Happy First Birthday!!

ADub has finally hit the big ONE!  On this day one year ago, this little guy made me a mommy, and I am oh so lucky to be in that position.  Everyday has been an adventure and yes, sometimes a challenge.  I have learned so many things from this little guy to name a few: not getting shot in the face when changing a diaper, functioning at work/school when only operating on a few hours of sleep, recalling those nursery rhymes that I had long forgotten, seeing that rolling over, crawling, and walking are true achievements, and finally, being a mom is so amazing.  Happy Birthday, Baby Dub! 

The accomplishments this month:

• ADub has become quite the architect, stacking as many as 2 blocks.
• Not to point fingers or anything, but this kid points at everything he wants, doesn't want, and just shouldn't have.  Toy truck?  Sure (proceeds to play).  Green beans?  Sure (proceeds to feed Maya).  Dirty diapers in the trash can?  No.  Big fat NO.
• This just in: ADub is a climber.  He will climb on anything, including Mount Mommy.  Thankfully, Nana taught him how to back off of heights safely and feet first.
• Have you ever just thrown your head back and chuckled?  ADub has clearly seen his daddy do this several times only to perfect the art form himself.  We have a professional chuckler on our hands.
• 12, that is the number of months he has been in this world.  Also, it is the number of teeth he currently has.  He's quite the little chomper.
• ADub still has those ocean blue eyes (most likely here to stay) and is growing some bleach blonde hair like his daddy.  Surfer baby?  Probably.

And for those photogenic moments:

Just a kid and his pig.

Bathroom time with Pops. (They must be doing manly things like brushing their teeth and playing with the toilet paper)

Sure glad Grandma and Pops made it to Houston for Grandparent's Day.

Don't worry.  No one was in danger when taking this photograph.  That longhorn is actually made of metal.

Check out the legs on that high chair.  (whistle call)

Family selfie in Milwaukee.

Fried cheese curds?  #1 Fan.

We visited the Museum of Art in Milwaukee.  I lost my shoe.  Lost and Found found my shoe.

The little waterbug.

We aren't Packers fans, but when driving through Green Bay, you must stop at the stadium for some cheese.  Duh.

We visited Door County, WI and boy, was it beautiful.

Bear call.

Door County family Christmas card pic.

I carried this leaf with me for nearly 2 miles and only hit daddy with it 19 times.  Mission accomplished.

My first canoe ride.  I promise it was more fun than what my crazy eyes say in the pic.

ADub's first orchard visit.  He was a fan of the apples.....

.....and the pumpkins.

Daddy and I climbed that rock wall, 10 times.

Beach babes.

PDub would put sand in the bucket, and then ADub would take a single grain out at a time.  Some day he will be OCD. 

The real question: Who is walking who?

Swinging is just the best.

Got a new walker for my first bday.  Daddy thinks it needs tennis balls on it.  Mommy thinks it's my hotdog stand.  I just chuckle.

My world.

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Happy 11-Month Birthday!!

ADub is 11 months old today!!  Mathematically, that would make him ONE YEAR OLD in only a month.  Time flies!  Soon the little guy will be going off to college; let's hope he is walking by then (and is potty-trained).  ADub, you are so smart, so handsome, and brighten even the darkest days.  Happy Birthday, baby Dub!

The board of achievements this month:

• ADub is finally clapping.  I mean, what would the world be like without applause?....probably a little quieter.
• He has also become the little cup stacker.  I'm not sure there's a career in it, but you never know where life will take you.
• His favorite song right now is "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake.  Without a doubt, ADub will start dancing when it comes on....but who doesn't?
• His favorite book is "Oh, The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss; he's our little bookworm.  If you can't find him, he is either in the book corner....or playing in Maya's water dish.
• ADub will sign "finished," show his tongue on command (and proceed to make fart noises), and reach for the sky when asked where it is.  This is all for a grander plan in conquering the world.
• Lastly, he and Maya love to play hide-and-seek.  I go and hide, and they both hunt for me.  If ADub fails, Maya is sure to lead him there.  Sometimes I end up hiding there for hours because both have forgotten the game and have found something better to do, like bark at another dog or play with a tag I forgot to remove from a toy.

And now for the photos:

Selfies poolside.

Hanging out with his cousin in the great city of H Town.

Because who wouldn't wear their "Scuba Steve" shirt to the Aquarium?

Look out!  A water bug!!

I am either going to be the coolest mom ever or the craziest.  Either is fine by me.

I'm going to say it: ADub gave it his all.

You know, just chilling in the lair of a white Siberian tiger.

Moments underwater.  BLEB, BLEB BLEB

Must have been a great day if you fall asleep hunched over and holding your foot.

Selfies with T-Rex.  Clearly, T couldn't take the picture due to his shortage of arm length.

This chair's just right.

"Just do what he does.  It'll make a great picture."  DONE.

White Linen festival in the Heights.

This picture explains their relationship quite perfectly.

The men in my life....sleeping in.

You can train monkeys to do just about anything.

On point.

Is everything okay, Luna?

Meeting his BFF.

Mom's home from work!!!! (total excitement)

It's merely a gas station and convenient store, but for many in TX, it's a way of life.  Buc-ee's!!!

First smoothie was a complete success.

Yes, they dressed alike, but the real question is: Who pulled it off better?

Toot Tooting a straw.

Spending a week with Nana.

I kid you not, Madonna's "Vogue" came on, and this kid started dancing.  Madonna + disco ball = Can't. Sit. Still.

I live in Texas.  All we eat are tortilla chips....and chicken fried steak and BBQ and sweet tea and....made you hungry.

Enjoying donuts and plums for my birthday breakfast.  (See, I have hair)

Those darn neighbors again!

This kid is so cool, he runs (swims? no, crawls?) with sharks.

My beautiful family in this beautiful (blistering hot) city.

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