12 months old

This is a bit late but here are Elijah’s 12 month pictures with the monkey.  He is more mobile everyday and taking a few unassisted steps here and there.  He is saying a few words, mama, dada, duck (guck), dog (gah), book (kah).  He mostly says the second syllable of the word. He loves to read books and turn the pages.  The Spot books are a big hit right now b/c of the flip up parts.  He loves to open and close things and to turn off light switches.   He still loves to drum and pound on the piano and loves it when Aaron plays the guitar.  He likes to pound on the side while he plays.  He LOVES dogs, especially Plato and likes to pull on his ears when he gets the chance.  He is starting to notice other animals when we are out on walks, squirrels, bunnies, birds. Ducks are his favorite toy animal, we haven’t come across any real ducks yet.

First Birthday Bash

We celebrated Elijah’s First Birthday in Kansas City on May 8th at my parents house.  Here is the birthday boy with his Great Grandma Carol at the party.

The gift table.

With Great Grandma Gladys

Time to open presents.  Baby’s first cell phone from Grandma Rene (who works for Sprint 🙂

Helping to open the presents.

A puppy puppet knitted by Grandma Janet.

This is the birthday pillow I made for him it came with a matching blankie.

This is just a funny picture.

And here is the party cake I made.  It was a labor of love.  Top tier was banana cake with vanilla buttercream. Bottom tier chocolate with strawberry buttercream.

This was Elijah’s very own birthday cake in the shape of a piano.  He loves to play the piano!  His was vegan banana with vegan vanilla buttercream

I had to blow the candle out quickly before he touched it.  Those fingers are quick!

Trying to play the piano, unfortunately it didn’t make any sounds.

The fondant was so thick he couldn’t really make a dent, so we flipped the cake.

After a little help he had a nice mess to play in.

He never really tried to eat it.  He just picked up pieces and squeezed them really hard.

This is about as messy as he got.

Here is the family by Elijah’s tree we planted last summer.  We actually thought it had died but sure enough there were leaves sprouting!!

Birthday boy and Grandma Janet

Me and my big boy.

Me and my big boy on Mother’s Day!

Me, and my mom and Elijah on Monther’s Day.  Love you Mama!

I can’t believe it has been a year.  But what an incredible year it has been.  I’ve enjoyed every minute watching him grow and learn.  I remember meeting him for the first time like it was yesterday.  My teeny baby boy in my arms.  Here we are on our first night together a year ago.