Eddie’s second birthday was on Thursday, and while we had a fun little evening together as a family, something seemed to be missing.

Birthdays are a big deal to me.  I am not sure why, but I always made a HUGE deal out of my own birthday.  It’s not like my family went overboard with celebrating, but they always made me feel special and happy, and I just carried that through…even into adulthood.

When I started dating Cort, I was so sad for him that his birthday was in December.  It seemed to always get swept in with Christmas–you know, dual gifts (hey, this bike is your birthday AND Christmas present!).  The past seven years I have tried extra hard to make his birthday a big deal.  To make it his day…not just part of the holiday season.

So for Eddie’s second birthday to come and go with just a little dinner out and a cozy coupe?  I felt a bit underwhelmed.

I knew he didn’t know the difference, but I did.

His being is a BIG deal.  To us, to our family, to the world.  I get a lump in my throat just thinking about how long I prayed to have him.  Through all the crap.

His birthday is IMPORTANT.

And so today we celebrated.

Eddie's birthday invite...minus some info to protect the innocent

As a kid, my mom and dad always had my mom’s side of the family over for a big meal, presents, and cake on a Sunday afternoon.  It is one of the happiest things I remember about my childhood.

Cort and I want to give Eddie that too, so today we had both sides of our family over for make-your-own-sandwiches, salads, fruit, chips and dip, and cake.  And of course presents!

sandwiches and such

Zeeland Bakery did an AWESOME job on the cake!

Obviously I chose a monkey theme this year because Eddie’s new big boy room is going to be monkey themed with blue walls, dark brown furniture, and lime green accents.

I mentioned this on the twitter and immediately Courtney of GCS Design (who also did my business cards), chimed in that she would LOVE to help me with the decorations (more about this tomorrow…plus a giveaway!).

See those cute little signs and circle confetti up there?  She made those.  She also made enough paper and things to hang around the house so that everywhere the guests went?  It was a party!

blue and green everywhere!

Happy Birthday flag banner!

This is so going in his new room after the party!

All of our family was here today.  From his grandparents, his aunts and uncles, his cousin, his god family…right down to the newest members…the Twins.

I think Eddie hoped she was staying with us.

Eddie begged and begged to hold her when I had her in my arms:  “Beh beee, ma ma.”  And then he would rock his arms and try to take her.

Beh Bee, Ma Ma.

If she stayed all day and everyone took the presents back?  He would have been just as happy.  I had a HUGE lump in my throat.

But the party must go on.  Eddie loves to play outside…especially with friends.  These two may as well be his brothers.  And one is his God Brother, so we just consider the whole dang family is God Family.

Eddie and his brothers from another mother

The boys took a break once it was time for presents.  And goodness, did Eddie get spoiled with presents!

Imma mow the lawn. see ya.

(psst.  The shirt?  with the monkey that matches his party?  Kristina from Sew Curly Creations made that.  I know.  AWESOME.)

hey aunties! check out my new chair!

four auties, four uncles, one cousin, two god brothers, two god sisters, two god parents,  four grandmas, three grandpas, a mommy, and a daddy…that equals a LOT of love.

so blessed

A very happy birthday boy!  So overwhelmed with all the people, the new toys, the laughter, the games, the love.  Not to mention the awesome monster blanket (that he will NOT go to bed without…and whispers “rawr” as I leave the room each night) from his bud, Joshua (made by his mommy, Miranda),  and the super cute craft clutch from Courtney.

tee too! (thank you)

Before the fun is done though, it’s time for a little singing, a little candle blowing, and a little cake.  This is the big moment we have been practicing for!

nailed it!

And then they ate cake…with orange juice boxes…

so farking good

It all went by in a whirlwind.  All the preparation and planning and anticipation and excitement. And just like that it was over.  Ready to be cleaned up.

After everyone left, I had a massive headache, my body hurt everywhere, and I was exhausted.

But Eddie was so happy.  so very happy.

best. day. ever.

We are so very thankful for the people in our life.  Each and every one of them loves us…and Eddie…so fiercely that we can fall asleep still feeling their arms around us.

Thank you all for all the wishes, prayers, gifts, and words in honor of our little guy turning two.

Today we felt blessings all around us.

And there was happiness.