Patrick's First Birthday!

Wow! Time flies, right? Yesterday was Patrick's first birthday, and I think I can say it was a success. We took him to the zoo in the morning, and I think he really had a good time. Patrick is very rarely fussy while we are at the zoo. The strategy is to take him in the morning before he is cranky and while the animals are active, push him quickly in the stroller between exhibits, and then let him out while you look at the animals. He is getting old enough now that he really sees the animals and waves and gabbers to them. He enjoyed Monkey Island, the elephants, and the polar bear the best.

On the way home we got hamburgers, so Patrick got to munch on fries (who doesn't love that for their birthday?). Miraculously, he stayed awake until we got home, probably because Grandma and Grandpa were sitting in the back and playing with him. We must have worn him out because he took a 3 hour nap until I finally woke him up. He was NOT interested in opening his presents. Once they were open, he loved them, but Patrick couldn't be bothered with the opening. We got him a small ball, a puzzle, some little books, a big boy toothbrush, a little dump truck for the pool, and a basketball hoop bath toy. He got an outfit and a firetruck from Grandma and Grandpa Haight.

In our family, you get whatever you want to eat for your birthday dinner. Of course, Patrick can't tell me what he wants, but being the mind-reading mommy that I am, I knew that he loves goulash. Goulash in our family is hamburger, elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, and lots of cheese. When I fix this, I think Patrick eats as much as I do. He was silent during dinner because he was concentrating on the yummy food. I actually think he was still full when we had cake about and hour and a half later.

I made simple chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.


First he takes a little bite . . .

Then he picks up the whole thing for a bigger bite . . .


Play around a little . . .


Needs a drink of milk to wash it down . . .


Mom starts to eat her cupcake and he want to know what she is doing . . .


Here, try the frosting . . .

Ugh, I'm stuffed!