How to Devour a Birthday Cake



Our favorite little guy had a big birthday a couple weeks ago!  Harrison is now 1!! 

In true McArthur fashion, he dug into his personal cake with no reservations. 

We take our treats here very seriously.  There was no screams of disgust or delight, just all business for this boy.

But, he did pause to share a taste with the other brotha in the house!

It was a birthday to remember, for us, that is.  I don't know that he will recall a thing! 

But, we sang and opened presents (very minimal) and reflected on the bright light this kid is in our our lives. 

He has filled our home with joy and so much love.  Having "older" kids with a baby is so special because their lives are changed for the good when a new little one comes a long.  (As opposed to when the elder sibling is jealous and tries to do away with the new babe-flashback to 2007 when baby Katelee entered the scene).  Don't get me wrong, we all made adjustments over the course of the last 12 months, but he has filled a spot in our hearts we didn't know was vacant.  And, while we (ok, just me) got teary thinking of the day he was placed in my arms he just stared, oblivous to my emotions and spread cream cheese frosting across his belly. 

 

 We have loved this year with him and are excited to see him grow with all the fun milestones coming up.  Harrison has his top two teeth breaking...which was like my secret dream come true.  I get so sad when little babies loose their gummy smiles.  So, for him to make it a whole year toothless has been fabulous!  He sleeps all night, is done to one nap and a cat nap whenever we run errands in the morning.  He jabbers and says a few words and is the cutest waddler on the planet!

Other news on the homefront... Brenna started her second year of preschool:

 

 She continues to be a spit fire.  She continues to run away from church, workout classes, friends houses, etc.  She doesn't wander the neighborhood so much, so I don't get too frantic, but I still get upset at her.  She yesterday told me in a non-chalant fashion, almost like a side note, "Oh, and you aren't a very good mom."  This is the day after she told me I was fat and that she loves butts, they are her favorite thing ever.  We are raising a princess for sure. 

And, this week, we went on a hike to Twin Lake.  The kids were stellar, minus number three on the way down.  She melted at the thought of walking anymore and ended up on Dad's shoulders while I lugged around this rascal:

We surely live in a beautiful world!