Elliot's first birthday

Is this kid not the cutest? We had a great time at Elliot's birthday party. Though he was mostly cranky, tired, and teething, there were golden moments. He loved the candles, as he seems to take after mama in his obsession with fire. The chocolate frosting was also a hit, though some came back out a bit later... His actual birthday is Monday, 8.21.06, but we celebrated a bit early so others could join us. I have to say, I'm a bit sad about birthday number one. Does this mean I can't call him "baby" anymore, which I use more than "Elliot"? I know it's cliche, but MAN has this first year gone fast. I still remember the first time I think he really looked at me, about 2am in the hospital, that first night. Everything was dark, Michael was snoring on the couch, and a nurse brought him to me, ready to eat. I had been waiting for him, anticipating seeing and touching him again. I pulled him to me and he just looked up at me, with these big, beautiful slate blue eyes like, you're my mama, do you know that? I'm yours, are you gonna take care of me? It makes me cry, seriously, still, to think about that moment. I think that's when I loved him, really loved him, first. I've been hooked ever since.