ONE

One year ago Robbie and I woke up at 4:30am and headed to the hospital to have our baby. We knew our lives would change forever that day, but we did not know the amazing blessings that would come from Hawkins. He fills our lives with laughter and fun. It is crazy that he is a blending of Robbie and me - looks, personality - everything.

We jumped right in, and I was surprised at how well Robbie held Hawkins and just knew what to do with him even as an infant. He gave Hawkins his first bath and never flinched at changing a diaper. I have always trusted him and never had a second thought about leaving my 2 boys together. They had this amazing Father/Son bond from day one.

The first 6 months flew by in a daze of diapers and nursing and spit up. Things started to get fun (so we thought) when Hawkins sat up then crawled then started pulling up on everything. We took a few trips and before I knew it Hawkins turned into a little boy. I blinked and his hair grew into this beautiful blonde "business cut" as we call it (ha!).

Hawkins' personality has really started shining these past few months. He attracts attention where ever we go - the grocery store, restaurants, anywhere. He smiles and waves at everyone and is so friendly. He LOVES attention. He wants to play with you, but can also play by himself and be entertained.

Last weekend he took his first steps and is well on his way to running! It is the cutest thing ever! He starts preschool next week and I am so excited for him to play and interact with other children his age.

Hawkins is ONE YEAR OLD. Here is what you are up to:

-Smelling the flowers - Your Honey taught you to smell the flowers and you take it very seriously. You literally do it 10 times an hour. You smush up your nose and snort air out - it is hilarious. You are so smart though - you only do it when you see a real plant or flowers and then you remember where they are and randomly "smell them" throughout the day.

-You love to open and close doors

-You love to play in the car - not in your carseat of course. Either in the drivers seat holding onto the steering wheel or in the way back holding onto the seat. You could play in there for hours!

-We put up a babygate to make a play area for you and you love to do pull ups on the gate. We call you Bambam b/c you are so strong! I am trying to teach you "no", but you just don't get it yet.

-You love Lady and her bed. You will go back your little booty up to sit on her bed whether she is in it or not! She is really sweet to you and y'all love to play together.

-You LOVE hats - love them. We play with your Daddy's baseball caps and you call them "da" I think b/c they are Dada's

-Says "ba" for his bottle, ball, and Beau. If we ask you to get your ball you can pick it out of your toys - so smart!

-Now says Bye Bye while waving

-The day before your 1st birthday you started saying "tractor" which was very fitting for your party :) Of course you aren't saying the real word, but imitating it saying "da dr" or something like that.

-You love the pool. We have been several times recently and it is a great activity to get us out the house and to wear you out! I went without an inter tube once and it was a big mistake. You tried to jump out of my arms the entire time and I was more worn out than you by the end of it.

-I cannot put sunscreen on your face b/c your eyes get all red and swollen and you break out - it is scary! It was ok b/c you used to wear a hat, but now you pull it right off your head and refuse to wear it. I just don't know what to do with you.

-You sleep great. 7:30pm-6:30 or 7am then take a long morning nap from 9:30am-11am or later. Your afternoon nap is iffy, but you go down around 2:30pm and sleep anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes.

-You start preschool 2 days a week NEXT week! I can't believe that. I am worried b/c you will go smack in the middle of your favorite morning nap...

-You are getting much better with eating, but not great yet. You eat a mashed banana and oatmeal cereal for breakfast with cinnamon toast or a waffle. Lunch is usually a grilled cheese with some apple and yogurt sometimes with diced strawberries in it. I am trying to sneak fruit and veggies in where I can! Dinner is rice cereal and some pureed veggie - sweet potato, etc and always tator tots. You seriously love tator tots!

-You still love goldfish and puffs, but I don't give them to you as much. You are getting more of your calories from "real" food and not snacks.

-I took you to get your second haircut. You were so sweet (again) and it looks so good.

-You want to be held and to play with me alot, but recently you have been a little more independent and if you find something you are interested in (my purse, Lady's bed, a hat, etc) you will sit and play by yourself for 10 or 15 minutes. I think this is important for you to learn how to solo play and not be entertained my me all the time.

Hawkins, you are such a special child and I cannot believe a whole year has flown by. We love you!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from your first year: