Taylor's First Brithday

I secretly wished this day would never come. We have all loved having a little baby around this past year. Especially a baby like Taylor. He is amazing: our biggest fan, just as we are his biggest fans.

He has developed some definite opinions and new skills recently:

1. There is never enough in his bottle, because when he chugs it down and starts getting only air, he has a fit and chucks it at the floor.

2. He would really appreciate riding in his car seat and/or stroller standing up and facing backwards.

3. Strangers are no longer on his list of "people who can hold me".

4. The "dropping" routine never gets old. (food off the highchair is fun, but a can of corn or a block of mozzarella out of the shopping cart is better)

5. Shadowing me by standing, hanging onto the back of my legs is the ultimate control tactic and sure to get him where he wants to go. (which is wherever I am)

6. Going up the stairs is a really long climb, and resting (teetering) halfway up will guarantee a panicked sibling/parent will come running to his rescue, giving him a lift the rest of the way.

7. Elmo.is.awesome.

8. Read lots of books. Only, don't waste too much time reading the words. Just keep those pages TURNING!

For Taylor's birthday, we spent the morning shopping in Manly (not his first choice), and then rewarded him with an allyoucaneat sand feast at the beach. Unfortunately, he was so tired from all the shopping, he hardly even enjoyed the sand before taking a nap in his nifty tent.

Getting "fireworks" in their feet. This wall doesn't appear as high as it really was :)

Naptime. Carrying all this stuff down from the car really wipes you out.

**note to the Bairds - we settled just in front of your old apartment. Sadly, my dreams of buying it are crushed, as it has recently sold. **

Back home and freshly bathed. Time for prezzies!

Saying goodbye to Grandma & Grandpa Hall. We loved having you! We are so glad you came, and that you could stay for Taylor's first birthday!