Happy 1st Birthday!

I experimented and made my first 1st double-layer carrot cake for the big birthday,

complete with a personal cupcake for Kaden to devour.

• You were running a fever this morning so we couldn't get your shots,

but you now weigh in at 18 lbs. 13 oz. (5th percentile) and are 30 inches long (50th percentile).

I love Dr. Fletcher because he said that you are perfect and I just need to keep doing what I'm doing (YAY!) because a child's growth will pattern one parent & there is nothing much to be done. 

• Even though you’re “little”, you are my adventurous eating buddy!

You  try foods your daddy won’t touch (such as calamari, eggplant, and zucchini pancakes).

o You begin many breakfasts by devouring an entire banana & hoarding it like a little monkey.

• I have recently come to the conclusion that dog chows must taste incredible!

In fact, we battle this topic on a daily basis. I am forever closing the gate to the laundry room to keep you away from Schatzi’s chows.  This usually prompts you to exert your independence by waving your arms for a few seconds and telling me you are upset.

Opening one of your birthday presents from Auntie D...

A painting from Tanzania!

• You have proven to be a great travel companion.

o On our last plane trip you slept most of the way and enjoyed “people watching” in the airport.

o You seem to sleep well in any crib or pack-n-play.

o Next month we are going to go on our 3rd plane trip together.

• A “nuk” must be on hand anytime we leave the house.

 birthday present from great-Aunt Mary... and you match (not planned)!

• There have been lots of new noises emerging from the back seat as we drive around town; LOTS of pointing while babbling, spitting, and noise making.

• At 11 ½ months, you learned to gracefully dismount the couch without falling.

You’ve attempted the bed a few times… The first time I watched in stunned disbelief as you swung your legs over the edge and rode the sheet down. (I laughed out loud.)

The other times have NOT been so graceful.

• You love WATER for drinking, swimming, bathing, Schatzi’s bowl, the hose, sprinklers...

• We now have a great nighttime routine that we all look forward to:

o bath—you race to the bath tub when you hear me turn the water on.

I constantly hear myself uttering the phrase, “sit down please.”

o jammies—we’ve acquired some wild ones recently

o read a short story—been into the “touch & feel” books lately

o XOXO—hugs, kisses and squeeeeeeeeeezes

o we typically put you to bed around 8:30 and you sleep until 7:15 a.m.,

where we usually find you playing and babbling in your crib.

• When going to sleep, you scoot to the end of the crib to hang your arm over the side.

• You’re still not walking on your own, but you CREEP along everything; about a month ago you started pulling up on and gliding the laundry basket & kitchen chairs across the floor as walkers.

• You completely relax by slumping against whoever is reading your book.

• Being outside almost always cures all crabbiness.

• You’ve taken a liking to my hair & pony tail or bun. And sometimes give it a good yank.
You don’t seem to understand the concept of “gentle” yet.

• My FAVORITE NEW THING: You’ve suddenly started wrapping your arms around my neck as I hug & kiss you before bed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

You are the best!