Pure Joy.

You love a new smiling face. At this age, most infants are shy, and often scared of strangers, but you, tentative at first, give them your biggest grin, hoping for one back. When you get it, you turn your head, smirking and acting coy. It is so adorable watching you "flirt" and interact with others, I can tell that having a big family has had a positive effect on you.

You are starting to mimic me now. When I clap, you clap. When I wave, you wave. You're also starting to obey when I say "no", even though you pout tremendously. You're sneaky though, you know grinning at me will make me melt. Smart, like your father.

When I am driving home from school, I can't wait to get through the door and see you, because you always give me a huge grin, and look at me as if to say, " Hey mama, where have you been all day?" Sometimes I am sad to come home and see you are still sleeping.

On to more exciting things. Your first birthday party was Friday, and while it got started a little late, it was a blast! Your Omi was there, along with your tia anastasia, Aunt Marissa, Aunt Emily and cousin Alina, your friend Emma, and her mommy Olivia. Barry and my friend Erin were there, and my friends Kaela and Jem. One special guest was my dear friend Kalia. She was excited to come, but nervous, and I was thankful you gave her your flirt grin, because I think she relaxed a little. She was SO excited to meet your cousin Alina though, because she really wanted to hold a baby. She held Alina almost the entire time!

Anywhoo, back to the festivities. We had a pinata, cake, and barbeque. You had SO much fun, it was so neat to see you so full of pure joy. I think we need that more often ;-)

Here are some pictures. Love you, baby boy.