Happy Fall kiddos!

Not sure exactly where the summer went but Happy Fall nonetheless! Oliver is now officially 2.5 and Elsie is dangerously close to 1...not possible. Every day is more fun than the last but I choke-up at the thought of not having diapers and bottles in our house at some point in the not-so-distant future. :(

The second half of our summer was just as busy as the first and we took full advantage of our time outdoors. We spent many days at the neighborhood parks, splash pads, the MN zoo (as Auntie Cortie says 'you guys could be tour guides'), the Como Zoo (although we rarely actually see any animals because of the rides), Cascade Bay (Oliver and Dad flipped on a tube slide), and festivals (we were regulars at the Eagan Market Fest and discovered our new favorite, Irish Fest).

We capped off the summer with a trip to the cabin with Amma, Sam, Cort, Rae & Row. This year we went to Boyd Lodge in Crosslake. The week was a bit bumpy but Oliver had the time of his life with his 'cuzins' and did all sorts of new things like fishing, making s'mores, and staying up late. I wouldn't trade the memories for the world although we admittedly left a day early!

Watching the two of you develop your relationship as siblings, friends, and challengers is absolutely priceless. Oliver is gentle and tender with Elsie 99% of the time. You call her 'stinky butt' or 'my little princess' and tantalize her by jumping around and being goofy. The other 1% of the time usually earns you a time out but that's enough said, nothing too bad so far. If I haven't already told you, Auntie Cortie zipped me up in a suitcase when I was a baby and told Amma we could buy a new baby at the store. I'm hoping Elsie escapes without a story to tell.

Our new favorite fall activity is "Open Gym" on Saturdays mornings at Elite Gymnasium. We first visited for Rowan's birthday party and Oliver was sold. You love jumping on the trampolines, playing with the foam shapes, and running around like a nut on the mats. Elsie loves it too - you get to toddle around on all sorts of fun stuff and not hurt yourself when you fall!

You are both growing like weeds and doing new things all of the time. Dad and I watch in wonder, just hoping the time will slow down and we can eek out every moment together.

Oliver is singing the ABC's now and not even missing a letter. You use a sweet singing voice and I always ask you to do it again because it's so adorable! You are also speaking in sentences now, amazing Dad and I with every complete thought you put together. You are infatuated with sports of all kids. Even when we go to huge toy stores, you pick out some sort of sports equipment each and every time. You've recently learned how to do a somersault and you call it a 'flip' which is precious. You're working on potty training although it has been a bit hit & miss. We keep a potty chart on the fridge and the stickers seem to come in waves! You and I have developed a really fun nighttime routine that I try to extend every night. We first name each & every one of your family members and friends, and say good night to them ("Daddy go ni-night," etc.) then we say "I love you more than the moon, and the sun, and the stars in the sky. I love you more than the mountains and the rivers, and the oceans, and the trees. I love you more than the whole wide world." You love it and you've been repeating it during the day when you get tired. I'm going to keep adding it and making it longer so I can enjoy our time even more! :)

Elsie is always changing and growing with each passing day. You are really coming into your own and developing the most adorable personality. You've started to communicate with crazy, high-pitched squeals with both positive and negative meanings. You've been saying "Hi" for a while and "Da-Da" too, and I could've sworn you said "Tickle-tickle" today! You've been standing up for quite a while also, and are very adept at 'couch surfing' but you are only taking 1-3 steps on your own. You started walking behind a 'pusher toy' this weekend and it's so fun to see you cover some ground! You are also clapping and you actually understand the meaning of it. You clap when you see your food, or your toys, or especially your brother. :) You love baby food and other solids like applesauce, yogurt, cheerios, etc. I'm obsessively nervous about you choking so I'm easing you in slowly! Unfortunately your new found freedom has caused you to have lots of head bumps and body spills. You have such a fun personality that you sometimes just stay laying wherever you fell and laugh at yourself. As much as I hate seeing you fall (and seeing the bruises/welts) I love when you lay there and giggle...it's infectious. You're really starting to figure out the super important things in the world too, like how to use a remote control (you hunt them down and turn to point them at the TV) and cell phones (you even use your baby monitor as a phone, hold it up to your ear, and say "hi" - priceless).

