The First Year

One whole three-hundred-sixty-five-day-year. One year for Michael means six teeth, 9-month shorts cause he's too skinny for his real size, baby signing "please", "milk", "more", "all done", "food", and folding his arms for prayers all day long. He, at one point or another in his one-year existence, has said; "mom", "dad", "Ted", "Nan-nan" (Karen), "Pa" (grandpa), "Na-na" (grandma), "Bah" (ball, bum, book, bye, a number of "B" words, really), "bye-bye", "hi", and "hello".

He loves talking on the phone, reading books, trucks, brushes, his shoes, the pool, going on walks, helping dad take Ted out, everything about dad, being chased, hiding, walking, Ted, Maelyn and Tylie.

His favorite food is green beans and he loves strawberries and oranges. He is still mostly bald, although it's more of a patchy mullet these days. The "party in the back" tends to curl -sometimes- and it's pretty adorable. His lips are still to die for.

Michael Blake (little Migalito, as his father calls him) is a busy boy. He's curious and gets himself stuck a lot.

We don't have a lot of trouble with nap time or bedtime. He is a great sleeper and isn't too picky about what he'll eat. Michael is a joy to have in our home. His laugh is the greatest, and I think he gives the very best open-mouthed kisses in the whole wide world. I love his cuddles and it is so much fun to watch him try to communicate. Teaching him about the world and being able to witness him discover life is genuinely priceless.

Here's a year in pictures...