A Woodland Campout 1st Birthday

Caleb's nursery is a woodland theme and he has a fall birthday, so I thought it would be a fun theme to use for his birthday party.  It was perfect because all of the fall decorations were out at Dollar Tree and on sale at Hobby Lobby.  It was also a campout theme so we grilled hotdogs and had other camping snacks.  I was so happy with how it all came together!

These acorns turned out so cute and were super easy to make.

Woodland animal ears

These LED flashlights from Dollar Tree were a hit.

Sweet little Maggie in the tent.

I was so glad so many kids played in it during the party.

Thankfully the rain stayed away for most of the party so we could enjoy our backyard.

Caleb woke up from his nap after the party started and came downstairs to a room full of people.  He was really clingy for the first 30 minutes or so, but after he warmed up he was all over the place and having a great time interacting with everyone. 

He had no hesitations with his cupcake and happily ate the whole thing.

Most of the kids at the party, just missing Emma, Isaac and Aiden.  I'm so thankful we have so many friends with little boys for Caleb to grow up with since he gets a lot of girl time at home.

Being silly with our neighbors at the end of the party.

12 Months!

As much as I wanted to keep it from happening, my little boy turned ONE!  As the girls like to tell me, "that is how God designed us and he is supposed to grow up so he can be a daddy one day".  I know, I know and I'm going to treasure that day when it comes...for now, I'm soaking up these little years.  

Holding up a ONE on your last day as an 11 month old.

 

 Within one week, three different people - your pediatrician, an elderly man on an airplane and your Uncle Billy - said you had such a "sweet/good temperment".  You really do and I have even thought that if I could clone you, I would have one more baby. HA!  You are pretty content most of the time, you are curious and exploratory, but not too hyper, you make noises and squeal, but don't shriek, you pound and bang, but don't break things, you are just a delight.

 You are our only baby who will sit still in our laps for long periods of time.  Daddy LOVES that you will just chill in the recliner with him and watch football.  It has become a Sat. afternoon tradition already.

 

 You rode on an airplane for the first time and stayed awake and active during the entire almost 3 hour flight.  You were loving all the attention and seeing all the new faces around you.

 

 Since Anna had been in school, I've been able to see you and Haven's friendship grow as your interactions have increased.  If this picture is any indication, you are going to grow up to be such a patient and loving man...bless your heart! :) 

 

  You are still finding new things to get into everyday and your reach is getting longer!

 The biggest news is that you started walking this month!!!  At about 11.5 months you began to let go and take a step then stumble.  A few days before your birthday you were taking a few steps at a time.  By one week after your birthday, you were walking more than crawling.

On your last night as an 11 month old, you were fussy when I laid you down in your crib.  I decided to get you out and just rock you until you fell asleep in my arms.  I reflected over the last year and thanked God for all of it.  I was praying for you and I asked God to help me not just have the desire to pray prayers of safety and protection over you.  I felt like He told me to pray Hebrews 12:1 for you so that you would run the race set before you and that you would KEEP RUNNING.  My Caleb, as you run, mommy will always be there cheering you on!  

11 Months!

 

This month it has been fun to see some of the sibling dynamics start to come out!  You definitely like to be where the girls are and have started to get into their stuff.  This has made games, puzzles, play-doh, painting, Lego's and other things a challenge.

-

 They find ways to get back at you...

 There are some really sweet moments too.  I love it when I find the three of you playing right next to each other when you could be spread out over whole house.  You came up with a fun little game we like to call Monster Baby and it makes all of us laugh.  The girls like to lay on the floor and you walk over to them with your arms in the air then you fall down on them and do it over and over while they scream and giggle.

I love the water and want you to love it too!  This summer it was hard for me to take 3 little ones to play in water.  We mainly went to splash pads, but did get to the pool a few times.  You weren't the biggest fan...this will have to change. :)  Actually, you did like the water but only if I was holding you very close. 

 

 

 

  You love to empty the cabinets and then climb into them.  The girls would pull things out, but they never climbed in.  It is funny because I remember seeing pictures of my brother at the same age playing in the cabinets.  I'm just glad you have found ways to entertain yourself while I make dinner!

I never want to forget this chubby little baby boy in his diaper peacefully sucking his right thumb in the safety of his crib.

 

10 Months!

 

 This month has been all about really starting to explore your world and eating a ton to give you the energy for it!  You have taken off and are pulling up everywhere.  I found out that you could climb the stairs by finding you playing at the top of them one day!  Thank God for guardian angels among us! (Don't worry baby gates are up and being used now) 

You also really love cords like your cousin Thomas...you third child boys!

  

You eat and eat and eat and just keep going until I eventually have to cut you off...this makes daddy so proud.

You have started showing more interest in books...this makes mommy so proud. You hand (throw) them to me and will turn the pages as I read to you on my lap.  Of course, you still love to chew on them too.

We are all treasuring these last couple months of you being a baby!

9 Months!

 

 You have hit the point where you have been in the real world longer than you were in the womb!  As you can see in this picture, as your hair is growing out it has a reddish tint.  Several people have commented on your red hair, even strangers.  We have no idea where it came from! My guess it will change and darken over time.

 

 This biggest news this month is that you started crawling!  Thank you, thank you, thank you for waiting until we moved and had the big stuff unpacked.  Your timing was perfect. 

(you can tell by the room that we had just moved in)

 You got the hang of crawling quickly after you started and almost immediately started pulling up on anything you could get your hands on.

 You FINALLY got a tooth!

 You are getting big enough to hang with your sisters and do some of the things they are doing.  You can still be found on my hip or in the baby carrier a lot of the time though.

 

You were so determined to get to this water.

I'm so torn between encouraging you on as we celebrate these milestones and and wanting you stay a baby. ;)  Of course as your mama, I will do the former and always be your biggest cheerleader.