With Halloween right around the corner we went to "Zoo Boo" at Como Zoo for the first time tonight, along with Cort, Sam, Rae, Rowan, Carly, Brian, Callie, Eva, and Carter. Elsie was irresistible in her cupcake costume, although you weren't super fond of it. You were warm and stayed in the stroller (most of the time) so you were having a pretty good time. Oliver also had a blast even though you refused to interact with the employees and volunteers that were dressed-up along the route. You were an adorable lion so they were extra interested in you at the zoo, but you just weren't having it. You aren't real sure about this whole Halloween thing so Dad carried you most of the way but you sure were on your best behavior when we approached each candy stand...just as any 2.5 year old should be!

I can't wait to take you guys out trick-or-treating in the neighborhood on Monday. It's hard to believe we were just a family of 3 last year and Oliver was riding in the stroller, dressed up as a baby chicken. It's also hard to believe that we'll be celebrating Elsie's first birthday in a few, short weeks. As much as I wish I could stop time and keep you guys young forever, I also treasure every new and exciting experience that we share as a family. I feel beyond blessed to be a part of it all, and beyond proud to be your mom.

Love you more than the whole wide world,

Mom

Baby Elsie is growing up...

ELSIE HAS TEETH...finally and, yes, plural! You cut your first one on July 3rd when your cousins were staying over and it was a momentous occasion. You also cut another one yesterday, July 8th...way to go little lady!

You really are becoming a little lady with a personality to match. You are quasi-sitting up on your own and can stay seated for quite a while but it usually ends with a face plant. You light up any room with your infectious smile and squeel. You are so lovable that everyone wants to hold you but you aren't usually up for it. You definitely have a preference for Mom & Dad but you come around and grace someone else with a chance every once in a while. I secretly love it but I know it's better for you to socialize and meet your other family members!

You ADORE your brother, it's unbelievably rewarding for Dad and I to watch you two develop a friendship to last a lifetime. The other night I was putting Oliver to bed and he told me that 'baby' is his best friend...it was a moment I will never forget.

I love you both to pieces!!

Mom

Summertime!

Oliver & Elsie -

Summer is finally in full swing and the Hormanns are ready! Every day seems new in our house these days - at least once a week one of you physically looks different when you come home from a day at Mary's house. I don't know where the time has gone but my monthly posts are slowly becoming quarterly at best.

I don't want to forget all of the family outings and explorations, and all of milestones and memories. The past couple of months have been crazy busy but mostly fun...mostly.

Poor baby Elsie got really sick in early April and ended-up on a nebulizer while Dad was out of town. Most kids would be miserable and unbearable but not Elsie - you gladly sucked on/chewed on the mouthpiece and even laughed your way through one of the treatments. Your personality amazes me!

Uncle Andrew came home for his Bachelor Party and brought Auntie Vicki's brother, Tim, with him. Oliver had so much fun spending time with him in the basement and Andrew loved getting to know Elsie better. Oliver really took to Tim and repeatedly insisted that Tim come inside and play with you in the basement - priceless.

Easter was especially fun this year - Oliver really enjoyed dyeing eggs, hiding eggs, hunting for eggs, and opening eggs! You were so excited about the dyeing part that we went back for multiple dozens of eggs so you could try all sorts of combinations. It was our first real 'project' in the kitchen and I hope I never forget it. Elsie was unbelievably adorable in her Easter dress from Gamma...I wanted to parade you around town but you weren't really on board. Oh well, at least I got a cute picture!

On May 20th Mom & Dad skipped town and left you guys home for a night to celebrate Andrew & Vicki's wedding in Florida! Oliver stayed with Rae & Rowan and Elsie stayed with Ama. I can definitely say that I spent MUCH more time planning for the trip and worrying about the trip than I did actually on the trip. Needless to say, it was a beautiful wedding and I am so happy we were able to make it work.

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Rowan's 4th birthday with him at Elite Gymnastics. Oliver had the time of his life and we watched adoringly with all of the other parents. You followed directions like a champ and performed all of the 'moves' with style. I hope I never forget that either!

We've also celebrated Mother's Day (brunch at Al Baker's), Mom's birthday (at Pa's house), Dad's birthday (Oliver made a cake), and Father's Day this coming weekend! Gampa & Gamma were nice enough to come stay with you so we could stay downtown for our 6th anniversary last Saturday. We had so much fun re-living our downtown days but spent most of the time missing you guys!

We've already made a few trips to the zoo, visited the Falls, explored some new parks in the area, gone back to visit our old neighborhood park, and ventured out all over the city. I can't wait for many more busy weekends to come.

