Birthday Boy!

Charlie James is 1!  We did most of our celebrating at his par-tay a few weeks ago but that didn't stop us from partaking in some cupcakes on his actual birthday.

We got away with minimal birthday celebrations on his birthday this year, but I know that might not always be the case.  It will be interesting navigating this Christmas Eve birthday in future years!

I just can't believe he is already ONE!  What a crazy year it has been.  I continue to wonder.. will we ever have a year without a major life change.. let alone multiple?!  I've read that having a baby, losing a job, starting a new job, and moving are all in the top ten most stressful life events.  We have yet to have a year without one, two, or three of those happening in our ENTIRE 11 year marriage!  Goodness, let's hope 2015 comes through as a year of consistency.  I'd happily welcome a year without one of those.

As stressful as life with a baby can be, this little mama's boy has also brought so.much.joy to our family.

 Please forgive these pictures.  Trying to get a picture of a 12 month old?  Nearly impossible.

Ready to see the doctor at his one year appointment!

Charlie at one year old...

• Weighs 22 pounds, 2 ounces (64%) and is 30 inches long (50%)
• Has ZERO teeth..and, according to the doctor, none close to popping through!
• Is a crazy fast crawler 
• Cruises along furniture and uses his walker but doesn't seem very interested in walking on his own
• Still loves his paci.  He has to have one in his mouth and another in his hand before he'll go to sleep.
• Loves to drink his milk from a sippy cup and is officially weaned  (sniff, sniff)
• Eats basically all food - even without teeth.  He loves oranges, strawberries, hot dogs, graham crackers, dried cranberries, applesauce, peas, corn, cheese, cucumbers, yogurt, and SWEETS!
• Signs more, all done, please and waves hi and bye
• Says mama, dada, kitty, hi, uh-oh, Babu, and bye
• Has become extremely attached to his mama.  It's a bit ridiculous, actually.  If he sees me and I'm not holding him, he's all out crying until I pick him up. 
• Loves to play with torment our kitty

Happy 1st birthday to our most favorite Christmas gift!  We love you, Charlie boy James!