One Year Update

I still can't believe our little Joseph is now ONE year old!! I have to admit that it was a pretty emotional couple of days for me, as I'm sure any mom can relate to.

It definitely is a "bittersweet" feeling because I look back at pictures over the past year and I get sad that Joseph is no longer that tiny cuddly baby that he used to be. When he is asleep in my arms now, I look at how long he is and can't believe how much he has grown. And part of me feels like those first 4-6 weeks were such a blur that I wish I could remember every second and detail of those days. But then I look at how much fun Joseph is now at this age and it makes me so happy. It is so rewarding to see how much he learns and all the neat things he does now and my heart feels overcome with pride and love. It's also nice that life is a bit easier (in some ways) now that we can go out and about and do lots of things.

Joseph turning a year old always makes me look at my life a lot and reflect on how much it has changed over the past year. After working for almost 10 years in the workforce, I am no longer part of that world. I get asked a lot if I miss working and my answer is "not at all"! :) I feel like staying home with Joseph is exactly what God has prepared me to do and that I'm doing what I've always wanted to do. As fast as time goes by with children, I'm so thankful that I have the opportunity to stay at home with him and just enjoy every second with him.

Ok, and now on to the update! Joseph went to the doctor today for his 1 year check up. He weighs 21 lbs, 7oz (25%) and is 29 1/2 in long (25-50%). He has 3 teeth on the bottom and is getting all 4 top teeth in. However, one of his front teeth hasn't actually cut through but is close. I thought it was the front tooth but turns out it's the tooth next to it. The doctor said it is close so hopefully it will come in soon so he doesn't look too snaggle toothed with his top teeth. :) Joseph is pulling up and cruising along the furniture constantly. He got a couple of toys for his birthday that he can walk behind and he loves it! He also likes to walk while holding someone's hands. He can stand for a good amount of time by himself too! So I'm sure walking is just around the corner!

He is still quite the speedy little crawler. He loves to crawl between people's legs too - so if I am standing with just a tiny bit of space between my feet, he will come push his way through! He loves to play with socks and will go get Michael's socks out of his drawer or dirty clothes just so he can move them around on the floor. He also likes to unroll the toilet paper (eek). He still loves to eat and is a very good eater! In fact, tonight we gave him his first drink of whole milk and he loved it! He enjoys stacking things and opening and shutting doors. He also is a fan of light switches and pulling the cords on the blinds when I lift him up to the windows.

Joseph still takes 2 naps a day, one around 10:30am and one around 3/3:30. He is still a 30 minute napper, but lately he has been pulling a lot of 1 hr and 10 min naps, which is heavenly! Things he does NOT like is having his diaper changed and having his hands wiped down after he eats. Apparently the little guy just likes to be dirty! :)

Joseph is such a joy and blessing to us and we are so thankful that God gave him to us! The past year has been incredible and I know the coming years will be so wonderful too.

Here are some pictures looking back over the past year:

Meeting my sweet boy for the first time

I love this picture and how little he looks

And now, here is a progression of Kermie pics over every couple of months...

7 weeks
4 months

6 months

8 months

10 months

ONE YEAR OLD!!

And here are some pictures just over the past month of what Joseph has been up to...

The first day he discovered toliet paper!

He loves to play under the table

His first drink of whole milk - he did great!

He loves to play in the tupperware drawer - it's the perfect height, and nice and plastic!

Cruising along the couch

Standing by himself!

He loves riding and walking behind his new scooter

Getting a push from Daddy

More Kermie outtakes...

Showing off his birthday shirt one last time

It was raining on his birthday, so the next day I took him to swing in our neighborhood park!

He looks so big now!!

Having fun!

Walking with his activity walker that Gma and Gpa Eckel gave him!

Joseph's 1st Birthday!

Our sweet Joseph is now ONE YEAR OLD!! Since this is such a huge milestone for our little guy, I've decided to divide it into two different blog posts. This one will be all about his birthday party and in a couple of days I'll post his 1 year update.

Joseph's party was so much fun. We had it this past Saturday at our house and decided to just do our immediate family members. We were also honored that my Grandpa Eckel was able to come down and join us for the party!

My family stayed at our house for the weekend and Michael's parents stayed with Lauren & Luke who live nearby. Michael's brother and his wife and 2 of their 3 boys were able to drive in for the party as well! We were so thankful to have our family members join us!

For the theme, it was "Sweet Safari", so all baby animals with holding a first birthday balloon. For the party, Michael grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. We all enjoyed some great time outside playing washers, bean bag toss, dominoes and just visiting.

After lunch we did presents and then cake. Joseph did really good with his smash cake! At first he just stuck his hands in it, but after I gave him a few bites he got the hang of it and before long he was literally just bending his head over and eating it straight off the tray. It was too funny! Everyone was so generous with the birthday gifts and Joseph is loving all his new toys!! He had definitely outgrown a lot of his other toys, so he is a happy boy now with all his new things. Michael and I got him a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse scooter that he can sit on or walk behind. He figured out the walking part quick and has been taking off all over the place!

After the official party was over, we continued with the fun and games throughout the day. And that night, my dad did a shrimp boil for us - and boy did we have a feast! The next day, we all went to Mass together and then out to a yummy mexican food lunch before everyone had to get on the road to head back home. I felt really sad to have everything end because it was just such a fun weekend and such a wonderful time celebrating our little Joseph!

Here are some pictures from the party and check back in the next couple of days for his 1 year update post!

Joseph playing with his cousins Luke, Sarah and Jacob

All the kids playing Mario on Wii with Michael - they begged him to come beat the big guy at the end of the level. :) Notice Joseph right below the tv...he wasn't going to be left out of the action!
Walking around with Aunt Kristina and cousin Grace

All decorated for the birthday party

Table centerpiece

The boys taking care of the grilling outside

Joseph in his cute birthday outfit!

Lunch time!

He loves his new scooter!

And off he goes!

Loving his new toys!

Look at all these fun packages!

The cousins anxiously awaiting cake time ;)

So thankful for our birthday boy!

Joseph with his Godparents - Aunt Katherine & Uncle Kenny

Cake time! He would have loved to grab that candle!

Having a taste from Mommy

Getting the hang of it

Diving in!

All smiles!

Dominoes with my grandpa

Celebrating in the backyard

Shrimp boil time

Me and my sisters after lunch on Sunday

With Grandpa Eckel

Joseph and his Great Grandpa Eckel!