One

Happy Birthday Mr. T!  

He's turning one today.  From the papers we have, he was born at 2:31 AM on October 8, 2011. He was healthy, measured 19.75 inches long, and weighed 7 pounds flat.  My heart is so full of love for this little one, especially today.  I couldn't even make it though one round of "Happy Birthday" without tearing up. He is such a happy little person who is really coming into his own.  I'm so proud and full of joy that I get to be his Mama.

I can only hope that his birthfamily is thinking about him today as we are.  We tell both K & T that adoption means that they are loved by so many people.  Adoption will always be a part of T's life, and we pray for his birthfamily each night when we say family prayer.  I would want them to know that T loves his sister more than just about anyone else.  He looks for her all the time, wants to play right by her/play with what she's playing with all the time, and is more content when she's around.  T loves to eat table food (usually more than K at most meals), is still lactose intolerant, and is getting really good at a sippy cup.  He is on the go all day long and discovered how to climb this week.   He babbles/yells/talks to himself throughout the day and can say about 10 words that we can understand.  His newest word is 'this'.  He says 'this' while he is pointing at something he wants.  I would consider him at an early walker stage, he is taking more steps and standing for longer periods of time each day.  He is meeting every milestone that he is supposed to at the moment.  Most importantly, I would want T, his birthfamily and his new extended family to know that he is loved by everyone he meets.  He is naturally friendly, waves to anyone and he has what my mom calls, a 'sticky beak'.  He wants to know everyone's business and just stares and stares at people until he figures them out.  Plus, he's adorable.  He has the most gorgeous eyes, cutest cheeks and the longest eyelashes. 

Here's a look back at T since he arrived home.

T in his birthday shirt for The Big One birthday celebration!

Sometimes I want time to slow down so that I can keep T as a snuggly little baby forever.  But I am also so glad that he is developing as he should.  His personality is shining through, and I think we are in for a fun year ahead.  

Happy, Happy Birthday Mr. T!  We love you so much and are over the moon that you are a permanent part of our family now.  We couldn't be prouder of you. We look forward to watching you grow and helping you follow your dreams.

With all my love, Mommy