Jude's First Birthday

So, it seems that Jude is sleeping off his birthday hangover today, which gives me time to post pictures! I know, I know. It's a picture OVERLOAD! To be honest, these are only a fraction of the photos - I blew through 2 1/2 memory cards (I shot in RAW, which my memory cards and camera battery did NOT love). Anyway, yesterday was great! At least I think so - judging by how much people ate. And isn't it always about the food?! Just kidding - I think Jude had a wonderful time opening presents and perhaps his favorite part was the cupcake. I paid for that later when he barely napped and didn't go to sleep for good until about 10:30. First birthdays are always hard for me - everyone leaves and I realize I no longer have a baby. I spent the evening looking through Jude's baby book and getting weepy - Colin began to wonder what was going on. Can't I just be happy not having a baby and look forward to having independence again in maybe, oh, 17 years? Samuel did wonderful as well- I expected a bit of jealousy with the present opening, but he just played with his cousin, Wes, and couldn't have been happier. Anyway, here are the pictures...

Of course, my token picture of the food.
Jude reading one of his birthday books.
Sweet baby! Oh, I mean little boy. Sniff.

Jude offering me a slimy cupcake. Yummm!
I love how fat his face gets sometimes.This is what children look like on sugar - scary!

I think he was talking to his cupcake here...

My cupcake tower. I love cupcakes! I made cookies and cream and chocolate coconut cupcakes.
A rare photo op of Jude and me.
Jude kept trying to grab my camera lens. I had to be quick!
So tired.