Luke's First Birthday!

Luke's biggest day of all finally arrived on January 17, 2008---
his very first birthday! Whether he knew it or not, it was no ordinary day to Ben and me and all our good friends and family. We appreciate all the cards, phone calls, and emails wishing him a happy birthday. Thanks for remembering him and us on this red-letter day.

We threw Luke an Elmo birthday party for a few of our friends here in Italy. Many of them have known Luke from the beginning, while others are more newly arrived, making his acquaintance in the past few months. Either way, they have all been good to play with him and always ask how he is doing. It was bittersweet to celebrate this day without our family and friends back in the US, but we are thankful for our friends here who cared enough to come celebrate Luke with us.

With bluegrass playing in the background and thinking of home in the South, we served good Southern food for the party. On the menu: pulled pork barbecue, coleslaw, potato salad, hushpuppies, corn on the cob, chips and dip, and of course, sweet tea to wash it all down. I made a white cake with coconut cream cheese frosting for his very first birthday cake. The adults all liked it, but Luke wasn't too interested in it after all. We had all hoped for the big cake smashing and noshing to follow singing "Happy Birthday," but alas, he was either too tired or just didn't like the taste of it. We'll try again next year! Luke's special Tickle-me-Elmo doll served as entertainment for baby and grown folks alike.

Luke received many wonderful gifts, including great books, a teddy bear, a piggy bank, clothes and shoes, a wooden name train, and generous savings bonds. None of his gifts were more special, though, than the handwritten letters from family back home. Ben and I cherish them now as Luke will when he is older.

Ben and I are awed and humbled everyday by the gift we have been given in Luke. Can't wait to share more of him with all of you back home before his 2nd birthday rolls around. Here's wishing Luke another great year and new adventures ahead in 2008!