First Birthday

Tate is one year old today!

Tate has learned how to roll over, sit up, crawl, and walk. He is apparently also working on running as well. He loves to throw a ball and play the piano. His two favorite words, his only words, are ba, for ball and da, for dog. He is also in the process of learning how to manipulate his parents for what he wants. It's not hard to manipulate when you have sky blue eyes and a million dollar smile.

I have learned that sleepless nights eventually give way to sleep filled nights. And that babies will randomly do things like put pasta in their ear or blow raspberries with their milk just because they can . That babies, at first, don't like grass. That naptime is my friend. And that a smile can turn my day right side up.

Dave has learned that he can sleep through crying. That babies really do something new every day. That making it through three innings of a minor league baseball game with an 11 month old is something of a miracle. And that there's nothing like having your son rest his head on your shoulder.

Sasha, our dog, has learned that the trade off for enduring endless pulling of her fur is morsels of food "accidentally" spilled on the floor. She seems to think this is fair.

We are so blessed. Big hugs and kisses to Tate from mommy and daddy, and a Happy 1st Birthday! Here are a few picture highlights from the past year.

A few days old

Christmas at three months old.

Six months old. Green beans taste better than peaches!

Nine months old. Lovin' the chair Aunt LouAnn made him and

two of his favorite things, a book and a comb.

One year old, after his first big boy haircut.