One Year Ago...

One Year Ago

(Our First Smile)

After One Year as a Family

(1,000s of smiles later)

One year ago today, we held Michael in our arms for the first time. If anyone ever wondered if God knew what he was doing, all they need to do is look at our family and see that He has a perfect plan.

Raising Michael is an exciting adventure. He has been the perfect addition to our family. This has been a wonderful year that has really flown by.

Michael has learned and done many things this year. Michael has...

1. traveled 1/2 way around the world.


2. been in 7 different airports.


3. flown on 14 planes.


4. gained 11 pounds and grown 7 inches.


5. seen many doctors.


6. had palate surgery and ear tubes put in.


7. taken speech therapy once a week.


8. learned to count to 5.


9. learned to identify many of his colors.


10. started saying 100s of words.


11. been to the beach.


12. taken trolley tours of Boston and Washington, D.C.


13. been to Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.


14. taken a trip to the National Zoo.


15. celebrated his 3rd birthday with 3 parties.


16. learned to do the Tomahawk Chop. Go Braves!


17. learned to say "ROLL TIDE."


18. learned many cute phrases, like "AWWWW MAN!"


19. made it hard to go out to dinner incognito. We get told how cute he is or he stands up and gives a big "HELLO!" to the entire restaurant. We wouldn't have it any other way!


20. had many people fall in love with him.
    
    

We have learned many things about Michael, too. Michael...

1. is fearless. He will jump off and on almost anything. I am just waiting for the words, "Hey mom! Watch this!"


2. loves to eat!


3. loves music, both playing and singing.


4. is all boy! He loves trucks, trains, planes, tractors, and construction equipment.


5. never stops, unless he is asleep. He is like the Energizer Bunny!


6. is a very happy, easygoing little boy whose smile can light up a room.


7. loves to joke and laugh. His laughter is contagious.


8. likes to figure out how things work. He will even take the keys off of your laptop if you don't watch him close enough. Just ask Papaw!


9. enjoys dancing and turning in circles.


10. likes to watch cartoons and other shows on the Disney Channel.


11. likes watching "moomies" (movies) on the tv, such as Cars, Thomas the Train, Monsters Inc., and Nemo.


12. has a favorite store. "WAL-MAR!!!"


13. loves day care, but loves being picked up in the afternoon, too.


14. will sleep in the buff if you do not put shorts over his diaper.


15. enjoys being outside.


16. loves to take a bath but does not like the shower.


17. has an arm! Watch for flying objects!


18. likes to cuddle and give hugs and kisses.


19. loves playing demolition derby with his cousin "WoWo" (Joseph).


20. knows what the word "home" means.


21. most of all has learned that he has a family and many friends that love him more than words can explain.
    
    

There are so many other things I could list, but I will stop with these. Over the last year, Michael has not only stolen our hearts, but the hearts of so many other people. Thank you all for praying for our family, showing us your love, and being a part of Michael's first year with us and his life.

Today, we celebrate our "Familyversary."

Thanks for celebrating with us!