The Big ONE.

Slap on the party hats and blow up the balloons - it’s Anna’s birthday! The sweet girl decided to ring in her birthday with a double ear infection, but she’s in good spirits nonetheless…

It sounds so cliché but it feels like this past year went by in the blink of an eye. Where did the time go? I cannot believe Jason and I were welcoming Anna into the world one year ago today (at 12:51 p.m. to be exact). Is there ever another event in life where you have the precise time, down to the minute, burned into your memory?

We celebrated her birthday with a party at home this past weekend. The day was truly fun – the kiddos played, adults talked and ate, and cake was enjoyed by all. I have to give a big thanks to my friend Lisa, who gave me the confidence to make Anna’s birthday cake – she made a baseball themed cake for her son’s first birthday and when I saw it I immediately recruited her to help me. We spent several hours the day before the party elbow deep in melted marshmallows, butter, and shortening. Six pounds of powdered sugar later (seriously, 6 pounds), and voila, we created a shimmery pink polka-dot masterpiece. What Lisa doesn’t realize is she is now on the hook for Anna’s birthday every year…thanks, Friend!

Anna had a great time at the party – I wasn’t sure how she would react with all of the attention, but she took it in stride. She did have a questioning look on her face when everyone surrounded her and sang “Happy Birthday,” but quickly forgot the serenading and attention once cake was placed on her tray. She accepted her cake with a big smile, but instead of diving in and devouring it, she took a very dainty approach and ate small bites.


She also enjoyed opening presents, and greeted each gift with an exclamation of , “Oh!”, and a look of surprise. Of particular excitement, especially to the under 2 crowd, was an Elmo Live doll. When Elmo talks, the kiddos listen.

Anna, (and mom and dad), was sufficiently pooped after the party. In fact, Jason and I turned in at the almost embarrassing hour of 9 p.m. This ended up being a good thing as we were awakened at 2 a.m. by Anna coughing the infamous croup “seal bark.” Sitting in a steam shower and on the front porch ensued through the wee hours of the morning, but that’s a different story for another day.

What an adventure this past year has been. The ups-and-downs, sleepless nights, slobber covered shoulders, dirty diapers, and hours upon hours of smiles, laughs, wonderment and awe. Anna truly is a gift from God and our lives have been enriched beyond measure.

So, a closing wish for my Miss Anna Blythe Bergstrom: May your life bring you as much happiness as you have brought to us.

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Anna
Happy birthday to you!