James turns 1 years old

For James birthday we kept it simple and had my parents, Richard's parents, and Andrew and Abby over for pizza and cake.  Poor boy wasn't feeling good at the beginning of the night (and did end up getting sick over the next few days).  He even snuggled me on my chest for about 15 minutes before the party started.  And this boys is not a snuggler, unless we steal the snuggles after his bottle before lying him down in his crib.  But once everyone arrived and he had some pizza he perked up and was the perfect, happy birthday boy.  He would stop and smile every time someone took a picture of him.  And then he got so used to the flash on the camera, that he started squinting every time as he cheesed.  After presents we watched the one year video I stayed up late making with videos from his first year.  It was wonderful to have a night dedicated to our sweet James, where everyone was falling all over him, including his big brother who loves him so much. Lucky boy!

12 things to remember about James at 12 months old:

1. Still taking 2 naps
2. Loves music (especially Shake it off by Taylor Swift, I mean who doesn't) and starts bouncing immediately when he hears anything musical
3. Signs all done, waves bye bye (and can always tell when goodbyes are about to happen when we start putting coats on, etc.), claps, and shakes his head
4. Standing on his own but not walking yet (unless with the walker)
5. Very good at throwing a ball and playing catch
6. Loves baths, my portable speaker, his bottle, his mobile, and especially his bunny.  Oh does he love bunny and sucking on his ears.  
7. Stopped wanting his pacifier months ago, quite unlike his big brother
8. Has one year molars, along with a mouthful of teeth
9. Strong and amazing core muscles that make diaper changes almost impossible
10. Knows what he wants
11. Loves to be held by mommy
12. Tough and resilient due to a loving but rough older brother

I love my James so much.  He is a joy and makes us laugh and smile from his cuteness every day.  I love hearing him belly laugh with his big brother, his dancing, and his yummy baby smell. 

My one year video of James

Pictures from his birthday party...

He loves pizza, and it's easy

He would not stop cheesing it up for the camera

Cheese!

Oh another camera?  I'll look at it too!

His present from Diane and Ron back in Connecticut.  

Love at first sight

The birthday cake I always make.  Not too creative around here.

Then he started squinting because he expected the flash of the camera

This boy is loved

Miles was so excited and happy for James on his birthday

There ya go!