Oliver has been spending a lot of time lately playing any and every available ball game. You love baseball the most and quickly graduated from a tee to pitching, you love bowling, soccer, basketball, golf, football and pretty much anything else related to a sport. You just got a 'big boy' haircut last weekend and you look so, amazingly grown-up. I mourned your curls (o.k. I'm still mourning them) but I keep telling myself this is just your summer look.

You both have recently taken a liking for Sid the Science Kid and Dora the Explorer...lots of videos on the iPad, especially in the mornings! :)

Elsie is starting to sit on her own but hasn't yet figured out how to sit up. You are also trying so hard to crawl but it's still just a wiggle / scoot motion. No teeth yet but they're definitely on the way...your gums are starting to get white which I know is a good sign. You are still the happiest child on the planet and you have been especially cute lately in your new summer clothes. Wow, mom is having a lot of fun dressing you!

You are both the most amazing children and we love you more than you'll ever know. We both treasure every minute we have with you and can't wait until the next time.

Love you both to pieces,

Mom

Precious baby

I had to quickly post this stunning picture of our baby girl. Elsie, I'm afraid you are going to be a heartbreaker! You also met a huge milestone recently by starting to roll over last Thursday, April 7th...just 4 months old and on the move already!!!

Birthday Babies!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY OLIVER! And Happy 4 Months to Elsie!!

Wow, what an amazing two years Oliver! Whirlwind? Yes, but amazing all the same. To think we've come from the days of continuously running water to calm your screaming to our fun-filled days at the Park at MOA, Children's Museum, Minnesota Zoo, Eagan BLAST, and any other form of entertainment we can conjure up!

My poor little man, but very brave man, just endured surgery to become a happier little man. Ear tubes. I'm certain the process was harder on us than it was on you but it was traumatic to watch my 2-year-old 'baby' in such an adult world. Ugh, I cry just thinking about it. The great news is that everything went perfect and life has already improved for you. Your 'mild hearing loss' is already correcting, you're eating better, acting better, and oh yes - you're sleeping better. No more 4:30 wake-up call for Mickey in 'mama's bed' please! 3 weeks of it was plenty for us. :)

Elsie - your personality is in full bloom. You can spend 60 minutes babbling, blowing bubbles, and staring out the window. You have the most infectious smile and magnetic giggle. I want to hold you non-stop and don't want to miss a minute of it! I have a hard time sharing you, even with Dad, because I know you are the last of our clan and you are the sweetest baby ever.

We had your first in a series of photo shoots today and you made me so proud! That sounds ridiculous but you were so cooperative, patient, and insanely darling...I cannot WAIT to see the outcome. Oh, and speaking of hospital visits, I forgot to tell you about our crazy trip to the hospital with Dad when he came down with his still-mystery condition and we rushed him to the ER. The entire experience was overwhelming but your diaper 'blow-out' was epic...the nurses brought me pediatric gowns (enormous on a one-month old), wipes, etc. Needless to say we threw out everything you came with that day. Thankfully Ama appeared out of nowhere and whisked you away so we could focus on getting Dad better...unfortunately we're still focused on that...

Love you both to pieces and look forward to each and every

birthday to come. Dad and I adore you more than words could ever describe. I can't wait to watch you raise your kids and share in the joy.

You are loved,

Mom

Oh Elsie...

Elsie,

I'm hanging my head while writing this, feeling terrible that you're now THREE MONTHS OLD and I haven't posted anything about your amazing personality, your ability to sleep through ANYTHING, your hefty appetite, or your darling dimple that regularly melts my heart... Luckily I'm also the youngest child, so I can relate, and I now know why my baby book was blank and my sister convinced me that I was adopted years ago.

Let's start here...HAPPY 3 MONTHS Miss Elsie! I cannot imagine what we did before you graced our lives, I can't believe we ever complained about being busy, tired, tired, or tired. You are an amazing addition to our family and we oodle over you every day, you are the most loving and peaceful baby I have ever met. All that being said, two times the kids is five times the work and we are ExHaUsTeD!!

I was lucky enough to be home with you for 8 weeks and I wish

it never had to end. You slept like a rockstar during the day and let me catch up on my sleep from the nights (as well as some daytime TV). At night, I had you sleep inches from me in a Pack & Play but you didn't even stir when dad noisely rustled the covers...trust me, I shushed him a lot during those 8 weeks!

We were lucky enough to have your first Thanksgiving and Christmas at home with both sides of the family. You were quite a trooper for all the festivities...I'll never forget the "Santa Baby" dress that you wore to Pa's for Xmas dinner but didn't even wake for the occasion. The tights were so long that they folded over 1/2 way up your leg.

