"Time Flies When You're Having Fun": One Year Ago...

While I bake a cake for the first of three birthday celebrations we'll be having this month, I am reminded of the events of a year ago.

This week marks the end of Nathan's first year, and what a year it has been! I struggle to wrap my mind around the fact that Nathan is officially now a toddler! He brings so much fun and joy into our lives on a daily basis! God is so good, and we are so unbelievably blessed! Here's a quick look back at where we were a year ago:

I was as big as a house, and so ready to meet my little man! Unfortunately, we had not decided on a name. Technically, he had a middle name, but no first name. In fact, we were still debating this while I was laid up in the hospital bed. After 14 hours of labor, I ended up having to have a C-section because this sucker's head was too big!

And it wasn't until I was in the recovery room that the official call was made. The coversation went something like this:

Dr. Duniho (while on the telephone with the nursery): "Hey, Brooke! He was almost a full pound bigger than Bailee...8 lbs. 3 oz!!"

Me (still groggy from the drugs): "Has Patrick named him?"

Dr. D: "Not that I know of."

Me: "Tell them his name is Nathan."

It was a long day, but in the end we had a beautiful, healthy baby boy. We all had some adjusting to do, but I wouldn't change a thing. He is such a wonderful addition to our family!!!

Fast forward to today.

He is all over the place! Walking, crawling, whatever he can do to get into whatever he's not supposed to!
He is sleeping better now, thankfully! (Hopefully that won't jinx things for me!!!)
He just cackles at his sister. They play very well together, and as a Mom, that's such a blessing!!!
He and Beau are partners in crime. I often have to scold both of them for sharing food. At the moment, I am handing Cheerios to Nathan, but I'm pretty sure half are winding up on the floor for the dog. But if that's the biggest problem we have, I can handle it! (Plus, it's really cute!)
He has the cutest smile and just one look at him, causes a smile to spread across my face.
He is discovering everything. And so proud of himself when he does something new. So CUTE!
He has a temper on him, and will holler if you don't feed him ON THE SPOT! Meal times can be a struggle as I try to get the spoon to his mouth fast enough. And he eats non-stop. I am afraid to think what our grocery bill will be like in a few years!!!
He is talking all the time. Favorite words include: "Mama," "Dada," "BoBo," and "nana" (for banana). I can't wait to hear him say Bailee's name for the first time!!! But I'm sure this time next year, he'll be chattering up a storm!