Graham's first birthday

Our baby's first birthday was the day after Christmas. At the last minute, we decided not to be lame parents that overlooked the occasion because it was practically on the biggest holiday of the year.

Good thing Christmas Eve meant a day off of work, because we found ourselves at Party City and the grocery store for all the supplies. I see a new Christmas Eve tradition forming. 

Then there was a hasty email to the neighbors almost apologizing for requesting their presence at 4:30 on a Wednesday the day after Christmas. Big up to them for embracing the spontaneous.

C.J. insisted nothing but a full Texas BBQ would do for his mini. Smoked brisket, beans and potato salad were served along with the inaugural cupcake.

We are so glad we did something special to mark the occasion. Graham is worth celebrating. He has brought a whole new dimension to our family. Everything we experience with him feels like the first time, he is so different from Liam.

Liam was a somber baby, Graham is smiley. Liam had a full head of hair, Graham has a wispy mullet. Liam was walking at one, Graham is still scooting. Liam was a good eater, Graham is picky. Liam was average size, Graham is big. They both have brown eyes, but Liam's are narrow and Graham's are round.

They are night and day. It's like a circus with an elephant and a tiger. Both essential under the big top, but completely different animals.

At his one year check up Graham weighed 23 lbs and 3 oz and was 29.5 inches tall. He's down on the growth charts, only 55th percentile for weight. But at 39th percentile for height he's still on the chunky side. The 18 month clothes are snug.

His head circumference is 48.5 cm or 95th percentile - yowzers that's a big noggin.

He has all eight front teeth and two molars coming in. He does a lot of pointing and jabbering, and does a vigorous head shake to tell us "no." He's not big on rocking, but he likes to be carried. He loves playing ball.

He endures a lot as the second child. Liam is often caught poking, squeezing and taunting Graham, but he loves to announce "that's my little brother!" to anyone who will listen.

We're getting used to our status as a family of four, it means more depth in our lives, more chaos in our house and more love in our hearts. Graham is our sweet baby, and we look forward to many more holiday birthday celebrations with him.

Daddy's labor of love

Son, how do you like that smoke ring?

Party time

Our baby boy is one!

Hey, what's this?

Oh wow, that's good

Is it cool if I have another one?

What is a birthday without a pinata?

Big brother giving it a try

Family pic

Am I adorable, or what?! I'm one!

Christmas in Dixie

We survived the holidays! I failed to blog about Thanksgiving, but it was a whirlwind. Four days, two kids and 1200 miles - a quick trip to Texas that was well worth it, but tiring.

So we were happy to stay in Mississippi for Christmas. C.J. had several days off of work so we enjoyed a relaxing and peaceful holiday full of family time in our new home. It was perfect.

Keeping the Merry in Christmas

Mom and Dad came for a visit from Waco. They brought lots of goodies for the kids and we went to church service, had dinner and opened presents with them the Sunday before Christmas.

They had better luck with their pic

 

Liam "helped" Graham open a lot of his gifts

MY cars

Mmm...can I eat this?

Still not crawling or walking, but now he is speed scooting

Tell brother not to touch my helicopter

Mom, can you help me fix my puzzle?

My parents headed back to Texas on Christmas Eve. After kicking the soccer ball around and playing a little baseball outside in some beautiful weather, we made a snowman.

My favorite kind, no snow required

  

Christmas morning was our family of five. It poured rain all day which was a perfect excuse to stay in our pajamas, play with toys, eat leftovers, drink egg nog, play a game of cards and watch Elf. What could be better?

No time for vanity, it's all about hugging these precious gifts

My book is pretty good, how's yours?

I like this one too

Giddy up, dino!

A new pearl-snap shirt for Daddy

Trains are my favorite...trains are my favorite...trains are my favorite

 

Hey, don't forget me, it's my first Christmas!

We are hoping everyone enjoyed their holiday as much as we did and that the peace and joy of the season continue in 2013.