Dominic First Birthday Party

Dom was just in his own little happy world by this point. I feel like it looks like he's at a concert rocking out all by himself.

We celebrated Dominic's birthday with a little party at our house for some family and friends today. It started at 4pm, so I decided to feed everyone dinner. This morning I got the crock pots out and made a double-batch of chili, as well as some pulled pork! We had leftovers (yay!) and everybody raved about the food! The best part was that by 9am all my cooking was done!

The pulled pork was a real hit. Such an easy recipe. I didn't know what to expect! Pour rootbeer over the pork shoulder and cook on low for 6 hours. Dump the rootbeer, pull the pork, and top with BBQ sauce! Doesn't get much simpler!

With the crazy week we had, and the stores being closed over the holidays and all, I completely blanked on decorations for the party. I wasn't going to do any, but then my parents came over before the party and offered to go pick up some stuff. So nice of them! They helped set up, and I'm so glad they did. Made it much more festive and party-ish (and less Christmas-ey).

We moved our Christmas tree out of the living room to make more space and I'm glad we did. It works here for now. 

Dominic was a bit of a disaster-case (fussy and grumpy) today, so we weren't sure how the party would go. He woke up from his second nap quite late and cried for a while so I was a little nervous. He was a little off at first, but as soon as we got him in his high chair for dinner and cupcakes he was in his element! He started pointing and smiling and chatting with people while he ate his dinner. And then the cupcake... Oh boy was it ever epic! I wish I had done chocolate icing, but I decided last minute to make buttercream frosting, and didn't think to make it chocolatey. It was a beautiful thing. He made GREAT work of the cupcake... In ohhh about 4 bites?! Proud moment!

Om Nom Nom!

This photo is definitely coming out at Dom & Jaia's wedding ;)

Sharing his first cupcake with her <3

After he got some food and sugar in his belly he was a changed boy! Happy happy happy! Chatting with everyone and playing with his friends. We opened presents (so much for "presents not necessary!") and he was so spoiled! Lots of toys, books, clothes, shoes, etc. 

After dinner and the cupcake smash, we took off Dom's sweater and pants to reveal his awesome foodie onesie! Very suitable for the moment!

I'm ONE now! 

Opening presents with Mom & Dad!

Lots of help from Henry. I was glad to have him help as Dom didn't have much interest in the unwrapping, and Henry was more than happy to show him his gifts! Here Henry is about to read Dom one of his favorite books he and Sam (Katrina & Brayden) got for him!

Tickle Me Elmo from Great Oma & Opa! I remember having Tickle me Elmo slippers when I was little, which was awesome until the batteries started dying and it sounded like a creepy 45 year old man saying, "He...he...he... THAT tiiickles!"

I foresee many hours going through this I Spy book!

David is definitely the most excited about the Air Jordan sneakers from Janine, Neil & Jaia!

Little blondies!

Thank you so much to everyone who came out today to celebrate our day! I had a good cry last night and a few times today, but held it together for the party. We love Dominic more than he will ever know. 

We didn't get many "real camera" pictures from the day, or pictures of the guests, but we were too busy enjoying ourselves, and I think sometimes that's allowed to take precedent over the blog ;)