What we know about you on your FIRST birthday!

We can't believe you are ONE already.  It simply can't be true.  We have been able to experience so many of your firsts in the four short months that you've been with us, and we are so incredibly grateful for that opportunity.

We have loved you since the moment we laid eyes on you, and that love grows stronger and stronger every day.  You seem to love us just the same, and nothing makes our hearts happier.

You are quite leery of strangers and tend to furrow your brow when they make attempts to greet you.  While it takes some explaining, we are more than happy to do so because it means you know the difference between us and them.

You have many great tricks - pat-a-cake, "sooo-big", high five, "dirty looks", hilarious dance moves, etc., but you're not big on doing them on demand...no matter how hard daddy tries.

Dirty Looks.

Sooooo big!

You are a crawling machine!!  You are super fast, especially when it seems there's an escape route in sight, and seeing your dirty knees are a never-ending reminder to vacuum!  You have found your way into the dog's crate, water bowl, and kindly open the screen door for him to come into the house.  There doesn't seem to be enough baby gates in the world to contain you.

You are pulling up on everything - furniture, pant legs, the dog, the vacuum, etc.  This, unfortunately, has led to quite a few bloody lips already, and as much as it breaks your mommy's heart to see you hurt, she loves that she's the one that gets to comfort you.

You're not walking yet and really aren't even close. but considering how far you've come in such a short amount of time, we're not even the least bit concerned.  We call you "crazy legs" when you do try to walk (with help) because your legs are all over the place.

You think it is hysterical when someone pretends to chase you.

You can climb the stairs quite well, but only with supervision.

You are very persistent and won't take "no" for an answer.  This has led to great baby proofing efforts, yet every day you seem to show us something we've missed.

You have decided it's a good idea to make it difficult for us to strap you into the car seat, stroller, and high chair. Oh...little boy...it's a good thing you're so cute!

You like to dig your finger in between mommy's toes while she's in the bathroom getting ready for the day.

You can make razzberries all the way from soccer practice to home without stopping to take a breath.

You have six teeth - four on the top, two on the bottom - and you seem to have stalled out there, however, you are constantly chewing on your fingers, so maybe there will be more sooner than we think.

You say "ny-ny" (night-night), "mmmmmooooeee" (more), dada, and mama, and while daddy is convinced that you associate dada with him, mommy's not so sure.  Today, you started saying "go-go-go"! 

Everyone is still captivated by your gorgeous brown eyes.  Everyone.

You are becoming more social with friends and family members, but always make sure that mommy or daddy are close by.

Spending time with Great Grandma and Grandpa.

Hangin' out with Mr. A.

Your favorite toys are combs, an empty lotion bottle, the coasters, Gladware, and the maracas - all things that you can hold in your mouth while you crawl.

You are finally showing an attachment to a blanket.  Unfortunately, it's white.  Fortunately, it says "Jesus Loves You" on it.  You love to have this snuggled around your face when you drift off to sleep and you look for it in your sleep for comfort.  When we try to cover you up in the middle of the night, you are usually sleeping on top of it.

Your favorite sleep position is on your tummy with your bum in the air.  LOVE this.

We spend more on hair/skin products for you than anyone else in the family and not by a little bit.  But, you have beautiful, soft skin and gorgeous, well-hydrated curls to show for it.

You are not bothered by crawling on cement or grass, which is why you can sometimes be found sporting your sisters' soccer socks.

We have yet to find a food that you really don't like, although your tastes vary from day to day.  You definitely like to keep your mommy guessing.

You are still mostly sleeping 10 hours each night - 8:30 p.m.- 6:30 a.m. - and take two naps.  Your morning nap is usually about 1.5 hours and your afternoon is usually about two hours, but this is also an area that you like to keep your mommy guessing.

You are so incredibly loved and have no idea how much joy you have brought to our lives.  Having you in our family has opened our eyes and hearts to so many wonderful things in this world that we may have never noticed were it not for you.  God is going to use you mightily, Son.

Happy Ethiopian New Year!

First firepit!