Scott hadn't left for work yet when Joseph woke up, so his first birthday treat was waking up to daddy! But first things first: you must insert the binkie before the festivities can begin.
The boys and I did a little decorating for the occasion. Mostly I blew up balloons and wound crepe paper around everything, while they followed behind and tore it down. I guess it all became part of the entertainment.
Here Ian was sneaking a peak at Joseph's presents.
Ian wanted to help open the presents, but tried so hard to let Joseph do it. Joseph hadn't the slightest interest in doing it however.
Scott hit a homerun when he picked out this school bus. Joseph loved it, and perhaps Joseph may even get a turn playing with it. Eventually.
A remarkable thing has happened in the weeks since Joseph's birthday -- Ian seems to respect and appreciate Joseph now that Joseph has cool toys of his own to trade.
Joseph starting eating before we even blew out the candle. Unlike his big brother who ate nothing but homemade babyfood and milk until his first birthday, this kid is no stranger to sweet treats and knew just what to do! (Sadly, I can't figure out how to post video in the new blogger editor. Does anyone know how to switch back to the old editor?)
Pausing to reflect on aging.
Arriving at the point where the thought of eating more makes him gag.
Raise your hand if you are ready for a bath!
The aftermath.
The party animal is now all ready for bed.
We had lots of fun celebrating Joseph's first birthday. I was so glad we decided to come home from New Orleans a day early so he wouldn't wake up to his birthday in a hotel bathroom, and then spend the rest of it in a car.
Joseph is a joy to have in our family. Those first few fussy, acid-refluxy months gave no indication of who our little Joseph truly was. He has grown into an energetic and affectionate, easy-going little buddy. He is so engaging and loves to look people in the eye. He frequently crawls into my lap in order to lay his head on my shoulder for a moment before running off to do something else. He greets strangers with "Hi!" and an enthusiastic wave. He sleeps 12 hours every night and loves to take a nap. His blanket and binkie are his constant sidekicks. He adores his big brother and puts up with a lot of shoving in order to be Ian's shadow. He seems to be so aware of his body and can make it function how he wants it too, as evidenced by rolling at 2 months, crawling at less then 6 months, and walking at 9 months! He can also sit on a chair for extended periods of time while coloring or using (eating) playdough.
So far he says "Daddy, dada, mamma, banana (nan-nana), Ian (Eeeee), hi (eye!) and cheese (eeeze!)
We are so glad he is ours!
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