In the countdown to Joaquín’s first Birthday, I thought it would be fun to show what I looked like when I turned one! At the time, we were living in Tampa, Florida (although I was born in Danbury, Connecticut). My mom’s parents visited from Ohio. Even 33 years ago, “smash cakes” were the way you celebrated your first Birthday.
In the following two photos, the woman seated next to me is my mom. She claims that I absolutely hated being dirty from the cake and cried during the entire experience. All I know, is that if someone offered me a piece of cake now, I would gladly accept it! It will be interesting to see Joaquín’s reaction to his cake.
The woman I am feeding the cake to in the following photo is my grandmother. I call her Omi, which means grandmother in German. She is originally from Essen, Germany, but immigrated to the United States with my grandfather during the war. I am so grateful that they are both still alive and try to see Joaquín every single day. They could not be more in love with him and it is such a blessing that even though they will not be in his life for a long time, he will always have memories of them.
In the following two photos, the man standing next to me is my dad. To say I was/am a “Daddy’s girl” is quite an understatement. I grew up surrounded by three brothers, thus I was the only girl in the family and my dad — being a typical Italian father — adored me and spoiled me from day one of my life. I think some off that rubbed off on me, because I am the exact same way with Joaquín! My husband calls him a “Mamas boy” all of the time and I love it!
After everyone was finished eating cake, I was cleaned up and given some presents. How cute was my little white sundress? When I see photos of myself at Joaquín’s age, all I see is Joaquín. True, we do not have the same coloring, but I swear we have the exact same face. What do you think?
Then my big present was revealed: a training bike! I adored it according to my parents. They told me that I always wanted to be “on the go”. Joaquín definitely inherited that same wandering spirit from me.
I cannot wait to celebrate my baby boy’s first Birthday tomorrow! We have something really special planned and I promise all will be revealed soon. Until then, send me e-hugs, because I know I am going to be so emotional (in a good way) all day long. Happy Birthday eve my precious Joaquín!!!
What a sweet way to look back and celebrate! My dad’s best friend gave me a stuffed monkey that I treasure – he even asked about it at my wedding this summer. Muchas felicidades, Little J!
Awww we call Joaquín monkey! I love it!!! He says gracias chica! 😉
How adorable are you – so great that you have these photos to share with Joaquín too one day. I hope you have a lovely day celebrating his birthday as well 🙂
Thank you so very, very much! I’m trying to take as many pictures as I can of Joaquín, so that one day he can show people his bath pictures!
You are SO adorable!! 🙂 How wonderful to grow up in a family where you were so loved and treasured. 🙂 Such a legacy to share with your gorgeous boy. xo
Awww thank you from the bottom of my heart my dear friend!!! I can’t believe my baby is ONE today!!!
I love that he and I celebrate the same birthday! I will NEVER forget now, haha!
I cannot imagine what it’s like to see your child grow before your eyes. I bet I am going to be the most irrationally emotional mother one day.
Sending massive hugs your way. xoxox
I love that you both have the same Birthday too! Happy Happy Happy Birthday!!! Seeing your child grow before your eyes is both a blessing and a curse, because you just want time to slow down and it goes faster and faster. Having said that, it is AWESOME to see who they become and what they accomplish! Thank you for the hugs, sending them back on your Birthday! May 2016 be your best year yet and may all of your wildest dreams come true!