Birthday Fiesta!

Dear Vinny,

On Saturday, we had your birthday party. Lots of people came to help celebrate your first birthday with us. Granny and Granddad came on Friday night and entertained you while your parents and Tia and Uncle cooked for the party. Grandma and Grandpa came on Saturday afternoon. You took a nap just before your party.

You were a little confused by all the people who kept arriving, but you seemed to enjoy the party overall. There were plenty of people there who you already knew: Amelia, Burt, their parents and grandmother; Mommy's boss and his family; and Aunt Mary and Uncle Wayne, who came down from Harlan just for your party. You also met a lot of new people: Mommy's colleague Vickie, Mommy's former boss George, and George's boss Ed and his family.

I made you some special gluten-free, egg-free cupcakes, topped with whipped cream, but you didn't really know what to make of it. I think you liked the sweetness of the cupcake, but since you'd never actually eaten any type of bread before, you weren't quite sure what to do with the cupcake.

You got all kinds of loot for your birthday. Granny and Granddad bought you more things than I can remember: a lot of clothes, some toys, and a super deluxe red wagon. Grandma and Grandpa, and Mommy's sisters and their families all chipped in to give you a fun activity table, which Grandpa put together on Sunday before they left. Aunt Anne gave you a fuzzy, stuffed sea turtle, which you really enjoyed because it was so soft. And of course, Tia and Uncle made all the food for your party as your birthday present.

Mommy and Daddy's present to you was a backpack that we can carry you in. It is bright red and has lots of straps. I think you will really enjoy riding along on our backs.

This first year of your life has been full of wonder and joy, and we were really happy to celebrate it with you, sweet boy. We're looking forward to another fun year!

Love,
Mommy