1 Year Old

My baby had a birthday yesterday. It has been a whirlwind of a year for us this first year of Ryder's life. We were in a whole different world when he was born. Iowa, freezing winter, vet school... He is still our little Prince Charming.



He wasn't too interested in his cake. We were able to coax him into taking a few bites.





We love you Ryder! I want to remember you exactly how you are right now, so here is how you are!

• You are cuddly. You give sweet hugs freely, but your slobbery open mouth kisses are harder to come by.
• You aren't a big eater, but you do have some favorites. Usually you eat a couple bananas a day and your new snack of choice are veggie straws.
• You've always kept us on our toes with your sporatic sleeping habits. Currently you are sleeping through the night until about 4:30-5:30. Then you are up!
• You wave bye-bye and sign "all done".
• You say Ma-ma and Dad-dy. Not on command though, only when you want to.
• When I get you out of your crib after your nap every day you like to stop at the fish on your wall. You grin and say "sssshhh" for fish. Sometimes you just smile, look away and hide in my shoulder, too shy to say hi to the fish.
• You don't care much for your toys but you do like to empty the cupboards and drawers.
• You love to observe. As long as you are close to me, you will watch me intently and contently as I put on make-up, cook, clean or work in the yard.
• You don't walk or stand alone but you do like to climb over the barstools and up on top of the stool.
• Whenever you see something you think is really cool you stop and stare at it with a slight smile and whisper softly, "psssshhhhhpshshhh."
  
• You don't mind being dragged to the bathroom to protect your big sister from E.T.
• You hardly ever cry or complain even when your sisters are smothering you with kisses or dragging you around the house.
• When we practice walking you start giggling uncontrolably.
• You burst out laughing at the most normal things.
• You still seem like an old soul in baby body. Sometimes the way you look at us is startling, like you know something we don't.
  
• You are quick to smile and never cry. I think you are pretty much perfect. What a sweetheart! We are so lucky to have you in our family.