Happy Birthday, Nate Man!

We made it!  Nate's first year of life was a bit rocky for him (and me), but we did it.  :)    For me, the baby stage (0-1) is wonderful in some ways, but also a lot of stress and worry.  I am happy we made it through, and excited to enter this year of his life.  

Special accomplishments, characteristics, and preferences: He stomps his foot to a song we sing together.  He can climb onto the kitchen chairs (Yikes!).  He occasionally says "Nate," though we don't really know if he's saying it on purpose.  He loves to growl.  :)   He LOVES water and bath time.  He loves to eat cheese and fruit.  He likes to do a bouncy dance.  It's very cute!   He's able to fall asleep by himself, and wakes up about 1 time each night (but sometimes none at all!).  He eats mostly regular food. 

So, here are some of his birthday pictures.  Our camera ran out of battery, and I sure didn't take as many pictures as Camden.   And, the kid rarely holds still long enough to get a decent picture. Bummer.  I'll update with his weight and height stats after his dr. appointment tomorrow.  My guess is that he's 20-ish pounds and 29.5 inches tall.  (Actually, he's barely 18 lbs--4th percentile and 30.5 inches tall--73rd percentile.)   

One more update--about 6 weeks ago, his little finger was crushed in the hinge side of a heavy door.  It swelled a little, but he didn't favor it.  I watched it for a few days, but it didn't seem to be painful.  A few weeks ago, his nail started growing discolored and bumpy.  Yesterday, it separated from his finger, with only a tiny part to hold it on.  His doctor recommended leaving it on unless it started catching on things--which it did.  So, tonight I clipped his fingernail off.  I sure hope it grows back! It's all wrapped up to keep his little finger protected.  

His first bad crash--into the corner of a wall.  We are very glad we got pictures taken the night before.  His second bad crash was today, but it wasn't as bad as the first. 

Birthday cake.  Even red gel dye looks pink if you don't use enough. 

No, I didn't use shredded cheese.  It's coconut and a little yellow food coloring.

We racked our brains trying to figure out what Nate would like for his birthday.  He loves to hold things--spoons, toothbrushes, broom handles, anything long and skinny.  Brian thought of golf clubs.  Perfect! (Though I can foresee the clubs being used as battle weapons against Camden's sword.)

Little goofball!

 Playing in Nate's bed

 Where'd it go?

Yummy! (No balloons were popped by teeth, don't worry)

Happy birthday, big guy!