Unfortunately it's back to work and back to reality. I know you will be in such good hands with Mary and am so happy that Oliver will be there to keep you company. I already miss you and know I'll miss you every day. But I also know that our family of 4 will make the most of our time together and will enjoy every minute of it.

Happy 3 months little one!!

Welcome Elsie!

Our beloved addition to the family was born on 11/19/2010 at 4:45 p.m...WELCOME ELSIE!! Although the doctors expected you to be nearly 10 pounds, you were tiny at 7 lbs, 13 ounces and 21.5 inches long. You were so little that we didn't even have newborn clothes to fit you!

The labor and delivery was a little dicey (mom's blood pressure plummeted, I got sick during labor, and my epidural wore off) but it was much better than your brother's delivery!

Big brother Oliver has loved you since the minute he saw you. He was very excited to meet "baby" and give you a kiss...and he's given you countless kisses since then. Although he knows how to give kisses, he chooses to put his cheek against your forehead instead...absolutely priceless!!

Your Ama, Pa, and Gampa & Gamma Hormann took very good care of Oliver while mom and dad were in the hospital with Elsie. Mom gave them a very anal-retentive schedule for Oliver and, believe it or not, everything tuned out just fine despite my sleepless anxiety bouts which kept me up planning for it months ahead of time.

Welcome to our little family, Elsie, we are so glad you are here and we are so blessed to have you in our lives.

Love you both,

Mom

Change, change, change

Well little man, this very well may be the last post before your baby sister's arrival. I can barely muster up enough energy to write this one! While we're on the topic, little Miss Elsie has given mom quite the run for her money already. Not only is she measuring large and causing me to resemble a small elephant, but she has done a number on my legs. I'm now wearing compression stockings to keep my blood pumping and to keep Elsie safe and sound. My legs look like a topography map with raised veins all over...don't worry, I WILL be getting surgery some day!

We rounded out the summer with a trip up north to Hayward, Wisconsin with Ama, Cort, Sam, and your cousins. You had so much fun playing in the sand and going on your first boat ride. OK, that was a bit of an exaggeration - you were scared and crabby on the boat but you looked adorable in your life vest and you were happy if we were going fast...yes, you are your father's child! We visited a zoo while we were there and discovered your love for ducks. You chased several ducks, incessantly, to the point that they were entering other animals' habitats to take cover. You also enjoyed panning for gold, mostly because it involved water and metal pans...it took a lot of coaxing to get you out of that place!

I can't write any more without bringing up your new obsession...and I don't use that word lightly. You are absolutely, wholeheartedly OBSESSED with the big purple blob known as Barney. You are insistent that Barney be playing on the TV no matter what room we're in. The cute part is that you ask for a Barney video by pointing the TV, scrunching your nose, and relentlessly saying "Marmie." We were lucky enough to discover the obsession by accident when Mom brought home a few random DVDs from a 'mothers of multiples' sale...it's been a Barney Fest in our house non-stop ever since...I only wonder how long it will last!

You have tons of new words and I know I'll miss a lot but here's a good start...barney (marmie) - of course, cow, pig, airplane (aipane), boat, car, truck, rain, pizza, cookies, arm, chin, pee-pee, itch, and sneeze. You also say 'all done,' not only when you're done eating, etc. but when you want Dad or I to be done with something like giving you medicine, cutting your nails, making a loud noise, or vacuuming.

Learning words is now turning into learning the meanings and actions of words. You've recently starting giving kisses, standing on one foot (like the Flamingo in...what else...a Marmie video), shake your head, and mimic just about anything we do. It's hard to miss a minute with you right now because every day brings something new.

Unfortunately we've been spending the last few weekends inside, working on the house. We started with your room, then Elsie's room, and are finally onto our own bedroom. We gave Elsie our bedroom furniture (yes, she got the hand-me-downs) so we had to buy ourselves new furniture. Between our furniture and disassembling/reassembling cribs you've become quite the little helper boy. You love to bring Dad the pieces and 'help' to assemble things. You're not a big fan of the drill but I see that as a good thing since you won't go near it - one less thing for me to worry about!

Our little family of three will be changing drastically in the coming weeks so we plan to visit a Pumpkin Patch, Apple Orchard, and the Zoo before Elsie arrives and the snow starts to fly. I can't wait for you to meet your sister and grow into your new role as a big brother. It's hard to imagine life becoming even more fulfilling with a new addition - I feel so lucky to be your mom and can't wait to be Elsie's mom too!

