Donovan's Wonder Blog

I turned one year old today. First we gave the new high-chair a test-run. Grandma and Grandpa Nelson got this wonderful highchair for me, and they will be happy to know it fits me just right. I even have room to grow. I can't say that about a lot of things right now. I like it quite well.

Then we had to send Rustyto spend some time with some friends because it was going to be too exciting for him here when my party guests arrived. I don't think he minded too much.

Mom cooked and Dad decorated. We had a great set-up. We had cake and cookies and rainbow goldfish crackers and strawberries and jello jigglers. Dad hung blue balloon "bubbles" and green streamer "seaweed" on the walls and part of the ceiling.

The big cake was decorated like a fish. My cake was a small shark. It was still intimidating, though. See, it's chasing the big fish cake.

We had a good group of people here. Sofia, Charlie and Trilogy came and brought their Mommies. Sofia also brought her daddy and Trilogy brought 4 other boys with him. Celeste and Susie also came with Dixie and their mommy, Paige. Daddy's shipmate, Jason also came along.

Dixie was lots and lots of help for setting up and Paige took photos. Jason ran the video camera and took some pictures too. They all made it easier for Mom and Dad to enjoy my party.







The first forty five minutes or so was a lot like toddler time, except everyone was playing with MY toys. It made me a little uncomfortable, so I asked to nurse.








In the middle of all the chaos, Mama was still there. Thank goodness. I felt more confident after that.






Then it was back to playing.

It was lots of fun to share my toys with my friends. Nobody got hurt or cried or fought or anything. We all got along. This is particularly remarkable because EVERYONE wanted a turn behind the wheel of my new car.

Then it was time for cake. That made everybody even happier. Mom and Dad called Aunt Tina and Aunt Cindy so they could sing "Happy Birthday" to me along with everyone else and then Mom blew my candle out for me. (Mom said she thought about training me to blow out candles, but thought the training might be dangerous.)

That was some good cake, too! Mom didn't give me a fork to eat with, but I managed alright anyway.


Lets get another look at the big fishy cake with it's jello-bubbles:












After cake some of my friends went home and the rest of us went swimming.






I enjoy the water. I get a kick out of it when Mom or Dad "toss" me up in the air and let me "splash" back into the water. Just as long as they always have ahold of me, it's great.

No baby dunking!

There was a good group of us at the pool, too. There are 3 people who didn't get into this picture.

There was lots of fun and noise. Dad bought some beach balls and pool noodles to play with. They kept the older kids entertained. One adult kept each little kid entertained/safe.


This picture shows Daddy's tattoo. It's really neat. I think I'm going to get one when I get older. Mom says I have to wait a few years, though. Maybe for my 18th birthday they'll get me a tattoo.

It's not a stretch. Remember, this year I've already gotten a dog and a car.

I also had a great party! And the whole thing started at 2:00 pm, and Mom and I were warming up and rinsing off the chlorine in a hot bath by 5:00pm.

I hope every birthday goes this great!