This was our big gift to Adam for his first birthday.  Dave put it together last night and the little man absolutely loves it.

The pole in the back has a handle so that we can push the car while he “drives”.  It’s a pretty neat little car – the gas cap comes off, the door opens, it even has a radio, turn signals, and a horn.

I am betting we’ll be putting a lot of miles on this thing.  He didn’t want to get out of it last night.

Happy Birthday Adam – don’t expect the same treatment when you turn 16.

Dear Adam,

It took me forever to decide what I wanted to do after high school.   I knew I’d be going to college, but had no idea what to major in.  I thought about being a math teacher, a veterinarian, a journalist, a nurse…  I considered just about every profession out there and nothing seemed to fit.  The only thing I knew for certain that I wanted to be when I grew up was a mom.

I’ve always known I wanted to have children someday.  It was never a question for me.  When I found out I was pregnant with you I prayed each day for a healthy and happy baby.  That was all I asked for.  It didn’t matter if you were a boy or a girl, or what color your hair or eyes were.  I just wanted a healthy, happy child.  Those prayers must have been heard, because I got exactly what I ordered.

You are by far the happiest baby I’ve ever met.  That’s not just a proud parent bragging either, everyone that sees you has the same opinion.  I have had so many different people (friends, relatives, strangers) comment on what a happy baby you are.  A lot of time they ask if you’re always in such a good mood and truthfully you really are.  Your daddy and I have been so blessed by you.

I only have one complaint – you’re growing too darn fast.  It seems like every time I turn around you’re learning something new or passing another milestone.  It doesn’t seem possible to me that you’re turning a year old today.  The past 365 days have gone so quickly.  Yet at the same time, it feels like you’ve always been here.  So while part of me is thinking, “I can’t believe my baby is one”, there’s another part that can’t believe it’s only been a year since we first met you.

And so here we are on your very first birthday, and I find myself thanking you for the gift you have given me.  You made me a mommy, and that is by far the most amazing present I have ever received.  I am so honored that I get to parent such an incredible little boy.  Being your mother is easily the best thing I have ever done.

Happy Birthday Adam.  Thank you, not only for being you, but also for making me, me.  I love you so much more than I will ever be able to express with words.

Love,

Mommy

Adam is really loving the little pool we set up for him.  He especially likes it when Aunt Stacy gets in there with him.  She’s teaching him all sorts of fun things – like how to blow bubbles in the water and how to kick and splash.

He’s a big fan of the splashing.

We had Adam’s 1 year pictures taken yesterday (only 10 days until the big day).  Heather (our fabulous photographer) suggested getting a cake and letting him play in it. 

So that is exactly what we did.  Two baths later and he still has blue frosting under his toenails. 

One of the best parts about staying with my parents is all the access Adam has to Grandmama, Papa, and Aunt Stacy.   He’s loving the attention.  Another thing he’s a big fan of is sitting, rocking, and playing on their front porch.  He has his picnic table all set up for lunch or snacks.

More often than not though, the picnic table is used for climbing and playing.  He’s figure out how to climb up and down without falling.  He likes to sit up there because he can see over the porch railing and keep an eye on the street.  He’s the head of our local Baby Neighborhood Watch.

The porch is the perfect place to practice walking with his shopping cart (and to throw all the groceries on the ground – just like he does in the store).

 And all of that activity results in some much needed naps (the stroller gets parked on porch when not in use and is perfect for impromtu sleep sessions). 

I think we might need to add a front porch on to our new house. 

Another older picture – but I love it (and by “older” I mean it was taken 3 or 4 weeks ago). 

They are watching  (surprise) their dinosaur show together.  I am looking forward to many more snuggly moments like this once we’re settled in to our new house with our gigantic family room.  Pretty sure those two will be happy to oblige.

This is the last Bear in the Chair session from our house in VA.  It’s Adam’s 11 month photo (taken 10 days early since the movers were coming to pack up the chair – we took the bear and the blanket with us).

I am really glad that we kept up with these photos.  I love being able to see the changes each month in the little dude. 

 It’s hard to believe sometimes that he was ever that tiny.  The pictures were a little easier to take before he became so mobile.  The past couple of months it’s been a battle to get him to actually sit in the chair and not attack the blinds or launch the bear on to the floor.

He always looks so pleased with himself when he’s able to put that bear in his place.

I wonder if Sears will take a return without a receipt.

Maybe they’ll let me just do an exchange.  I’d like the same child, just the not cranky version.

That’s better.

Adam has been practicing walking with his new shopping cart.  It was supposed to be a birthday present (I got it on super-clearance after Christmas, but I couldn’t wait – I am actually surprised I was able to hold off as long as I did).  He really likes it.  It plays music and came with some groceries – which the little dude loves to throw out of the cart (just like he does in the real grocery store).

And yes, I bought the Huggies jean diapers.  They were the same price as the normal ones – but more adorable.

Adam was pretty excited about giving Dave his first Father’s Day present.

 The lucky dad got the book “Hop on Pop” and some Sears giftcards (to be used towards the purchase of a miter saw once we’re settled in to the new house).  The lucky little dude had the book read to him right away.  He’s a big fan of books.

 And of course the day wouldn’t have been complete without a Father’s Day nap.  I don’t know whose idea it was for them to hold hands – but it was pretty freaking adorable.