Love you buddy,

Mom

Baby Elsie

Baby E,

This is the first post officially addressed to you and I'm just dying to finally meet you in person...lord knows my insides are very familiar with your fists and feet! The doctor tells me you are growing perfectly and everything is on track but I'm convinced you are growing quickly and will be making an early arrival...I guess we'll find out sooner than later. Attached are the ultrasound pictures from our 20-week appointment when we found out you are a beautiful little girl...I feel so, incredibly blessed!

Hot fun in the summertime!

Well Oliver, you have had quite the summer already with another month to go! I was re-reading my previous post and couldn't believe the examples I used for how quickly you are growing up...that was nothing! You are now officially a big boy in every way, and I know I won't be able to even scrape the surface but it's worth a shot.

Your vocabulary has grown by leaps and bounds and you're even becoming tri-lingual by saying 'agua, agua' every time you are thirsty and signing 'more' when you want...well...just about anything. You say other funny things like 'thanks,' 'shoes,' 'uh oh,' 'Oliver' (pronounced Allder), 'Mickey,' 'more,' and 'mine' (yes, that word rings in my ears sometimes!)

Your new favorite hobby is playing outside, particularly with the hose. In fact, we can't even enter our backyard without you running directly to the hose and then immediately to the faucet to turn it on...a little too smart for your own good! You would spend all day and night outside watering the patio, chairs, plants, Sadie, your parents, and anything else in your way. It's always a fight to head inside for the night, which usually only ceases when you're in the bathtub playing with more water. We're fairly certain you were a fish in your former life!

Water is the theme of the summer as you've spent a lot of time in your swimmer diapers...the splash pad at the zoo, the Apple Valley splash pad/fountain, Excelsior Beach, Fort Snelling Beach, and your brand new baby pool in the front yard. I've given up trying to keep you dry these days...just the beginning of mom's new theme!

You are completely obsessed with carrying pens around the house - typically 4 or 5 at a time. I finally gave up on keeping them away from you but I did smarten up by removing the ink. I realized just how smart you are when you took notice of the storage place for mom's work pens and you now stand in front of the cabinet pointing up and whining at me for more pens...and more pens...and more pens...

Car rides have become very eventful these days. You basically insist on having both a snack and a drink in your hands at all times, even if you just finished a three course meal and gallon of water. I'm not sure what that's all about but we gladly oblige and don't go anywhere without the car chock full of anything you might want. You're also back to watching your "Baby Can Read" videos in the car and are really starting to learn a lot of the words on sight.

There are a couple of other unusual activities happening in your new world and I'm sure there will be a new list tomorrow.

Your indoor activity choice of late is playing with the broom, dragging it all over the house (giving me a heart attack), occasionally sweeping Sadie or your toys, and throwing a complete fit when the broom has to go back in the closet. Taking a plastic bag out of the closet now requires discrete timing to avoid a full broom meltdown.

You also have an odd and somewhat frustrating hobby of dumping everything out of anything...the more items the better. You even seek out the bins that hold Legos, blocks, etc. and you get a lot of joy out of dumping them out in the widest possibly array. I've given up on keeping your favorite dumping items picked-up until you are fast asleep.

You are still a top notch sleeper and I am so thankful! I finally let you take your first nap with a blankie last Sunday and I must admit you slept like a rock. I tortured Dad the entire time, asking him if he thought you would be o.k. and listening to your breathing on the monitor. We'll see how this weekend goes - you might just have a new nap routine! Speaking of bedtime, we are slowly but surely working on your new bedroom to make way for your sister Elsie. We decided on a safari theme for you and a sea creature theme for your baby sister...I can't wait to see the final outcome!

It's hard to believe you're growing out of the nursery already and becoming a little man...what happened to my baby boy!!??

Love you tons,

Mom

Big brother!

Oliver David,

I cannot even believe that I'm writing this but you didn't read the title wrong....you are going to be a big brother! We've known for a few weeks but the reality has just recently set in. We are so excited to be giving you a sibling for the holidays...mom is due on Thanksgiving Day (11/25/2010).

You are really starting to become a 'big boy' these days, Mr. Independent. You no longer want to be held all the time and coddled like a baby. Instead, you would prefer that we sit back and watch you bang your head on everything in sight, step on sharp objects, and get in wrestling matches with Sadie. It is admittedly a trying time for me as a mom but I love watching you become a little man.

