And Just Like That...

He's ONE!

We went from this:

to this:

This has been the fastest year of our lives! I am still baffled when I think that James is a year old.  There have been so many people who have been here for us this past year and we couldn't thank you all enough.  There are so many moments I wish I could just bottle up and keep forever.  

James - you are such an amazing little boy! You started off so tiny and fragile, but you sure did prove to us what a tough cookie you are! You have the most adorable smile and can light up an entire room.  Strangers will come right up to you because you love to flirt...even from far away.  You are so handsome and are really a mix of Mommy and Daddy.  You are very inquisitive and are very much an observer.  It takes you all of 2 seconds to warm up to someone and you will let anyone hold you.  The faces you make are hilarious and if you aren't sure about someone or something, we can all see it! You are very much a Mommy's boy (and Mommy loves it!).  Sometimes she even calls you her "shadow."  You babble so much and it is the cutest thing to hear you babbling in your crib in the mornings.  You will eat just about anything, but if you don't like a certain food, you will spit it out.  You are very active and we love it.  You can climb up our three flights of stairs, crawl around lightning fast, and are very close to walking.  You can clap, wave bye and hi, shake your head "no," and even use sign language to say "drink, please; more, please; all done!" You love to play with Sasha and will even throw her toys so she can fetch it.  We are still working on how to pet her and not pull her hair.  You will stop in your tracks if you hear Sasha bark or if you hear Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the TV.  You love to play with your toys and can leave a mess like no other! Bath time is a lot of fun and this summer, you loved being at the pool and especially the beach.  Goodnight Moon is still your favorite book and you will clap when Mommy opens it up to read it to you.  You sleep through the night in your crib with your two pacis and two blankies.  You take great naps and we love it when you tuck your knees underneath you while you sleep...so cute! This first year was amazing and we all learned a lot from each other.  Mommy learned how to be much more patient and I have you to thank for that.  We are so grateful to have you in our life and thank the Lord every day for you.  You are truly a blessing and a miracle.  Happy 1st birthday!

We love you so much, 

Mama and Dada