Axel is One!

Cake is awesome!

One year ago today, I wrapped up the most difficult labor I’d experienced so far and thus began our life with the sweetest baby the world has ever known.  To say Axel is a joy, would be an understatement.  You can ask anyone who has ever met him – he will instantly change your mood for the better.  He smiles constantly, he knows how funny he is, and he loves to snuggle.  He also is constantly interested in others, but loves his family most of all, especially his crazy brother and sister.  We can’t believe it has already been full year, and yet we can’t remember life before his giant ray of sunshine.

A few minutes after birth, holding Daddy’s hand

Meanwhile, our third kid is celebrating their first birthday on a third continent.  Levi celebrated his first birthday in his birth state of Alaska – a lovely park party with the friends who had known him his entire first year.  I assume this is normal for most people, but this is the only child who has had the opportunity to do that – know the same people from birth until one year old.

Amelia celebrated her first birthday during our year in Kinshasa, DRC.  We loved that birthday celebration and it holds some awesome memories for us, like her walking for the first time that very day!

And today, since Wednesdays are our day off, we held a small celebration at home here in France.  Several of our friends here at the school came by and watched Axel expertly stuff cake into his mouth and play with his friends.  Our apartment was full and we are grateful yet again, for a new family for this season of life.

The ladies at the birthday party

CAAAAAAAAKE.

Happy birthday, Axel Bruce Lind – we love you!

Annecy, France

A Ponderer of Apples