The Younger Birthday Boy Turns One!

That's right, yesterday Ethan had his big 1 year birthday. I can't believe that he's one already. We're amazed at how quickly the year went by. We didn't do too much on his birthday yesterday because we're having a big family birthday party on Saturday. But, we couldn't help reflect on what was going on in our lives a year ago. We never could have imagined how much joy this little guy could bring to our lives. He is such a wonderful blessing to our family. I thought I'd take a minute to write down some of the things he's doing at 1 year.

• Loves baths. Not so crazy about getting his hair washed though.
• Cruises everywhere but hasn't taken that first step yet.
• Super fast crawler. Can't take your eyes off him for a second.
• Loves climbing the stairs.
• Plays games. Ethan will crawl around the side of the couch so you can't see him and then peek back around and laugh and laugh.
• Has learned to point for things he wants. He also will hold his hands out when something is gone or someone has left as if he's saying, "where did it go?" or "all gone."
• Has completely given up baby food and is on to the big boy food. He loves waffles, pancakes, pasta, grapes, strawberries, chicken, fish sticks, gold fish, and smoothies.
• Makes diaper changing almost impossible. Within seconds he has flipped over and is crawling away.
• Sleeps better these days. Will go for about a 7 hour stretch without waking up. Hallelujah!!
• Loves to snuggle and give kisses when he first wakes up in the morning. It's the best!
• Loves walking when holding on to your fingers. He's fast!
• Still resisting the sippie. He'll drink from it if he has to but usually he whacks it off his high chair.
• Loves to dance. You can just start singing and he'll start rocking to the music. We love dancing in the car together.
• Fascinated with Sesame Street and Barney. Every once in a while he gets to watch a few minutes so mommy can get something done. He loves it!
• Obsessed with the telephone. The other day he actually put it on speaker and called some guy and started babbling. He puts the phone to his ear and starts talking. We swear it sounds like he's trying to say hello!
• Vanity. He has figured out from watching mommy how to brush his hair. The other day he grabbed Jen's hair brush that was on the bed and started brushing his hair. Look out ladies!

We sure love our little guy. We can't imagine life without him!

p.s. - Happy Birthday to Uncle Arch! Ethan loves having a birthday buddy!