You are becoming quite the smart little boy too. You copy a lot of our actions like you did the other morning when I was putting a towel on my head and you immediately grabbed it from me to put it on yours. You try to put your own shoes on but they usually end up on your hands or in your food dish instead. Your vocabulary is growing by the day (mom, dad, hi, bye, ball, Sadie aka: Dee, etc.) and you're starting to really understand what we're saying to you. Just tonight we asked you to bring us a ball and you immediately found one and brought it to me and then to Dad...it was priceless. You also do other funny things like wave bye-bye and blow kisses, but usually not on queue. You're almost fully off your bottle although I'm having a hard time making you give up the night time one...your pediatrician said I lose 10 points in the mother-of-the-year contest but I decided I don't care! You love to run around like a crazy man from one end of the house to the other...no walking needed, you're always in a hurry. You sleep like a rockstar from 7-6:00 without fail and you even slept until 7:30 this past weekend...we're hoping that's a sign of things to come!

Unfortunately you've inherited mom's food issues...your favorite food groups are pizza and mac & cheese, and vegetables are immediately thrown on the floor. I guess I can't blame you for that one! :)

We've celebrated many family holidays over the past couple of months...mom's birthday, dad's birthday, mother's day, mom & dad's 5th wedding anniversary and father's day this coming weekend. Things have been very busy! Thank goodness that Ama and Pa live so close because they've been taking lots of weekend shifts so mom & dad can spend time together.

You were very lucky to spend a lot of time with your uncle Andrew & auntie-to-be Vicki this past weekend. They came over and spent all afternoon with you playing in the basement. Aside from a meltdown in the car when we picked them up, you warmed up to Andrew right away and gave him lots of hugs. I know they miss you very much and wish they could see you more.

Mom took her first overnight trip away from you a few weeks ago when I went to Cocoa Beach, Florida with 'the girls' for a few days. I was very sad to be away from you but I know it was good for me. Dad sent me lots of pictures and texts which made the trip much easier for me. Your Grandma and Grandpa came up from Iowa to help Daddy take good care of you and you all had lots of fun.

We're looking forward to a great summer ahead. We love our new neighbors and you absolutely love to play on their swingset. There are lots of zoo visits, picnics, swim dates, and vacations plans...you are quite the lucky little boy and I love you to pieces.

Here are a few semi-recent pictures of you...

Birthday boy!

Happy Belated Birthday Oliver David...I still cannot believe it has been a year (I especially can't beleive it's now actually been 13 months! :) You have grown into a young man right before our eyes...now I only call you a baby to make myself feel better (and younger) - I wish I could freeze time!

You are officially a busy-body, always looking for the next best thing. You pull up on anything & everything, stand on your own, take 5-6 steps without help (starting 4/1), and say several words including "hi" (your personal favorite), "dad," "mom," "dog," and "hey." You're fully off formula now and on whole milk...although we haven't been real good about breaking the bottle habit. We have so much fun watching you change and learn new things. Just tonight you discovered the joy of banging pots & pans together...luckily I have a new, strong migraine medicine that works wonders! :)

Since my last post, we've been on two vacations, moved out of our house, moved into a new house, had two photo sessions, and on and on....life has been incredibly busy and is just now getting back to normal. Even more importantly we celebrated your FIRST BIRTHDAY! We celebrated with lots of family and friends at our new house. The theme was Mickey Mouse because you adore the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. The video below shows you enjoying your first taste of cake. Although it was fun and cute at the time, you woke up in the middle of the night with a horrible tummy ache...lesson learned!

We visited Grandma & Grandpa at their new house in Florida in February. You were ecstatic about the pool. Everyone was in awe over how much fun you had swimming with Dad - you kicked your legs like you had been swimming for years, it was so adorable. You saw the ocean for the first time at Nokomis Beach - very close to Grandma & Grandpa's house. What a lucky little boy!

Even more amazingly, you took your first Caribbean vacation at the ripe old age of one when we traveled to St. Maarten with Grandma & Grandpa a couple of weeks ago. The weather and accommodations were unbelievable and you had a wonderful time at the beach. Although it made me very uneasy, Dad insisted that you 'swim' in the ocean, which was a fun memory in the end. Luckily you were more interested in playing in the sand with your beach toys. I've never been so exhausted returning home from a 'relaxing' vacation but I would do it all over again!

We are so proud of you and all that you've already become. You are the happiest little boy, you have a zest for life, and you make us count our blessings everyday. I can't wait to celebrate many, many more birthdays to come!