Twelve-Month-Old Roman James :: Roman’s Birthday!
Yesterday my sweet Roman James turned one. We had a quiet day, played in the yard, watered the lawn, went food shopping, and took care of some birthday party preparations. When Papa got home we ate supper — sausage & peppers, one of Roman’s favourites — and Roman had a slice of cake topped with a single blue candle to commemorate his first year of life. We sang “Happy Birthday” while Roman marveled at the little, glowing flame atop his candle… and attempted to grab it a couple of times.
The past year has been full of wonder far beyond my wildest dreams. I spent my life wanting to become a mother, wishing and dreaming about my own beautiful baby. And this year, the dream became my reality. Even for all of that dreaming, I never imagined such a sweet boy as Roman. He is beautiful, and smart, and kind. He is adventurous, and wild, and feisty. He challenges me and teaches me every day.
The days are surely longer now. Motherhood means love, but it means exhaustion, too. But the days are also fuller. My heart expands every day. When he cuddles up to me or wraps his arms around me and squeezes or leans in for a kiss, I feel certain that my heart will explode once and for all. How much love can one heart handle?, I ask myself. But then my heart grows again — always making room for this love that never stops growing.
Our first year was difficult and magical. I am grateful for every, single moment of it. The good times, the bad times. The long days and nights of nursing every half hour. The pain, soreness, and loneliness of breastfeeding. The sleep troubles. The days when life was foggy and exhaustion pushed sadness into my heart. The first smiles and then giggles. Our first trip to the seashore. Day trips up to Grammy’s cabin. Holidays with family. The magic of Christmas. The long, cold winter. Watching him begin to truly explore and discover the world around him. The high-pitched screaming. The fevers. The first steps. The first words. The joy of spring.
There are so many precious moments. Tears come to my eyes and I am flooded with emotion as I recount our four seasons together, our twelve months, our first year. I am grateful beyond measure.
A little trip down memory lane…
Thank you to every person who has been here for us through this first year. I am grateful for your presence, your kindness, and your advice. There is no doubt in my mind that I am a better mother because of the amazing people that surround and support me. I can feel your love and I know that Roman can, too. ♥♥
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Comments (11)
Suzy
May 8, 2014 at 10:55 am
Happy Birthday sweet Roman! And congrats to you Momma!
I love how his fav dish is sausage and peppers, he’s truly from the NJ/NY region;D
Dena
May 8, 2014 at 11:04 am
Haha!! Indeed he is a Jersey boy! I make a healthier version of S&P with turkey sausage but it’s still delicious. I eat very little meat these days, but I admit that I always have a small bowl of this one. ;]
Thanks so much, Suzy and thanks for being here with us this year. Means the world, really. <3
Nicole
May 8, 2014 at 11:50 am
Happy birthday sweet Roman!!! Sending love and hugs!!
Dena
May 8, 2014 at 11:59 am
Thank you, Nicole!! xoxoxo
Gillian
May 8, 2014 at 4:52 pm
Oh my goodness, his 12 month photo – the sweetness!! Happy Birthday Roman!
Dena
May 19, 2014 at 8:17 am
Thanks, Gillian. <3
Kay
May 8, 2014 at 10:53 pm
Happy Birthday, Roman! <3
Dena
May 19, 2014 at 8:17 am
Thanks, Kay!
cynthia
May 16, 2014 at 5:09 pm
Awww, I want to cry (for you and for me) at this. We will be at a year in 6 days!!
I love the monthly pics, I found you around 6 months and have loved following along with you guys since. It sounds like he has a lovely “actual” birthday, and I’m sure the party was a blast.
Congratulations to you on 1 year of being a Mama, and Happy Birthday to Roman!!
Random question re: the cake…had he ever had anything like that before?? I really want to celebrate in some way but Silas only eats baby food and a few finger foods and I wonder what he (or his tummy) will think of cake/sugar?? 🙂
Dena
May 19, 2014 at 8:19 am
Thanks, Cynthia. It really is bittersweet, isn’t it!? As for the cake, yes, Roman has had a lot of cake. I’m such a lenient mama. He has had cake, cupcakes, ice cream, cookies. LOL… I don’t give it to him every day but at special occasion and holidays, he always gets treats. It’s never given him any tummy problems — knock on wood! 🙂
cynthia
May 19, 2014 at 12:52 pm
Silas has had little bites of ice cream now and then. Maybe I’ll just do cupcakes and let him eat a few bites! I’m sure it will be fine, and he’ll probably love it. 🙂