Fatherly thoughts: One and wonderful

Well, it's official ... you're 1 year old today, and your mother and I couldn't be happier.

It's been about six months since we've had you in our lives. You've grown so much in that time. We wish we could bottle it, seal it up and keep it on a shelf for safekeeping forever.

I have so many fun memories of you so far -- accidentally putting your shirt on backwards, trying to style your crazy spiky hair (that's now very straight), your little laugh, smile and of course your first word (Dada). This weekend you had your first boat ride. You seemed to enjoy it for the most part -- except when we tried to put you in the water. Compared to the clear water in your little pool or the safe boundaries of the tub, I'm sure that brown, murky abyss looked a little freaky. That's lake water. You'll learn to love it. Yea it was a little cold, too, but you definitely warmed up to it after while.

And I'll always remember what you looked like when we put you in your pink life jacket. You looked like you got swallowed by .... well, something pink and squishy. It's indescribable, but very memorable.

Laura, bottom line, God has greatly blessed our lives by allowing us to bring you into our family. I mean, really, how boring would our lives be without all the funny things you do everyday that make us laugh. Oh man, if only we had an interpreter for baby babble. I bet we'd be blown away by all of the insightful things you've picked up on and are trying to tell us. I'm sure we could write a book about it.

Your mother and I freely admit we're still figuring this parenting thing out, so be patient. We definitely look forward to many more adventures with you.

Thanks Laura for making us the happiest, proudest parents you could ever imagine ... and heck, you're only one. Not bad.

Weekend in Pictures -- Including the 1st Birthday Party!

Shawn and Laura playing before the Mud Run on Friday night.

Shawn at the end of the Mud Run -- I will never understand the fun of this!

Laura met Dora (we think they look alot alike) at King's Dominion on Saturday.

She also was able to ride her first amusement park ride. As you can tell, she was thrilled:)

She seemed to have the most fun just riding around in her stroller.

And then on Sunday...Laura's 1st Birthday Party!! We can't believe this day is already here.

The weather got really cold on Sunday...thus the winter hat while she was eating her cupcake:)

She received lots of great presents and (despite the weather) we had a great time celebrating with our friends and family.

Laura spent all day today playing with her new toys!

Happy Mother's Day!

Today was a very nice day ... Shawn, Laura, my family and friends helped make my 1st Mother's Day very special. This day can be hard for many women desiring to be mothers, and I pray that all of those women will one day get to experience their very own Mother's Day celebration.

Shawn and Laura woke me up with a big kiss and a present and card to open. They got me a gift basket from Bath and Body Works. Laura even added her own artwork to the card ... something I will always treasure. We attended church with my parents and then had a wonderful lunch with them after. The weather was just gorgeous today, prompting Shawn, Laura and me to take an after-nap walk. A good day was had by all!

As for news about Laura ... our little girl is growing up!! She turns one at the end of the month -- we can't believe she is already almost a year old! We also think we are going to have a little climber on our hands. This week she mastered climbing up and down the stairs. Coming down she sometimes gets a little sidetracked and forgets to stay feet-first. Fortunately for her, one of us is always there to prevent the tumble down the stairs! Just today she climbed up on a little bench so that she could dig deeper in her toy box! We've also seen her trying to climb up bookcases. I guess it won't be too long before she climbs out of her crib -- just the thought of that makes me nervous!!

She is getting closer to walking and talking. She is really starting to mimic sounds and try to repeat words. So far we have heard Dada, Mama, juice, duck, and oh no. The last was said after she climbed on the fireplace, (a no-no in our house) and Shawn was walking across the room to pick her up and move her to a safer location.

Her personality is really starting to show. She loves to laugh and really enjoys life ... especially eating! The range of table food she is eating grows every day. She had pizza the other night and loved it! We treasure every day with her and feel very blessed to have her as part of our family. Being a parent is great!!

Just Pictures...

Laura sitting with the tulips in our front yard.

Laura at Maymont park last weekend.

Laura trying to see if she could fit under her LeapFrog table. She couldn't and got quite stuck!

Laura trying to "hide" behind the chair. She thought she was pretty funny!