year check

Mr. Opinion himself let us know what he thought about his one-year check-up shots that he had to get this time!  This is the first time he has been this vocal.  It was kinda funny, actually.  He didn't really cry, there were no tears, but he made a bunch of faces and lots of noise.  I am glad that the moment is so fleeting, and just as soon as the drama started, it ended.  

Here are Big D's stats at 12 months:

27 pounds (90%)

29 1/4 inches (50%)

48 inch head circumference  (90%)

Dr. Paul was pleased with his growth and his development.  He said he is one healthy boy, and that he suspects in this next year he will stop growing OUT so quickly.  He'll get taller, but maybe loose the chubba chubba.  So, maybe the baby chubs on the thighs, legs, and wrists, as well as that big 'ol Budda belly, will all be gone before I know it.  That makes me sad!  He's so much fun to squeeze and love.  I'll just soak it all up til it fades away!

dare's first birthday

Dare's FIRST Birthday.  We had quite the turnout for his celebration!  It is a blessing to us to have so many people in our lives who love our little guy so much and wanted to be a part of his day.  

 his big sister Aislyn (the youngest of Andrea who cares for him while we work)

 cousins and friends having dinner in the backyard

 Daddy Ryan working hard on the dinner, while Mike supervises

 Papa Foutz and GrandD hanging out

Lorraine, Carmen, and Granny Foutz with Shadow

 We had overflow in the garage because the weather was not quite nice enough to be outside for the whole evening.

 Shona with Dare and Chal with Navy... TRUE LOVE

 Mike playing happy birthday for us while we sang

 He had had enough!  He wanted cleaned up, and away from the center stage!

 Amanda and Coleson

 I had commissioned my dad to make a wooden stool for Dare so he could have it in the bathroom when he gets a bit older.  He surprised us with it as a birthday present.  It is perfect!  Thanks Papa!

 Navy and Dare learning to share

 Bogey was such a good boy throughout the whole evening of chaos

 Ryan and I with The Siefert Family, Dare's second family.  They take such good care of him Monday-Thursday, and love him like their own.

 getting tired

 All the cousins watching "Frozen"

 Posing with our dear friends  The Cherrington Family

 Uncle Brett and Gramma G

 Jack Jack

 Such a big ONE year old boy!

 

Aislyn posing with her big sucker

 Gramma G and Grand D

Jaz, me, and Tara after a long party.  Dare was asleep and we were winding down before saying goodbye. 

prints i love

 

In my past life, before motherhood, I would have never taken a proud photo of this.  Dirty handprints on my stainless steel.  Not a chance.  This would be polished away in a jiffy.  But, to me, there is something so tender about those tiny prints.  It is Dare leaving me his love marks.  All over.  I'll keep them awhile.

This is my favorite.  I often have caught him doing just this.  Giving himself mirror kisses.  It is the sweetest thing.  But, it sure does leave a mess on the mirror.  And, I love it!

12 month review

It is hard to even believe that all this has happened! It does not seem possible that we can have a 1 year old child!  But, here is the proof! 

Days 1-3 of Dare with us.

It is amazing how in just one months time these past 12, how much he changes for each photo!

one whole year

Our beautiful baby boy is O.N.E.

He has grown so much, and so have his parents.  

He has taught us more love, more unity, more selflessness, more patience, more compassion.  He has given us reason. He has given us happiness.  He has given us purpose. He has filled us up.  

And, this is just the beginning.