first birthday party

I've never thrown a birthday party before so I was pretty nervous, but I'm pretty sure this one was a success though. I made Odin his little felt crown which we wore the entire day (he even wore it to sleep!). I also made a rainbow felt garland which I saw on Pinterest, a monster disco themed bean bag toss, and we set up water play and loads of outside toys. We were so lucky to have such a gorgeous day and a gorgeous yard to set up our birthday picnic in. 

We've been very good about limiting the processed foods when it comes to Odin. We rarely eat anything processed ourselves and so it's been easy. For his birthday cake, I made a raw cashew cake which was a variation of this recipe from My New Roots. It was a huge hit with Odin and with all of our guests. I cannot express how thankful I am for everyone who came and for all of the beautiful gifts Odin received. He's been so preoccupied with his new things, he's barely had time for me! Thank you everyone! (I will try to send out proper thank you cards this week!)

good night, gooba

Good night my little man. You are officially a year old today and I simply cannot believe it. This past year has been an amazing experience for your Papa and I. We've both grown so much because of you. I am so lucky to have spent this past year nestled in your arms just as much as you've been nestled in mine. I've been fortunate enough to spend almost every moment of your first year with you (I've only been away from you for a few hours all year), and I've enjoyed watching you grow. My ten pound home birthed baby is steadily growing more independent and wild, but even on your first birthday you look up and smile as I throw the sling over my shoulder. You nuzzle my neck with your cheek while I wear you and you're still just as eager to nurse as you were when you were only twenty minutes old. I've treasured this time and cannot wait to see what the future brings. 

Thank you for being my son. There is nothing in the world that can show how much I love you. It radiates into the sky and down into the earth and back again. You are more perfect that anything I've ever imagined.

Happy first birthday my little man,

love from your mama.

birthday boy

We had a simple little birthday for Odin today. Playing in the garden nekkid, water play, planting garlic, going downtown for the Daffodil Day parade, papa babywearing, some small musical gifts, and trying a beautiful piece of plum dark chocolate (locally made, organic, and his first chocolate!).

It was a beautiful birth day for our entire family.