Our ONE year old!

It truly takes my breath away to think about my baby as a ONE year old and to reflect on all the change in just a year's time. We had no baby and led easy lives, then we had a baby and everything got complicated and wonderful. Luke is such a joy. He continues to be a very happy, social boy, smiling ALL the time. His sweet personality is complemented by his stubborn will. I said from the beginning he wants what he wants when he wants it and that has not changed. It will now be our job to smooth the edges without stifling the spirit. Piece of cake, right? Oh, boy....what a huge task! I am overwhelmed by the fact that the God of all creation chose us to parent this special little one.

Here are our 12 month updates:

• Weight: 23 lbs, 4 oz, 60th percentile (that's right, he's skinnied down a bit)
• Height: 30 1/4 inches, 55th percentile
• Head Circumference: 50th percentile
• Wears 12 month and 12-18 mo sizes
• Still in size 4 Huggies organic diapers
• Very light blonde hair, hazel eyes
• Right handed
• 4 teeth and a 5th almost through
• ALMOST fully walking. Takes up to 5 steps before falling!
• Can climb into and over things
• Favorite play things: pots and pans, anything in the kitchen or bathroom cabinets, his Fisher Price Laugh 'n Learn house, blocks, Alphabet riding train, V-Tech Learning Walker, this toy where you drop balls in the top and watch them spiral down to the bottom, his little workbench and hammer
• A bit of a picky eater. I try to be creative to ensure he gets a variety of veggies and meats. Loves all fruits pureed, but has a texture issue and doesn't always like them diced. Same with carrots -- loves them pureed, but not diced. Hoping this phase passes soon. But he LOVES blueberries and cheese. Loves them. Could eat them all day. Also enjoys bananas, strawberry applesauce, black/pinto beans, whole wheat waffles, whole wheat pancakes and scrambled eggs. So I say he is picky, but I think we are making progress, too.
• A new development is his sudden awareness of his surroundings. The child who used to be happy with anyone anywhere has started to realize that new surroundings and new people are a bit unsettling at first. He cried all during our 12 mo check-up and he has never done that before. 
• Most definitely a toddler now and not a baby. This one is a mixed blessing. He is SO much fun to play with, but will never completely fit in my arms again. I love my toddler, but I miss my baby!

Peek-a-boo is probably his favorite game.

Banging pots and pans is a close second!

Happy boy!

Banging on the chair is so much fun!

Our handsome ONE YEAR OLD!

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of this sweet child!

On to Year Two!