We had David's birthday party today!! It was SO much fun! David had the best time opening presents, eating cake, and visiting with family and friends.

It was a puppy dog themed party and I made both of these cakes. The smallest one was for David to dig into all by himself.

1 year check-up

David went for his 1 year check-up today. While waiting for the doctor, in the same room we were in for our 1 week check-up, I couldn't believe a year had passes. (Neither could a few of the nurses!) One year ago I couldn't imagine David would ever be walking all over the room, pulling toys off the shelves, and babbling loud enough for everyone to hear. But, there he was- a perfectly developing little boy waiting to see the doctor because he's ONE. He weighed in officially at 22lbs. 4oz. (50th%) and is 31 1/2 inches long (90th%). A tall, skinny, healthy boy. The doctor was very pleased with his physical and mental development, sleeping habits, and eating habits. The bad news was that David got two shots and his finger pricked! I held him while the nurse put one shot (MMR) in his left arm and the other shot (Chicken Pox) in his right. He screamed as soon as the first needle penetrated his delicate skin. He cried harder than I have ever heard him cry. It broke my heart. Then, the worst part- the finger prick. The nurse had the tinniest vial to fill with David's blood, but it seemed like forever before she had enough. David would look at me with an expression that said, "Why is this happening to me, Mama?!" When it was all over, I sat down and held him close until he stopped crying. I wanted to cry too.

David's 1st Birthday!

I can't believe we celebrated David's 1st birthday today. The past year has flown by faster than any other.

David wore his "Birthday Boy" shirt and bib (when necessary) all day long so everyone would know it was his birthday.

After breakfast, we went strawberry picking with our friends Dr. Allison and son Connor before it got too hot and humid. David had a GREAT time! At first he didn't understand what we were doing, but when Ryan gave him a bite of a fresh, juicy strawberry it was all over. All he wanted to do was pick them (even if they weren't ripe at all) right off the vine and eat the entire strawberry. At one point he dumped out a full bucket of strawberries and started eating them as fast as he could.

Later in the day, David opened a few presents from Ryan and I and we read him cards lots of sweet people sent him. He was more interested in the gifts than I expected and had a fun time breaking in a few new toys and a pair of shoes, which he knew go on his feet!

Then this evening David blew out his candle (the same candle holder that Ryan had on his first birthday) and enjoyed an entire cupcake all to himself!

Happy birthday, my sweet boy. Your Mama and Daddy love you more than you will ever know.

On the eve of David's first birthday, I find myself thanking God for this precious gift He gave me even more. He is my curious, sweet, slightly stubborn, outdoor loving, little boy. I will never know what I did to deserve him.

David is really walking well these days. He chooses it over crawling most of the time.

HAPPY EASTER! and HAPPY 87th BIRTHDAY, Great-Granddaddy!

David had a fun-packed first Easter! He slept in this morning, so we didn't have time to check out what the Easter Bunny brought before we left, but he did bring some good stuff, see:

We started our day-long holiday fun at Twinkle and Boscoe's house where we celebrated both Easter and David's great-grandfather Abercrombie's 87th birthday with family!

We then headed back to Ma and Big Daddy's to check out the fun toys and a little bit of candy in that Easter basket, hunt eggs with cousins, and visit with family.

(how about that face?!)

What a fantastic day David and I had! The stay-at-home mom's play group I am in had a super fun Easter party.

First, we colored some eggs.

Then, we were off to hunt for eggs.

There were 130 eggs hidden and David found 8. Of course, he didn't totally understand the purpose. But, I would point one out, he would pick it up, check how it tasted, give it a shake, and then put it in his basket (with a little encouragement from me).He also spent a lot of time interested in the grass, pine straw, and all the car's tires. As long as he was having fun...

Next, David took inventory of his finds with his friends.

Just looking handsome, as usual.

Last week Ryan had to make a trip to the mall and happened to notice that the Easter Bunny was there! So, David went to visit with him today. From a distance, David was very interested in what he thought was just a giant, stuffed animal. David was pointing at him and wanted to get down and walk towards him. When he got right up to him the cute bunny lifted his hand to wave to David and it startled him- he didn't know the Bunny could move! David turned the other way and put the death-grip on my arms. I tried to show David how soft and nice the Easter bunny was, but he was no longer interested. He was terrified. I told the photographer to get ready and I sat David in the Easter Bunny's lap. This was the best shot she could get (it was between screams). I'm not surprise David reacted like this. I was really in shock that he even gave the Easter Bunny a chance. Maybe next year it will go a little smoother.

David and Bogie's BIG News

Yes, you read that right. David and Bogie are going to be big brothers! We're all very excited to be adding to our family. Ryan and I are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude that the Lord has blessed us with another precious child to raise and love. The four of us are looking forward to meeting our new addition in early October!

David can learn things very easily all of a sudden. I taught him what a dog says the other day in just a few minutes.

He also LOVES to dance, in his own, special way.

Today, David (and Bogie) supervised Ryan while he tilled the garden. While working, Ryan found a small Brown snake and David touched it! Our dear, sweet neighbors brought over a birthday present for David while we were outside.

David is finally getting over his cold. He didn't need his nose wiped all day today, which we were both excited about!

Happy Birthday, Twinkle!

This afternoon we celebrated David's Twinkle's birthday. He helped her blow out the candles and even gave her a sweet birthday kiss.

He also got to visit with his great-grandparents Abercrombie after the festivities. He had a great time showing them how fast he can crawl and how he is learning to walk.

David also received a fun gift from his Aunt Nicole and (soon-to-be) Uncle Michael. Since he is going to be the ring bearer in their wedding next month, they gave him this precious camo shirt. Now everyone will know exactly what his job is!