Celebrating Fifteen

Fifteen years ago this happened. Well, fifteen years ago tomorrow, but I went into labor fifteen years ago today.

This was our first photo as a family (thanks, Jenn!). After nineteen hours of labor and an unexpected c-section, we finally had him. And we were finally a family.

I never believed in love at first sight until I met Jake. Okay, maybe it wasn't at first sight with Jake, but I did fall for him hard and fast. As in a week. That's pretty much 'at first sight.'

But, for certain, I loved Riley from the moment I first laid eyes on him. He was so wanted, so anticipated, and so loved. The first grandchild for my parents. The first great-grandchild for my grandparents. The first baby in our circle of friends.

So, when he asked for a family dinner with one of his best friends tomorrow, I agreed. When he asked for fifteen courses - during finals week - I talked him down to four courses with two dishes in each course. Here's what he picked.

Recipes and photos will be posted later! Time to make a shopping list.

Oh, and in case you're wondering why we called him 'Riley-Ball'...he was a ball. An enormous ball.

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