H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y I A N ! ! ! ! !

Yesterday we celebrated a first birthday! Little brother Ian, my sweet baby is one! I can't even believe an entire year has passed since our little guy was born. What a blessing this year has been for our family, watching a sweet, cuddly, easy newborn grow into a happy, joyful, easy baby.

This little guy is such a ray of sunshine. He is happy and full of personality! I'd say that overall, his emotions run very close to the surface, because if he's mad, everyone knows about it! Luckily, he rarely gets upset about things. Most recently, he has gotten some pretty significant control over his eyebrows. It's the funniest!! He's gotten really good at throwing out mean looks, sometimes just to be a little manipulator. It makes me laugh every time, which usually makes him giggle and laugh also. What can I say? He's Mr. Personality.

Ian continues to be a fantastic eater. He eats anything that the rest of the family eats, usually faster and with more excitement than anyone else at the table. It's good for my mommy heart! He successfully breastfed for an entire year, but the last week was spent weaning and now he is completely transitioned to sippy cups of whole milk. It was totally seamless. No fussing from Ian, no engorgement for me. We had some issues with supply for the last few months, so I couldn't be happier that I was able to nurse him up until his birthday. Truly, I am so blessed.

He hasn't taken his first few steps yet, but I feel like it should happen any day now. He is great at cruising and has started standing without support. He is clapping, waving, pointing, and I'm teaching him how to give high fives. He's saying "Mama," "Dada," "Ball," "Uh-Oh," and I've occasionally heard "night-night" and "Mauve." I saw the tiny corners of a MOLAR (what?!) this morning with 2 additional bottom teeth on the way in. Those would be numbers 9, 10, and 11.

Despite keeping up with brother's growth for most part, he's a little smaller at a year old, but not by much. At yesterday's appointment, he was 24 pounds 7 ounces and 29 3/4 inches long. He's wearing size 12-18 months, size 4 diapers and size 4 or 5 in shoes... 4's are a little small and 5's are a little large. He could be happy in a 4.5 if his cheapskate mom would buy him a half-sized pair of shoes. Haha! Overall, he's super healthy, right on the mark developmentally, and I couldn't be more blessed.

Ian Michael, I hope that on your first birthday that you know a few important things. First, that your mom and dad love you so very much. We love every little hair on your head and every sassy little part of your personality. Secondly, I hope you can always find the joy in every situation. That life is pretty fun and that laughter is good for you. Don't take yourself too seriously. Last, I hope you know that our home is full of grace and forgiveness. Your mom will fail you. I already have in many ways and in many situations. But I pray you grow to understand the grace and forgiveness that comes with knowing Jesus as Lord. You are so important, so valued, and so loved. Happy birthday sweet boy!