Aiden's 1st Birthday


I can hardly believe it's already been almost a year since Aiden Joseph came into our lives. He's been such a blessing and continues to amaze us all every day. I'll never know why Ricky and I were chosen to be Aiden's parents, but I do know that whatever the reason, we accepted this challenge head-on. With our faith in God as guidance, and the support of our friends and family, we're happy to have reached this milestone. Aiden is happy, healthy, and more resilliant than any child his age should have to be.

We decided that his birthday party needed to be special. Of course, everyone loves to celebrate a baby's 1st birthday, but we wanted to do something that would honor all that Aiden's been through, and give back in some way. We've been very fortunate to have financial help, donations of food and transportation, and other help at home or for babysitting throughout this first year. We know how lucky we are. We also know that other families sometimes don't have these things. When a child is sick or needs hospital care, it can be very difficult for the family to endure. Besides the emotions of it all, often times families have to stay out of town or near their child in the hospital, so as you can imagine there is usually a great financial burden as well.

That is why we've chosen to have a "Ronald McDonald" theme for Aiden's birthday party. We're asking each person invited to bring an item or items from the attached "wish list" for our local
Ronald McDonald House - as a family, we will then deliver the donated items to the house downtown. Keeping with the theme, the kids at the party will have Happy Meals, the cake will be decorated with Ronald McDonald, etc. We're really excited to celebrate Aiden's birthday this way while also being able to support one of the most important charities for families with kids needing medical care.

We are keeping his birthday celebration on the smaller side with just immediate family and very close friends. However I know that many of you might want to contribute in some way. We welcome and appreciate any donations, large or small, from the provided list. If you need to know where to send them, email me at taryn_skees23@hotmail.com.

The party will be held on February 7th and we hope to deliver the donations on his actual birthday, February 11th.

Thanks for your support!

3 comments :

  1. Tricia11:42 AM, January 14, 2009

    Taryn, what an AWESOME idea for Aiden's birthday! Love the idea and I'll look over the wish list and get in touch with you. :) Happy First Birthday Aiden!

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  2. Marie9:53 PM, January 24, 2009

    What a great idea and so great of you to work on giving back!

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  3. Anonymous7:38 AM, February 05, 2009

    Taryn,

    Thank you for the nice comment you left on my blog! The unknown is so difficult, and it is nice to know that I have someone (you) offering your help and resources! I have been checking out your posts, and I must say, your story is inspirational for me! It looks like you have totally embraced your situation, and I hope we can do the same.
    I absolutely love the idea of Aiden's birthday! We live just south of Myrtle Beach, and we are having to travel to Charleston (over an hour and a half away) for our medical care. I was just checking out the Ronald McDonald house, in case we find it necessary to stay down there for an extended amount of time. It is such an awesome service!
    Anyway, thanks for reaching out to my family! I will definitely keep you in mind for future help, and keep your family in our prayers, as well! :)

    Carly Louden
    http://carlyandjay.wordpress.com

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