I officially have a ONE YEAR OLD!!  How in the world did that happen?

Blake turned one this past Saturday.  As I was reflecting on the last year (what a crazy one it has been!!) and our sweet family, I couldn’t help but be extremely grateful.  Blake is such a happy, content, and sweet kid.  His smile and laugh will light up a room and when he does either, our whole family stops to join in. He is independent and very active, but is the kid who will hug you for no reason or just sit a little longer in your lap.  This kid has deepened our walk with the Lord as all of his health issues from the womb until now have caused us to trust in the Lord in new and big ways. The girls love him so much and I am so grateful that the Lord chose to add him to our family – it wouldn’t be the same without him.

Ed helped lead our Spring Leader’s Training for NC State and Meredith students on Blake’s actual birthday, and because it was literally a 12 hour workday for him, we didn’t have any time to celebrate.  So, we threw him a small, laid-back party on Sunday with a few family and friends.  Because all of our parties these days are princess and princess and more princess, I made sure to have more of a “boy” theme.

We got him his own little smash cake.  When we lit the candle, he stared at it for a few seconds and then reached in to touch it.  Kinsley came to his rescue and blew it out before he could burn himself…I am not sure if it was to save him or because she wanted to blow it out, but either way, she saved him.  While he was really excited about the cake at first, once he got his fingers on it, he didn’t want it and got upset.  I was really surprised as I thought he would dig in – yet another way that this boy chooses to do the opposite of what I want him to do.

He got some really fun toys, including this car track that spins and spins and knocks the cars out.  Blake’s favorite part?  Sitting right smack dab in the middle of the toy.  I guess it looks more like a seat than a toy?

And we FINALLY remembered to get a picture of the whole family and we are ALL looking at the camera (somewhere the angels are singing 🙂 )!  Notice Kinsley had to wear her fancy dress to Blake’s party…that. girl. He is THISCLOSE to starting to walk – he is standing by himself and taking a few steps between things..but his favorite thing to do these days?  Climb.  He is all boy.

Here’s to many more, Blakey boy.