Ellis Hay | 1 Year

***Side Note: This post is LONG overdue.  I was sitting down to write his 18 month and about had a heart attack when I realized his 12 month wasn't ever posted.  So...here it is...very, very late.***  

Weight: 21.5 lbs
Length: 31 in

Likes:  You play peek-a-boo with yourself all day long.  And by all day long I mean all day long.  You will play with anyone and everyone.  My favorite was when you played with an older lady at Joanns and she wasn't having it.  Finally you said "where-de-gah?" (where'd he go?) with your big smile and laughed at yourself enough times that the lady finally cracked a smile.

You love to read books.  Always have.  But you will sit and read to yourself over and over.  You turn the pages very fast and "read" the words all in your own little language.  It's pretty darn cute.

Your basketball hoop on the front porch.  You will chase the ball and "shoo" over and over.

Dislikes:  When we try to make you snuggle.  You really aren't into sitting still pretty much ever :)

Most vegetables.

When your puppy runs away from you.

Milestones: 

You are walking like a pro.  You took some steps a few days before your birthday, and by your birthday party you were toddling around like it was your job.  It's so fun to see you figuring out new skills.  And your little waddle walk with you butt out is probably my favorite thing ever.

Eating habits are about the same.  As long as you have cheese and bread, you are a happy camper.

You officially dropped your morning nap.  We are down to one nap, people.  At first I was not okay with this, but the more we get used to it, the more I don't mind it.  You will nap for 2.5-3.5 hours, so I really have nothing to complain about.   And it allows us a little more freedom during the day.

Words.  They are starting.  Still mostly just sounds, but you are discovering your voice more and more and it's so fun to watch.  For now, this is your vocabulary:

ball

mom

dada

woah!

Hi

Bye bye

ni-night

sta (stanley) 

moo

quack quack

woof woof

more

all done

and my absolute favorite:

 "What's that?" as you point at everything in the room and wait for an answer. 

Firsts:

Birthday.  Obviously :)  Your party was so much fun.  You are one very loved little boy.  I hope you always know that.  Your mama had big plans for a themed party with all the bells and whistles, but the pregnancy sickness kinda got in the way.  It was still a very lovely day with lots of fun details and most importantly, lots of family and friends.  You played and laughed with all your little friends, and you rocked your suspenders, handsome dude.    I'm thankful for these great pictures to help remember the joy of the day.

Ellis Hay, you are our pure joy.  God truly blessed us.  You are strong willed, completely crazy, and 100% boy.  You are silly, creative, and have the best laugh.  You can throw a fit with the best of them, but you always give your mom and dad a kiss at night that warms our hearts.  You have taught us so much.  We are so grateful for you and can't wait to continue watching you grow.  We know a whole new kind of love because of you.  Our firstborn.  Our little mister.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy.  We love you so, so much.


(all photo credit to Shultz Photography)