family photoshoot 2011...

We had a one-year photoshoot with the awesome photographer that took photos at Deacon's 1st birthday party and they turned out so great!  Deacon was feeling much better for these and it's evident in his happy little one-year old face!

one-year well check...

Deacon had his one-year well check a couple days ago (late I know, but we had to move it back a little because he had a bout with strep throat, of all things; he's totally over that now, praise the Lord!).  He got a great report from the pediatrician:

Weight: 20 lbs, 5 oz  (14%)

Height: 29"  (21%)

Head Circumference: 46.4cm  (49%)

Okay, so he's a short, lightweight thing, but I'm totally fine with that.  He definitely isn't scrawny by any means, with those chunky legs and apple cheeks.  Oh, I could just eat him up!  :)

He got 4 vaccines at his appt, boo.  2 sticks in each leg and boy, he didn't like that, but 15-20 secs after I was able to pick him up, he was over it.  Such a tough guy.  In fact, they had to stick his big toe for a hemoglobin test and he didn't make a peep over that.  He just looked down at the nurse while she squeezed the mess out of his toe to get enough blood and was like, "Hey...watcha doin' down there?"

He liked her purple gloves.  :)

So he's good for another 3 months, until his 15 month well check.  And I'm sure that will be here before I know it.

one.

My sweet Deacon-baby,

So much can happen in 365 days.

One year...that's how old you are today, punkin.  It's so hard for me to believe that we've had you for that long already -- it went by in the blink of your pretty blue eyes.  :)

This time last year we were welcoming you into our family, and what a perfect fit you are!  Today, we're celebrating the milestone of your 1st birthday and all that you've accomplished.

It has been so much fun to watch you grow and change this past year.  You have grown from a 7 lb, 2 oz cuddly newborn to a healthy, happy 20 lb + baby boy (and you're still cuddly :).  You really are such a happy boy -- you have a ready smile for anyone and everyone, and your laughs and giggles are the most precious thing.

What a joy it has been to watch you learn new things like clapping and talking (my word, you are a chatterbox!), crawling and cruising.  I could just sit and watch you for hours; you bring me so much enjoyment.  And entertainment!  You make me laugh all the time, booger!

You are such a laid-back kid, just like your Daddy.  :)  You've done well with pretty much everything that's come your way this past year -- from doctor's appts and vaccines, to new foods and all the "1sts".

You got your 1st tooth (+ 4 more!) early on.  You met so many family members for the 1st time this past year, all of whom have fallen in love with you.  :)  You experienced your 1st hurricane, Irene, which wasn't scary at all, and you've had so many 1st holidays already.  You've taken your 1st bike and boat rides.  You've gone to the beach for the 1st time (and taken more trips since then), and have been in a pool for the 1st time (of many!).  You love the water!

God blessed us so much when He chose you to be our son, and we are so thankful to Him for the opportunity to watch you grow into a godly man who is kind and generous, full of integrity and trustworthy.  This is my prayer for you, buddy.  This, and so many more things I want for you, but for now, I just want you to know that I adore you.

Happy 1st birthday, doodle.

Love,

Mama