Happy first birthday, Andrew!

How did we become parents to a one year old???

"If your one-year-old hasn’t yet mastered the art of walking, he may be clocking some serious miles anyway by hanging on to anything he can and propelling himself forward. (Don’t worry if your tot is doing neither of those — every child progresses at his own pace and some may not yet be pulling themselves up to stand.) In addition to cruising, he may be using his hands for some very important tasks, including holding his cup, picking up tiny objects, playing patty-cake, and waving bye-bye. He may also summon you with a loud and clear “Mama” when he needs something — even just a hug. Don’t be surprised if your little one protests (a lot!) when you leave the room these days.Separation anxiety is very common at this age. And while some toddlers are the life of the party, others may seem suddenly shy, which is actually developmentally appropriate. Try not to worry about it or other typical behaviors of the one-year-old set, such as hitting, not sharing, serious attachment to his bottle (though the time to ditch it is imminent), and picky eating. All are normal and most likely temporary as your child’s growing sense of independence leads to some trying moments. Weaning from the breast may be high on your priority list or months down the road, but either way, it’s one milestone that’s best approached with patience and a plan."

--whattoexpect.com

Andrew's birthday fell on a Thursday. His one-year check-up was on the same day. His grandparents got in on the 11th. So we were a bit confuddled about what to do when. We decided to do sort of a three part birthday celebration.

The first part came on January 4th. We took him to the circus! He was pretty transfixed for the bigger numbers started getting restless during the tigers but nothing some snacks and a nap couldn't fix.

On his birthday, like I said, he had his one year check-up. Shots and all. So we decided to go buy him a gift, and let him pick out a gift as well. He chose a xylophone and a peg puzzle. We also grabbed some triangle crayons and a large drawing pad. LOVE Melissa&Doug products!!

The last part came the next week on the 17th. We went to the Lowry Park Zoo after we all had breakfast. Arrived around noon and stayed until close at 5! We adopted an elephant calf, M-Pumi, in Andrew's name and got an annual membership. Andrew actually looked at a bunch of the animals and seemed interested which was great! We went on the safari ride which takes you into some exhibits/ behind the scenes of a few.... something I think we'll be repeating a lot. We also got a free ticket to feed the giraffes but we were too late in the day so we're thinking of going back later this month for more zoo fun :)

After arriving home we had his little party. He "opened" all his gifts, and ate his birthday cake - he was pretty unenthusiastic about getting frosting all over his hands but once he took a bite he loved it! (Recipe below*)

The adults had some cupcakes and moscato spumante hehe

I was a bit disappointed we didn't have a bigger party but #1 we have no parent friends yet/ Andrew hasn't made any friends and #2 it was so great to have all of his grandparents there to celebrate with him and #3 he's one. He's not going to remember. We all had fun and he was surrounded by people who love him to pieces so it was pretty perfect :)

Here are some pics:

Andrew at One Year:

• Stands alone for a few seconds at a time
• Will take a few steps on his own between things but refuses to try otherwise
• Hates all chicken except chicken nuggets
• No longer likes eggs
• Squeals and laughs all day
• Has learned to throw a ball back and forth
• Is matching shapes to their holes
• Has said "Mama", "Dada", "Yes", "No", "Ewwo" (Hello), and "Ligh" (Light)... and "Moooo" haha
• Has scooped up beets in his spoon and feeding himself
• Helps dress himself (puts his feet up for socks and pants/ pushes his arms through sleeves, etc)
• Will walk with you holding one of his hands
• Claps
• High-fives
• Will sort of sing  with you in baby language
• Bends his head so you can kiss him on the forehead
• Points
• Loves drinking water throughout the day
• Will book it toward any open door/ ungated Kitchen
• Drinking whole milk now
• Waving

*Sugarless Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Frosting:

8oz (2 cups) whole wheat flour

1tsp baking powder

1tsp baking soda

pinch salt

10 fl oz (1 1/4 cup) water

6oz (3/4 cup)raisins

1tsp cinnamon

1/2tsp nutmeg

8oz (1 cup)carrot, grated

4 fl oz (1/2 cup)sugar-free applesauce

Preheat the oven to 375 deg F (190 deg C).

Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a bowl.

Pour the water into a small saucepan and add the raisins, nutmeg, cinnamon.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 mins.

Put the grated carrots into a bowl, then pour in the liquid mixture. Then, add the applesauce and stir the mixture thoroughly.

Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly.

Pour the mixture into a greased pan and bake for 45 mins to 1 hour, until a sharp knife inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Stir together one 3 ounce package of cream cheese, 1/4 tsp of vanilla and 2 1/2 tbsp regular frozen apple juice concentrate (thawed). Spread over the top of the cake once it's cool.