bear. We decided to go to Concord Mills Mall. We had a yummy lunch and then went to Build a Bear. What a fun place!!! Roo Bear got his birthday boy sticker and then we picked out a bear. (they actually have a WASHABLE velvety bear with embroidered eyes just for little ones~FABULOUS!!) Then we headed over to the attire section so Daddy could pick out the bear's outfit. We narrowed it down to two choices (for once it was nice for boys not to have a huge assortment of clothing to choose from~ all you mommies of boys know what I am talking about!!) and let Roo decide. So....the Carolina Panthers uniform it is. He is his father's child :)
Nolan was fascinated by the process of making his new "lovie". He actually doesn't have a lovie at the moment, so we are very hopeful his birthday bear will do the trick! He really loved it when the lady put the stuffing in the bear and he just kept pointing and talking to the machine. Again, he is his father's child!! Anyway, the bear is adorable and we all had such a blast making Nolan's new lovie.

Then on to the carousel we went!! Nolan absolutely loves riding the carousel so he got a turn with Daddy and then Mommy, too!! He loves the lights and the music and he justs talks to all the horses. He is so adorable!!

After a quick power nap and a failed attempt at a real nap, Nolan was up and ready for his second party. Aunt Stacey and Cousin Katie came over to play with all of Nolan's new birthday toys and Mamaw and Papaw Kearney came over too. Nolan had his very first cheese pizza for his birthday dinner. And for dessert, special cupcakes made by mommy :) After that it was straight to the wash down (i.e., the bath for all of the non-Thomas the Tank Engine fans). Then more playing with all the new toys. He just finally went to sleep after his very fun birthday!!

Thank you to everyone who called, sent cards/gifts/emails, etc. We really appreciate having such special friends and family. Everyone truly helped make Nolan's birthday so very special :)

Nolan is such a gift from God and we feel truly blessed to be his parents. We are looking forward to many more big boy adventures with our little Roo. So, Happy 1st Birthday little man!! We love you more than words can say!!!