So ignoring the fun things we did before Christmas (Luau!!!) and during Christmas, plus Nate's birthday and our 6th anniversary, (and about a million OTHER things) I am proud to bring you the update on my sweet little boy's 1st birthday!  

I am still having a hard time coming to grips with the fact that he is one.  For those of you (if there are any) that don't see him on a semi frequent basis, here are some thing that my little guy has managed to do in his first year:

-Walking (Actually Running since he started walking at 8 months 1 week)

-Talking: He has about a dozen "words" (meaning his own sometimes hard to understand version of these words) - Mama, Dada, Hi, Bye Bye, Uh-oh, Kisses, Shelly, Amen, Thank You, Ouch, You're Silly, and some others. He does however understand almost everything you say (and reacts accordingly!)

-Play Hide and Go seek (he will hide under a blanket the pop up and laugh!!)

-Love to read Books - will grab one then back up until he is sitting in your laugh to read to him

-LOVES Music, and knows how to work any toy that makes music

-Gives kisses, high five, and wave bye bye on command

-Thinks it is a sign of affection to headbutt (thank you daddy)

-Loves to dance

-Love Balls, the bigger the better.  He likes to pick up Daddy's Basketball and try to dribble it

-Thinks it is really funny to pull Finn's tail.  He sneaks up behind her so he can get away with it before she runs off

-Knocks down block towers like a champ, and makes sure EVERY SINGLE BLOCK has been knocked over before he walks away

-Likes to pull his block wagon around behind him

-Enjoys playing with Daddy's model car driving it all around the carpet (yes, he actually keeps it on the ground so the wheels roll and everything because that is how Daddy does it).

-Folds his arms when you tell him it is time for pray (but is not quite as successful at KEEPING them folded).

-Loves watching basketball, both in person and on TV.  He just sits transfixed watching the ball move back and forth on the court.

-Is the easiest baby ever to put to bed and is starting to sleep 11 hours straight at night in his own bed (HOORAY)

-Is a very well traveled little baby.  He has been to the following (not including airports): Wilmington NC, Virginia Beach, Outer Banks, Washington DC, Cleveland, Chicago, Niles MI, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Portland, and Seattle

-Is a total terror.  He is throwing temper tantrums already and producing great crocodile tears (he KNOWS what he is doing).  He flings himself on the ground and kicks and screams when he doesn't get his way.

For his birthday we did a fun family party, including all of his cousins via Skype.  We had pizza, played memory, and did cake and presents.  He was not very interested in his cake until we gave him a spoon, then he had lots of fun digging around in it.

I am so grateful to have the very energetic little guy in my life.  He challenges me every day, and I couldn't ask for a better little boy!  I love his sweet and happy spirit and the joy he brings to our family!  Happy Birthday Max!