Happy Birthday!

Martin turned one year old today! We are so thankful to have this little guy in our life. It is difficult to believe that a whole year has gone by already!

His paternal grandparents came to visit for his first birthday. We decided to open presents and have cake in the morning since both Justin and I have late afternoon/night classes on Thursdays. First we opened presents.




Uncle J and Aunt G sent along a book

and a puzzle of things that go (and makes the sounds!!! when you get the piece close to the spot) which Martin liked so much that we had to eventually put away so he would open his other presents.



Aunt A and Cousin Alison and Stuey sent along a drum that makes three tones! Martin sees the vision, but can't quite execute.
Never fear, he doesn't mind Papa doing it for him - and Papa is quite taken with it as well!

Grandma and Grandpa I sent along this great Noah's ark sorter.

Grandma and Grandpa E bought a great book

and another sorting toy - this one a pull along bus.

His favorite from Mom and Papa were his replacement balls (football, soccer, and basketball) and this bead and wire thing. He loved a similar toy at Ikea a couple of weeks ago, but they only had a floor version - the rest were out of stock. Luckily, I found one at this large independent toy store downtown earlier this week.


Other wonderful gifts not yet pictured include a BEAUTIFUL sweater "Aunt" Ellie knit, a great 3-in-1 jacket from Grandparents E, and a 1-2-3, A-B-C phone.

Then we had cake from this wonderful bakery down the street.



Martin wasn't sure what to think about it. But once Papa showed him it was something to eat, he decided it was great.



This past month has been a fun one. He has learned to clap and will do so if you say "hurray." He learned how to nod his head yes. There have been moments where he will repeat Mama, but not consistently. He added "all done" and "car" to his signing vocabulary. He finally seems interested in drawing with markers. And just in the last day he has started to stand without support for tiny bits of time - usually when he is clapping hurray!

He still hates changing his clothes and diapers. He doesn't much like his car seat right now either. But other than that, he is a pretty happy go lucky boy. Considering all we've done in this first year of his life (Portland, Ohio, Portland, Ohio, and now Portland with trips to parents and family in other states in between along with a Mama who was pretty ill for at least a 3rd of this past year), we feel very blessed to have such a fun and happy boy.