Now, officially 1

Well, we have had a ton of things happening lately. We have been to New Hampshire for a wedding (on your official birthday) then we had relatives in town for your impromptu birthday and then we had a party on this past Sunday. It was pretty fun. We had an afternoon of cake and gifts and some yummy eating. You had lots of fun running around and eating nothing of nutritional value except probably that one cheese stick that I happened to give you while socializing. Well, that's ok, it was your first birthday.

Some friends were kindof bummed that Grandma and Pappy didn't show up for your birthday. Honestly, I was a little bummed too. They claimed that they thing we "saw enough of each other" this past weekend, but you know what, I don't think that grandparents can ever see enough of their grandbabies. I know, one day, when you have kiddos of your own, I will want to babysit all the time and try to help your wife with all of her baby question (but will try not to be the nasty MIL). Anyway, I digress and am getting way too ahead of myself. You are only 1! You better not be thinking of having any babies anytime soon! You little rascal.

You are a little rascal. You have resorted to throwing things over the baby gate that we have installed between our living room and our kitchen/dining room area. I know you need attention when you start chucking things over that gate. It is kinda funny and neat to watch you develop this way. You have learned that you can get our attention by throwing bricks of Legos onto the Saltillo tile floor. You really just want to walk around with us in the kitchen area while we are making you a snack or making you dinner or going through our mail. But, baby, sometimes that isn't always possible. Sometimes you need to be corraled up in that area so you don't play in the dog water dishes. Sometimes you don't need to be eating the leftovers you threw on the floor at breakfast. But, mainly, we just want you to be safe. Sorry, child!

I love being home with you all day and taking you out on our little errands. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. You are my little Secret. One day I will tell you about this little Secret, although it is quite popular in our culture these days. You know, I kindof think of this little diary as a time capsule for you. I hope one day you will read this and know how much I love you. How scared I was at first with you and how my love for you grew and grew into something that is immeasurable.

I can only hope that you will realize this one day.

Love,
your mom

11 months, 3 weeks old

Your birthday is coming up. In fact it is in less than 12 days. I can't believe that it has been almost a whole year since you came into my life. I have been having the best time with you lately, although it has been quite hectic. We went back East to visit relatives a couple of weekends ago and since Daddy didn't come with us, it was fun navigating the airport, the security screening and the flight all by ourselves. Even though we got to fly first-class on our way home, you didn't seem to want to sit for 4 hours in a seat. That's ok though, we made it through just fine and you weren't the screaming baby on the plane that everyone secretly despises.

We are going on another trip on the weekend of your birthday, although it isn't to celebrate your birthday. We are going to a wedding (back East yet again) but this time Daddy and our best friends will all be on the flight with us so they can help if you get restless.

You have been walking a lot lately and even have been getting the courage to leave the couch to walk to one of us on your own. It is really neat to watch you do this. We are really working on your swimming abilities. We are going to sign you up to take the next class at the local pool. It is fun to do this with you too. You are turning into a little toddler slowly but surely. We have even been weening you from your pacifier. It isn't hard to do because you are so agreeable and such a good baby, but every now and then you need that soothing. That's ok by me. Daddy has been doing a wonderful job of sending you to bed for the night without one though. I guess I'm a little softer and send you to naps with it. You are getting to be a big boy though and soon you won't need them. Perhaps we should store them away for your next brother or sister.

Otherwise, we are preparing for your birthday. We will most likely have a little party at Grandma and Pappy's house the weekend after we come back from our trip. We'll let you smash your hands into the cake and do all that fun stuff. I'm excited to get you some new toys too!

We have so many things planned for the end of 2008. I'm sure it will be eventful and fun for you and our whole little family.

Happy birthday little buddy!