Team Zahrte: Birthday:Take 1

It's hard to believe our baby boy is now 1. Does that make him a toddler instead of a baby? We were so excited for his birthday to be on a Saturday because we were planning a HUGE party. Unfortunately, Caden was very sicky on his birthday. It started with a fever on Mon. and a trip to the doctor on Tues. with a diagnosis of a throat infection. Wed. I noticed some little blisters on his mouth, took him back to the doctor Thurs., and was told he has hand, foot, and mouth disease. Hand, foot, and mouth is a viral infection (meaning no antibiotics) that causes blisters on the hands, feet, in, and on the mouth. Luckily, he didn't have a very bad case, but he did have little blisters on his hands, feet, and inside his throat. He will still take his bottle, but will NOT take any food. Since hand, foot, and mouth is super contagious to little people (not so much to adults), we were forced to reschedule his birthday party. Such a bummer! Nevertheless, we were determined to celebrate such a big day - just a little smaller than expected. We invited JZ's parents, grandma, and my parents over for lunch, opened a few presents, and ate cupcakes. Caden was a trooper. While he was certainly not in the best mood, he did the best he could. Poor bubby, no one should have to be sick on their first birthday!

I have to admit that I was a little mad about having to cancel the party. Ok, a little mad might be putting it mildly. I admit it, I was angry. I have been so excited and planning this party for over two months. I designed invitations, purchased food and supplies, created games, ordered favors...the list goes on and on. My heart was in the right place - I really was trying to celebrate sweet Caden, but it had gotten out of hand. The party had become more about me than him. Although, in my defense, I think most first birthday parties are really for the parents - we made it through a year! I realized that this happened for a reason. Caden didn't know it was his birthday. It could have been yesterday, today, or next week. He has no idea (at least he wasn't turning 21!)! We were able to spend his birthday celebrating him and remembering how far we've come, without the stress of a big party. Better yet, we were able to reschedule the party for next weekend. The best of both worlds! Until then, here is Caden's Birthday: Take 1