Charlie The One Year Old

It happened.
I can't believe it, but it definitely happened.
Charlie is O N E !
A  whole year.
It just sneaks up on ya, those big milestones!

It has been quite a year, full of wonderfully wonderful moments and scary, sad ones. 

I am beyond thankful that God has blessed us with a whole year with this guy. 

He is... oh he is just too much for words. 

A Quick One Year Update:

• 4 Teeth (2 more just about pushed through!) 
• Crawling, climbing, pulling up to stand. 
• Making lots of funny sounds with his mouth. 
• Learned to drink from a sippy-cup and only nurses twice a day now. 
• Waves "hi" and "bye". Gives a high-five, blows kisses and claps. 
• Loves Peek-A-Boo. Like REALLY loves it - it is by far his favorite activity. 
• Favorite foods: Banana (Most fruit, really) and ham.
• Still loves to giggle and cuddle. Is so, so ticklish! 
• Loves to play in water! He is a fish and has NO sense of danger when it comes to the water! 
• Favorite toys: Balls, things that light up/make sound, things he can empty (like my laundry baskets, pantry, dresser-drawers etc.) and he loves to open and close things repeatedly. 
• Charlie got molds made for some leg braces to help strengthen his muscles to allow him to stand and walk appropriately. 
• And we now know, after his first birthday party, that he does indeed like cake.

We had a fun little 1st Birthday Party for him this past Saturday. 

I was so glad that all of his cousins could be there! It was quite the circus of kids, but loads of fun! Tante, Elsie and his BFF Jack were able to make it as well! What a joy! 

The Boy could not take his eyes off that cake - it's like he knew.

He may have been a little unsure about that first bite of whipped icing... but it only took a moment to realize that it.was.good!

    He's an efficient little guy. 

Big sister had been patiently waiting for cake ALL day - and then Charlie gets it before anyone and we all just have to watch? What is this insanity!

The aftermath...

It was a sweet day of celebration! 

We are so thankful for this little boy - who I guess I can't call my baby, now that he's entering into toddler territory. The Lord has been so good to us and this little boy is proof. What a gift. 

Dearest Charlie, 

   You have filled this past year with so much joy. God has used you in numerous ways to teach, refine and challenge us. But he has also used you to cheer, comfort and display his goodness. We are so, beyond words, thankful to have you in our life. We are praying for many, many, many more years to enjoy your sweet personality and gentle spirit. We love to watch you play with Lucy and how much you love her attention. We love to make you laugh as we tickle you and play peek-a-boo. I love how you hold my finger for comfort and the way you suck your thumb as you sleep. I never want to forget what it feels like to have your head tucked into my neck when you're sleepy. I wish I could keep you right here at this stage forever - but then again, I don't want to miss all the memories and experiences that are to come. We pray for you, sweet boy. I pray your sweet little ears would hear the truth and know it as such. I pray your eyes would be kept pure and see others as Christ sees them. I pray your mouth would speak truth always and with kindness.  I pray your hands would do good work and be used to serve.  I pray your heart and mind would know your Lord and Creator and love Him. I pray your feet would go, in obedience, wherever He sends you. You are a treasure, sweet Charlie.

Love, 

Mom and Dad