Happy 1st Birthday Blakely

Looking back on the past year, we have made so many new memories with Blakers as part of our family. It sure is a different experience watching your baby grow up with a big brother in the picture. Blakely has learned how to "play" in ways that are far beyond his age as well as "tricks" that his brother has taught him. Yet we are just as proud and filled with love for him and his accomplishments as we were his big brother. Jeremy and I share just as many glances and hide our laughs at the cute (and naughty) things that he does.

He loves to say "mama" more than any word. Although "uh-oh" and our monkey imitations are close behind. He can say "dada" no problem, but mostly chooses to say "mama" (stinker!). He also has the cutest wave goodbye and sometimes says "bah" to go with it. He can also catch a ball, which is kind of amazing. He is quite the walker, very confident and often refuses to take my hand, especially when we are outside and he has his own agenda for where he wants to walk (grass or mud). Our favorite is how he watches his big brother with such admiration and love and laughs at him when they are playing together.

His big birthday plans were cancelled due to double ear infections that just showed up. Instead, we played outside at the pond and had a little family party. Betty Crocker did the cake (sorry Blakely) but he didn't seem to mind! He had a great time playing with the cake and mushing the icing around on his tray while Colden watched and wondered why on earth he wasn't gobbling it all down!