HJW is ONE

And a sweet little one year old he is.  Happy and playful all the day...well, most of it.

Little buddy started walking about two weeks before the 12 month mark.  

Last day as an 11 month-er...

He got his two front teeth for Christmas, he didn't know it but that was all he wanted.

Had a little birthday party at Aunt D's house then spent the day celebrating all strapped in the car driving out of NM on icy roads.

Stats:

20 lbs

30 in

L-5 year old stats

Our biggest went in for his 5 year old check up a few weeks after he turned 5.  He did a great job...other than the hearing test.  He didn't quite understand what he was supposed to be doing and was fascinated with the beeps in his ear that he got lost in giggles.  At first I  thought he had inherited my poor hearing.  The doc wasn't concerned-she just had another 5 year old that also didn't get it.  This was also the first year for a vision test.  Which he passed with flying colors!

39 pounds

43 inches

11 months

Our happy boy is 11 months old.

He is sweet and snuggly and only occasionally shows some red headed temper.

I think he always has a smile on his face, well, almost.

He adores his bro and sis, and they him.

He says mama, dada, da (catch), and mo (more).  He signed please in context the other day but I'm not sure he meant to do it, hasn't done it since.

He has mastered the art of standing-holding on to people or furniture but also all on his own.  He stands for longer periods of time, but shows no interest in taking any steps.

 

Our budding photogirl got in a few shots after baby bro's session.

E+selfies

Our girl likes looking at pictures on my phone.  It has evolved into her taking pictures with my phone.

TEN months

This delightful little fella is ten months old.

He is happy as can be with his wide smile and red hair.  He loves his big brother and sister and they return the feelings.  The jury is still out on if he is a Mama's boy or Daddy's.  It's pretty fun and funny to see which one of us he prefers and when.  We love him so.

He really enjoys music class...and totally participates!  It's so funny and cute and Mrs. Carol LOVES it.

He doesn't really have any words, though he often lets out mamamamaaa...I think it's just a whine, but he uses it in the right context, so maybe I should claim it.  I think our first two said Dada as their first actual saying and knowing what they are talking about word.

Today, he was standing up while leaning on the table and he let go and stood on his own for about 1.7 seconds.  Ahhh! Then, five minutes later, he stood on his own in the middle of the floor, after leaning on his Daddy for a bit.  So big!!

He likes to eat and cannot get food quickly enough.  He wants to be where the action is and will look around, searching for the big kids if they are not in the room with him.  At night he has to have some time with them or he will not be happy about going to bed.  I was watching him enjoy them today and felt a little sorry for my oldest-how bored he must have been with just me all the day. ;)

Our 3 year old girl

Happy birthday, sweet girl!  You have filled our home with much joy.  We love you!

One of my favorite conversations so far-

M to E: all of my life I wanted a little girl just like you and I am so grateful that God gave me you!

E to M: all of my life I wanted a little mama like you.

(Talk about busting buttons!)

Stats: 37in 28lbs

FIVE

Well, five years ago we held our boy for the first time.  It's been the best watching him grow.  It's common knowledge that it all goes too fast.  He is so sweet and smart mixed in with some silly and crazy with a little disobedience.  In other words,  all boy.  We love him so.

Got to go on the church men's camp out for the second year:

Has some generous friends who celebrated with him and knew just what he wanted...and then fell out of a tree:

Is a good poser for his photog sister and likes soccer:

Was super excited to open his gift from Great Aunt Sue-paints and letters of his name.  He was so focused and proud of his completed project:

Enjoys the dentist and is a good little patient:

Likes mixing stuff and finally got to do this candy making alien autopsy that was given to us a few years ago. (We didn't eat any of it): 

Continued the air show tradition:

I have him programmed that he will call me every day in college and move next door to me after he graduates. ;) He wants to know if people we know/meet know God.  His little mind is still a sponge-soaking in everything around him. He is adored by his siblings and loves them well.  

We cannot get enough of you, sweet boy, and are delighted to watch your life from the front row.