My Birthday Party

Last week I turned one and all my grandparents came to town. Mommy was afraid no one would know it was my first birthday so she put up a couple of subtle reminders.

Before the party, while I was taking a nap, Nana, Grandma, and Daddy's cousin Stephanie all played the Nintendo Wii.

I was happy to see everyone and all the presents. Excellent.

To make sure I keep all my college football options open, I got UT, Texas Tech, and Central Michigan outfits. Go Red Chipeteers.

Here I am with Mommy and Daddy with the cakes that Mommy made.

I really enjoyed my cake.

Having 4 grandparents in the house drove me to start smoking. I was able to quit once they left.

Daddy said I was too spoiled and had to sleep outside. He did help me put up my tent though.

It's my 1st birthday!

Today was my birthday. Daddy came home early from work. I got to open a couple of presents--I have to wait until Saturday at my party to get the rest!

I got a Tennessee shirt.

I volunteered to put it on my head :)

Here is my first birthday cake. Mommy and Daddy helped me blow out the candle.

Unfortunately my pet smurf fell into the mixer.

I made such a mess that Daddy had to carry me upstairs to take a bath!

Luckily I have a the perfect suit for today!

The 4th of July

For my 1st 4th of July, Mommy, Daddy, and I went to Knoxville.

When you are a baby you can't do much to prevent a constant parade of themed outfits.

Many people are unaware of Uncle Timothy's rare physical condition that causes him to have dog like growths on his kneecaps. It was soft for a growth though.

We went to a parade for the 4th. Hurray England.

We went to see Grandpa at work. This was the most productive he has been in a month.

You see Dad, here's your problem.....

A week with family

Aunt Lola, Eden, and Ethan came to visit a few weeks ago. We had so much fun.

Ethan and I wanted Eden's food all of the time.

I decided that I didn't really like baby food anymore and prefered to eat finger foods like Ethan. Here I am eating my turkey and cheese.

Bathtime--Ethan and I liked watching the water fill up. I thought the bath was fun for about a minute and then cried and wanted to get out.

I surprised Mommy and Daddy by loving the pool.

We went to the Richmond Zoo. Daddy is helping Eden feed the giraffes. She thought that was a lot of fun.

While we were eating lunch, a chicken came by and pecked a piece of my sandwich from my hand!

I had so much fun playing with my cousins. I can't wait until I see them again!

The Maple Syrup Festival

Mommy and I went to Michigan at the end of April. We went to the Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival!

I rode the ponies for the first time.

I went on the carousel for the first time.

I saw my first parade.

We had so much fun!

I'm so proud of myself!

I am 8 1/2 months old and I took my first 2 steps today! Mommy
and Daddy were both there when I did it. A few days ago, I started standing on my own for a few seconds. Today I stood for about 25 seconds and then took my steps. Here's a picture of me standing alone. In the past week or so, I have also learned to wave, 'give 5', sign and say 'all done', and clap my hands when I'm excited or someone is cheering for me.

I like to get in cupboards. I found one that wasn't locked! I also like to get in the fridge when Mommy or Daddy opens it up.
Here I am stretching. I like to grab my finger with my hand and put them over my head. I like someone to say "stretch!"

I like to stand at the door and look outside. I watched Daddy mow the lawn the other day. Sometimes I like to lick the window (see picture!)

I can now climb the stairs. Everytime Mommy and Daddy turned around, I was at the stairs. So they had to put gates up on the top and bottom of the stairs!

Pictures

My Family Tree Needs to be Pruned

Nana and Pop came to visit at the end of January. It may look like I'm smiling because I'm happy to see them, but when this picture was taken I was passing some gas.

Mommy, Daddy, and I went to Ohio in February to visit Aunt Lola. I had to cover my mouth with my sock to keep from breathing too much Ohio air.

Grandpa and Grandma came to visit us in February. Grandpa was using me to measure shelf heights.

Knoxville

A couple of weeks ago we took a road trip to Knoxville. I had a lot of fun playing with Shadow. Here I am using my Jedi mind tricks to control him.

Here I am building with blocks, practicing to be a structural engineer like Grandpa. But when my buildings crash they don't kill 234.5 people. Don't worry Grandpa, you have a good lawyer.

We got together with Mommy's college roommates. Brooklyn and I are pointing to the baby in Amy's tummy. Good luck with those genes kiddo.

I stick everything else in my mouth so I thought I would try some popcorn.

We had a fun trip but unfortunately I found out I'm allergic to my grandparents. Thank goodness for Claratin D.

My First Christmas

It was my first Christmas and all through the house,
Ethan was crawling like a rabid little mouse
Nana was up wrapping gifts by the dozen
While Eden was having fun with her cousin



The plane flight was long
But I did not cry
Maybe next time

The peanuts I’ll try

We played basketball but Mom couldn’t dunk But it didn’t matter cause Aunt Lola stunk

We opened up gifts and I got some good things
Although I was disappointed to not get some bling

It was a good time and I can’t wait for next year
Cause I will be walking and can start to drink beer

(This is one gene pool that could use some chlorine)