1 Year Old!!

Erik is 1 year old!!  I cannot believe it.  Our daycare now calls him a "junior toddler", but I still say that he is my baby.  He is such a precious little guy and has been the best addition to our family!  Due to all the travels that we had this past month, Erik ended up having 2 separate birthday celebrations - one in Montana with Kent's parents, sister and extended family and one in Florida with our friends and Kelli's parents who were able to come down for a week.

We arrived home from Montana on Tuesday the 31st and spent the rest of the week getting unpacked, getting caught up at work and preparing for Erik's birthday party on Sunday.  On Friday, August 3, we took Erik to the pediatrician for his 1 year check-up, which included some shots.  I hate that part.  That night, Erik woke up with a fever and the seal-like croup cough.  Getting his fever down and then getting him back to sleep took up a good part of the night, so we decided to skip church and rest.  Also, we assumed the fever was a result of the shots, but just in case it was something else, we didn't want to spread more germs.  My parents arrived late Sabbath evening after their plane was delayed several hours.  Sunday morning was spent in a mad rush of chores, shopping and party preparations.  Why does it always seem that I wait until the last possible moment to do stuff?!

My recollection of the party was one of controlled chaos, but others said it was successful party.  My parents totally saved me with their willingness to help with all the chores and cooking the food for the party.  We had a light supper, pool time or indoor play time and then it was time for Erik to have Attempt #2 at a birthday cake.  I do have to say that our friends sang an absolutely beautiful rendition of the Happy Birthday song!  It might be one of the best that I've ever heard!!  Of course, I didn't take as many pictures as I intended, but I've included a few of the best from the party.

Erik with his birthday cake made by Cousin Janelle

Erik pushing Lily Fuentes - it was super cute!

In honor of Erik's first birthday, I've listed out some of my significant recollections of the past 12 months:
1. The complete & utter exhaustion that being a new parent entails
2. Our wonderful friends moving us into a new house the day after Erik is born
3. The thrill of figuring out the tricks to put a fussy baby to sleep (swaddle, sway and shushing!)
4. Seeing Erik smile for the first time
5. Learning how to make Erik giggle and then laugh outright
6. Taking Erik on his first airplane ride
7. Feeding Erik his first meal of "solids" - and then having him reject all solids for the next three months!
8.  Erik's first Christmas - and coordinating our activities around his sleeping schedule!
9. Introducing Erik to the Atlantic Ocean - and then introducing him to the Pacific Ocean 1 month later
10. Watching Erik learn how to roll over, crawl, stand and then walk with a push toy
11. Hearing Erik say Mama and Dada
12. Getting my cuddle time with Erik after his bath when he is perfectly content to snuggle and then to give me tight hugs around the neck

Erik Anton Johnson - 1 day old

Erik Anton Johnson - 12 months old