Manny's second 1st birthday

The weekend following Manny's birthday, two beloved families who once lived in Chicago but have since moved away were in town for Baby Luke's baptism. To give Manny a 'real' birthday (the kind with cake and friends) and in order to make time for the womenfolk to get together and cluck like a bunch of hens, I planned a Saturday morning brunch birthday. Four women and their children ended up coming and we had a pleasantly full apartment.

All the kids got in on the gift-opening action. Left to right are Jonah, Jackson, Ezra, Auntie Lex, Jude and Manny.
Here Manny takes his new black dachshund for a walk (thanks, Deacon and Mimi!). Manny checks out the tissue paper, while Madrina Corene (in the background) checks out the cuddly blanket Auntie Lexie made for him.

At some point during the present-opening action, Jonah quietly sneaked to the dining room table and helped himself to a cupcake. I've rarely seen Jonah quieter.

Pumpkin cakes for a Pumpkin Pie.

Manny enjoyed his cupcake immensely. So much so that I had to dig half of it out of his mouth, lest he choke on it. Manny is a champion eater, though he does have a discerning palate.

Jonah had loads of fun with his friends, especially Isaac (L) and James. Sadly, James (still known informally to Jonah as "Bia") now lives in Dallas, Texas; happily, we now have an excuse to visit Dallas, Texas (though I didn't know before that we needed one).
When we asked Manny to show us how big he was, he tried to hide behind his hands.

Somebody get this kid a bed! Incidentally, this is the same shirt that Gabe was wearing in the hospital one year ago. If there is anything that makes me realize how big Manny now is, it is certainly this picture. Sweet dreams, Pumpkin Pie!