Christian Turns One!

Christian rang in his first year with two parties. The first with Richard's parents, Josh and Nikki (their kids), and Richard's parent's friends. Christian received a red wagon from Grandma and Grandpa. This has quickly become his favorite mode of transportation. He points to it every time we walk through the garage. He wants to just sit in it!

The second party (where all these images are from) was with my parents, my granny (from Tennessee), my granny's sister, and my granny's good friend, Mary. Also Christian's Godparents and my best friend: Molly and Ryan. Our wonderful friends Michelle and Chris. (Check out Michelle sporting her new fanny pack: a belated honeymoon gift from me). Many of our neighbors showed up, especially once the 4 Square court lines were drawn.

Christian loved his cake. He dove in pretty quickly, smearing it all over the face. He received so many wonderful presents: clothes, books, toys, music, and a swimming pool. He wore a different new outfit and pair of pajamas every day last week. He loves all the blinking lights and loud noises of his new toys. Christian sits patiently as I read the first three pages of any book and then he wants a new story. (He takes after Richard with the lack of attention span). But he will sit for a half hour just looking at the books, "reading" out loud to himself. He has learned to dance to music - he bounces when you ask him to dance.

Here are some pictures from this special celebration. My beautiful son turned one! I can hardly believe it.

Most of these pictures are courtesy of Molly Sutton Kiefer.

PS: Christian took 3 steps by himself today!!

Christian: Year 1

Christian walking

Memorial Weekend in Green Bay!

Christian is 11 Months!

Attempting to take Christian's 11 month pictures was an adventure. Now that Christian is crawling, pulling himself up on furniture, and curious about EVERYTHING, he will not sit still.

Christian is so curious. He points at everything. He wants to touch everything It's a game to him.

He is trying new foods everyday. I'm amazed at what he can chew with only 3 teeth!

He is utterly attached to his blankie. And to Logger. He giggles whenever he is near Logger.

Christian loves to read. His favorite toy is his books. He would gladly choose a book over any other toy (except maybe his drumstick...). If he is heading somewhere I don't want him to go, I start reading a book out loud. He instantly recognizes the story, stops, turns towards me and smiles. Then he crawls to me to finish reading the book. He will sit and look at a book, turn the pages, and babble out loud as if he is reading the story. It's amazing.

His other favorite toy is a drumstick which we have nicknamed "Christian's Whomping Stick". He loves to "drum" on buckets, toys, books, carpet, anything in his path. Richard is starting him early.

Things Christian doesn't like? There isn't much. He hates getting dressed, but I think that is because he has to stay in one place while I change is diaper and clothes.

Not only has he mastered climbing and pulling himself up on everything, but he climbs the stairs without any help. He even, sometimes, will say "up" while climbing.

Ema, Auntie Kim, Cousins Antonio and Jack Visit

First weekend of May, Kim, Antonio, Jack, and Ema Bonnie came to Minnesota. We went to Space Aliens and played games. We also went to the Mall of America. At MOA, we went to Underwater World. Christian enjoyed watching the fish. Jack and Antonio touched a starfish and other marine life. We followed it up a trip to IKEA. Christian had fun playing with Jack who is only a year and half older.

Silly Antonio

Kim and Jack

Christian, Antonio, and me near pirate treasure at Underwater World

Christian, Antonio, and me at Underwater World

10 Months

Christian is now 10 months old! He has grown so much. He crawls so fast. He pulls himself up on everything. He tries to stand up. He is learning to climb stairs. Basically he is loving being mobile.

He is slowly eating less baby food and more grown up food. He loves to try new foods, but doesn't want to eat a meal of these new foods. Christian loves his jar food. But he loves snacks. Yogurt melts, Puffs, Crunchies: all his favorites.