Happy Birthday Walter!

Everyone's favorite baby turned one last month! How did the past year fly by so quickly?!? Walter, you've grown and learned SO much. 

We started your birthday celebrations with waffles, strawberries, and whipped cream. You're learning to love food, so you were really excited! Too bad Mom wouldn't let you touch the candle. It's my party - I'll cry if I want to. 

Presents were a pretty big hit though. The kids wrapped up various teddy bears and things they'd like you to have. Mom and Dad got you a carseat, some new clothes, and peach cups. Is it obvious that you're the sixth child? Yes. Were you sad about it? Not even a little bit! 

Gram came through with some awesome sand toys that you love! 

And Aunt Jamie found you the coolest shoes. Hopefully you learn to like those. So far, you're not a big fan. 

You loved your cake! 

Something you often try to do is share. You like to share your food, your toys, and even your binky. In fact, if we don't take something you're trying to share you get sad and cry.

You LOVE Daddy! Something unique is how well you seem to understand that you should sign with Daddy. You love to sign babble long stories to him, and he loves each one!

You also LOVE watching the big kids. You have a front row seat to so many different kids, older kids, and teenagers. They all adore you, and you adore them. What a lucky baby to grow up seeing so much of life. Almost nothing surprises you. You tend to just go with the flow. 

Of course you LOVE Mommy! You've mostly weaned yourself. In fact, you really only nurse in the evenings. If we're out of the house, you're sure to fall asleep in the carrier snuggled up by Mommy. 

You LOVE life! You're usually all smiles and giggles. You love people and are usually happy to get passed around. You love when people play with you, especially outside.

You LOVE baths and bubbles. You just learned to sign bubble and make the "ba-ba" mouth motion every time you sign it. It is so cute. 

You LOVE animals especially "Lizzy" (aka Ember the bearded dragon).  You like trying to pet Hailey and watching the chickens out the kitchen window. 

What don't you like? Mostly you just don't like being tired or hungry. You also don't like going to bed without your binky and Lamby. 

You're doing so much more every day. You're talking more. One of your favorite things to say is "I did it!" You're also signing a ton. Your favorite sign is definitely "Dada" followed closely by "I love you." 

About two weeks after your birthday you started walking! 

We honestly can't imagine our family without you. This past year with a newborn and teenagers has been a unique challenge, but it's be SO wonderful! All of us have gotten the joy of watching you learn and grow, and we all love you so much.Happy Birthday Walter!