Just a year ago...
Look how much he has grown...

Our little tarheel!

When we started this blog, we first thought the world would be excited to read about "our lives". (That is funny!) However, when we first learned we were pregnant with out 1st child, it became the window to our world as a "pregnant couple" and then the window for family and friends to see us as "new parents". For the past year, you all, family and friends have watched Alexander grow from "our little chocolate chip" in mommy's belly to our "big boy"! I have decided to change the direction of our blog and it be more a "To Alexander" as I will write to our son, our thoughts and feelings as we go through the wonderful years of raising our child. So, here it goes....

To my little man, Alexander:

July was a special month for us as you turned 1! HUGE milestone for you and us as parents. We have managed to raise another human with no large "oops" moments for an entire year. :-) You have grown from such a teeny tiny baby (not really that tiny weighing in at 8lbs 1oz) to such a big boy!

You started walking right after your first birthday. Something both mommy & daddy had encouraged and spent hours in the family room trying to get you to do! When you took those 1st steps there with Mommy and Daddy present, you would have thought you won the Nobel Peace Prize! Hey, good enough for us! We were sooo happy you were walking. We forgot what this really meant for us! :-) You are cruising the town now. You are not only walking, but running! We see the back side of you quite often! You no longer want to be held, you want down, you want to explore the world. While that is so bitter sweet, I miss cuddling with my little man. You are definately into everything. We can't turn our backs for more than 10 seconds or you are into something!

You have been able to spend a lot of time with Daddy the past few weeks, which you have loved! You have become such a "Daddy's boy!" You love watching and even helping him cook, you love playing ball. You have learned to throw and kick. Daddy even lets you play in the cul-de-sac with the big kids and you enjoy every minute of it! His love of vaccuming has rubbed off as well!

We celebrated Daddy turning a year older! You loved helping open the presents and eating the cake!

You are such a great eater, devouring most of everything we put in front of you. We let you feed yourself, so meal times are definately messy times. We are introducing the fork and spoon. You love it, just not sure how to use it. You still enjoy your fruits and veggies. Meat is another story. Still kinda picky with that. We still love introducing new dishes to you and can't wait till you get more teeth to enjoy them with! You still only have 4!

You still hate sleeping! However, once we get you to sleep you sleep through the night and are a great napper. We finally gave up on swaddling you. It only took a year! :0)

You will be 14 months in just a week...not sure how much you weigh at this point but for sure you are growing! You have quickly grown out of your 12 month clothes and onto 18 months! You are surely showing your "2 year old" side with the small fits you pitch, but they give us a laugh every once and a while! It is funny to watch you run across the room and throw yourself on the floor when you don't get your way. I know, this too is a phase.

Little man, you are the joy of our life, for sure! Can't wait to see what you bring to us in the next few weeks as you surprise us daily in different words you say, different acts you perform! You have sure proved being parents is the BEST thing in the world! We love you!!