Big Boy Things

Now that Danny is 1 year old, he's on to bigger and better things. Having loved the bath since day 1, he greatly enjoys splashing around in water. Hence, a nakey boy and a bucket of water is how mama gets a workout in some days...

He also got a new baby pool for the beach from Uncle Colin and Nana, but still isn't convinced he likes to be submerged outside of a bathtub. Happy Danny picture in the pool to come with time...

Also new for his birthday, a classic horse rocker from Nana and an awesome bike trailer from Grandma!

Matt and Kari's Wedding

Saturday was Matt and Kari's beautiful wedding by the New River in Green Valley, where coincidentally they both grew up. It was so heartwarming to see our sweet friends so happy and in love.

Danny's first wedding date - Gemma Henson (10 months)...

Additional pics "borrowed" from Kari and Chris' Facebook uploads...

Ceremony

Happy couple

Garrett as the officiant

Honorary ring bearer

Our sweet family

Danny's 1st Mountain Hikes

While in Boone this past weekend, we took Danny on his first mountain hikes.

First up, Table Rock on Daddy's back...

Next, Big Lost Cove on Daddy's chest...

Splish Splash

Airing Out

Danny recently got his first case of diaper rash and it was not pretty! Poor guy's tush looked like it was just raw. In addition to loading up on the butt paste, we let him air out sans diaper after his tubby. He thought it was beyond entertaining to crawl away from us in his "cape"...

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

One of Danny's birthday presents from us was a year long pass to the Children's Museum in downtown Wilmington, so yesterday Jimmy left work a little early to meet us there to explore the place together for the first time. It has a toddler treehouse room with a slide and lots of mats for Danny to just crawl, and eventually walk, all over without getting hurt. He loved it!

There is also an adorable little art room, a pirate ship and another little toy boat, a space room, fake grocery store, teddy bear hospital, science room and more!

Pooped

We had big plans to have a nice dinner downtown, but it was raining, so we headed back to the island and went to our usual Mexican joint instead and Danny got his first taste of dessert in the form of flan. You've got to see the video below...

Happy 1st Birthday Danny!

At this exact moment (10:56am), 1 year ago, our lives changed forever with the arrival of the sweetest, most handsome, silly and loving baby boy.

In retrospect, it was an eventful birth that ended in heavy tears of happiness and relief. In the beginning, every day was a new adventure. He has since tried our patience, claimed my body (and this blog) as his own, made "free time" and "date nights" a thing of the past. Though we officially took on our new roles the moment Danny was born, it was this year of trials, tribulations and more moments of sheer joy than we can count, that have molded us into who we are today. Jimmy is now dada and I am now mama.

Danny, 
We are more in love with you than you could ever know and just so proud to be your parents. Though (I am) admittedly a little sad that you're already 1 year old, we can't wait to see what a wonderful little boy and man you will become. Thank you for brightening every day. Happy 1st Birthday sweet boy!

Love, 
Mama & Dada

Weight: Doctors appointment two weeks ago had him weighing in at 19.6 lbs.

Words: Dada, for everything, though we can coax out the occasional mama.

Likes: Throwing things just to see where they go, playing on the beach, destroying his toy areas/baskets (ie. taking everything out), eating, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, iPhones and remote controllers, baths, reading books, daddy throwing him in the air, dancing with Nana, helping mommy upload the dishwasher and do other "chores, shutting doors and so much more!

Dislikes: Boat wake and sea spray, the end of meals, child-locked cabinets, when daddy leaves for work, tomatoes...

Sleeping: Same old, same old. Sleeps great at night, but remains a little finicky at naps. We have had a couple marathon naps which have been great.

Eating: ...almost everything these days. Holding off on eggs and cows milk until our 12 month appointment next week and still not doing peanut butter yet, but other than, he eats nearly everything. His newest favorites include watermelon, zucchini and squash, asparagus and pork tenderloin. Also talking to the doctor next week about the process of weaning Danny from nursing. Cheers to new phases!

Teeth: 2 on top and 3 on the bottom. Just bit me when I tried to feel for more ;)