Happy Birthday, Maddox!

Maddox was born 1 year ago yesterday.  I can't believe that it he is already a year old.  He is an amazing little guy, learning new tricks every day it seems.   We had a small party for him yesterday, complete with chocolate birthday cake.  This was his first time eating sweets like that and he seemed to enjoy it.  He was definitely covered in cake and frosting, and we took plenty of pictures. 

Mama snuggles before the party

Party food!  The amazingly delicious cake that our friend Ali made for Maddox

"Happy birthday" and blowing out the candle (actually, Mama blew out the candle for him)

"I think I like this super sweet mushy stuff"

Baby finger prints in the cake

"More, please?"

Maddox at 1 year:

1. He is super curious but also very cautious.  He likes to explore his surroundings, but will often sit back and observe what is going on before venturing out.  Especially if there are new people around.
2. He just started pulling himself into a standing position (video below) and is getting very good at it.  Walking is just around the corner, I imagine...
3. He has several words that he says: baba (water), da (dog), Dada, Mama; and a few words that he signs: eat, more, and sleep.  There are probably over a dozen words that he understands, as well.
4. He is starting to play with his toys, rather than just chew on them.  He is a big fan of pushing his cars around the living room.
5. He loves being outside and going on walks.  He recently played in a sandbox and loved that, too.
6. He points.  At everything.  He points to tell us what he wants, he points when he thinks we should look at something in particular, he points just to point.
7. He is silly.  He has a goofy, scrunchy face that he makes that is adorable.  
8. He likes to clap and will applaud every accomplishment.
9. He is eating solid food three meals a day.  He loves to eat and is a great eater.  He'll eat just about anything except broccoli.  He loves beans, banana, peas, green onion, garlic, and just about anything else with lots of spices.
10. We've breastfed for a year and are showing no signs of stopping any time soon.  He still nurses when he wakes up and when he goes to sleep.  I love it. <3 
11. He is a snuggle bug.  

He is just an amazing, sweet, fun, tall!, darn cute little boy.  We are lucky to have him and we love him to pieces.  Happy birthday, Maddox Ammon! <3 

First time pulling himself up to standing

Pulling himself up yesterday before the party:

 

And today, pretty proud of himself!