Catching up...

We have had a very hectic few weeks. I have not been able to post an update that includes pictures from out New Hampshire trip. However, you can catch all of the events of our vacation on my mom's blog at http://dryanramblings.blogspot.com/.

On July 8, Michael and I flew to Alabama. My aunt Jimmie's funeral was on July 9. While we were there, we were also able to spend time with family. Michael got spoiled rotten as usual. My best friend Gennifer and her little girl MG stopped by for a visit while we were there. My birthday was July 11 and I was able to celebrate with my mom, dad, grandparents, 3 of my uncles, and some of my cousins. I cannot remember the last time I was in Alabama for my birthday. We returned home on July 12. One of Michael's favorite parts of the trip was riding the planes. Everyday since then he has told me "clouds mommy! Up Up Plane!"

Since coming home, we have been busy with work and school. This past weekend we decided to convert Michael's crib into a big boy bed. While Bill worked on that, I took Michael to the Children's Museum to meet Spiderman. At first, he wasn't quite sure of the red arachnid like creature standing on two legs. After a couple of minutes, he warmed up to him enough to get a quick picture. When we got home, we had lunch. Then, we surprised Michael with his "big boy" bed and rug. He giggled and grinned. He just loved it! We ended the day at a friend's pool. Michael is fearless and will go down the waterslide or jump off the edge. You have to keep your eye on him! That evening we had dinner and Michael was happy to go to sleep in his "big boy" bed.

Here are some new pictures:

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!

Birthday Celebrations

Although Michael's birthday was not until July 1, we had a couple of early parties for him. We would be on vacation for the actual day of his birthday.

On June 20th, we had a Cars birthday party for Michael at the pavilion at church. It was a very hot day (the hottest day of the year), but we all had a lot of fun. It was all worth it to see Michael's face when he finally figured out that the party was for him.

On June 26th, we had an "upake" party for him at daycare. Mommy did not think about how messy red and blue cupcakes would be until after they were all over the kids faces, hands, arms, etc.

Please check back in a few days for an update on our trip to New Hampshire and Michael's birthday celebration there.

Here are pictures from his Cars party and his "upake" party:

On Vacation

I haven't had a chance to update the blog lately. We are on vacation in New Hampshire. Check out my mom's blog for the most recent update. It is dryanramblings.blogspot.com.

I hope to update this weekend after we get home. Have a great 4th of July.