The Birthday Boy

From start...

A special donut breakfast

Maymont Park lunch with friend, Claire

Dinner extravaganza with family

Presents galore--with brothers' help!

And, of course, CAKE!!

To finish... J has had a GRAND first birthday!

J, you came into our lives in a flash a year ago and we haven't looked back since. Your smile, giggles, sweetness, and easygoing nature make you so fun and easy to be around. You put up with so much from your brothers and manage to smile all the way through. If it weren't for your dinner demands and screams, we'd start to wonder if you were the perfect angel baby!

At one you nap twice a day, two+ hours in the morning (9:30-11:30am) and one+ in the afternoon (~2pm). You are getting more comfortable on your feet, but still heavily rely on mom and dad's help in getting around walking. Crawling is your expertise and you have now easily mastered the stairs. You head up there on your own and tower above us on "your perch" to look down and take in all that is below you. You've even started sending toys catapulting over the edge and take great delight in their effect down below. Naughty boy!

You say the occasional "mama", "dada", and "byebye", but don't seem to be too concerned with words at the moment. Your signs for "more", "milk", and "all done" are getting much more pronounced, especially as you've quickly taken to your new cow's milk for meals. Mommy is so sorry to be ceasing nursing (as of tomorrow... sniff, sniff) as you are the sweetest little nursing companion, but this will be best as our family has a busy month ahead of us.

You seem to be favoring your oldest brother in looks and your middle brother in length and stature. Who knows what the next year brings, but we're grateful for every day we are blessed to have you with us! Praise God for you, sweet J, we cherish you today and all days!! Happy first birthday!