Austin's First Birthday Celebration

I can't believe I didn't get a picture of everyone.  But we were so glad that Gammi, Poppi, Annie, Uncle Allan, Nana, BaBob, Auntie Boo, Uncle Saleem, Dylan, Chris, Sarah, Charlie and Jackson were all there to celebrate our sweet Austin Boo's FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!

Coop loved having his best bud there for the party, too.

Austin had such a serious and curious expression on his face when everyone sang "Happy Birthday."  He wasn't quite sure of all the attention.  Then, when we put the cupcake in front of him, after Coop helped take the wrapper off, Austin sat and stared at the cupcake for awhile.  Again, not so sure about this delicious little treat sitting in front of him.  He slowly started to touch and pick at it, playing with the icing and crumbling up the cake.  But, once his little hands made it to his mouth and he realized it was something yummy to eat, he was all over it!

Coop helped open the gifts.  Austin loved the paper and the bags; Coop loved Austin's new ride-on fire truck from Gammi and Poppi.

Austin: 12 Months

At 12 months, Austin Buddy:

• Likes to put his milk back into the little circle cup holder on his highchair tray after getting a sip.  He will concentrate and make sure the cup is exactly back in before moving back on to eating.
• Thinks it's funny to put food on top of his milk cup, them take a drink.  He is super proud of this little trick he created.
• Copying more of our mannerisms and words.  
• Loves, loves, loves music and dancing.  Will stop whatever he is doing when he hears music and asks (in sign language) for it to be played "again again."
• Has the best excited face and will proudly show it off to anyone.
• Likes to stomp his heals on things--floor, carpet, changing table, bed.  It's like he is figuring out the feel and texture of the surface with his feet.
• Blows a kiss when I say, "I love you."
• Started waving correctly, not backward (like to himself) like he had been.
• Signs "please" and points to EVERYTHING.  He wants to touch, feel and discover it all!
• Finally sleeping all night.  Hallelujah!
• Likes to use a fork or spoon all by himself.  In fact, sometimes the only way to get him to eat something is to give him a utensil for it (whether the food really needs it or not).  But don't even think about trying to help him.  
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Austin's First BirthDAY

On Austin's first birthday, we went on a family outing to the State Fair.  Philip took the afternoon off and after picking Cooper up from school, we headed to the home of Big Tex.  (In fact, it was just the following day that Big Tex burned down.  Such a sad day.  And, I thought it was ironic that I got a picture of Coop wearing his firefighter gear in front of Big Tex.)

 

My sweet Austin Boo.

Happy First Birthday, my sweet Austin Boo.  You are our little joyous mess, and your daddy and I (and your big brother) couldn't adore you more.  You are happy, content, smiley, cuddly, and most of all joyful.  And, you are also a complete mess!  You desire to keep up with your big brother and your curiosity about the world around you definitely keeps us on our toes.  You really only cry or fuss when you are hungry, tired, or when you have to say "bye" to Daddy.  But, your smile and joyful spirit shine the brightest light on our family.  I love you with all of my heart!

This is How Austin is Happiest

These days, this is usually how I find Austin Boo: in the red wagon, wearing a pirate hat, and holding blocks either with both hands or with one in his mouth.

He recently discovered how to climb in to and out of this wagon, and he has been doing it non stop ever since.  I've actually been waiting for him to show an interest in this wagon, so it makes me so happy to see that he discovered it on his own and loves it!  I have so many fun memories of Cooper playing with this wagon when he was a baby, and I'm glad to see his little brother doing the same.