Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?

I see a CHICKEN looking at me! Most people might see a chicken sitting on a frisbee on a bed of ugly clover, but I see Luke's compadre, his confident, his friend! "Chicken" has been with us for a few years now but recently this chicken has taken on an almost life-like roll for Luke. Saturday morning I found "chicken" seatbelted into the passenger seat of the Tahoe wearing my sunglasses, last night when we were watching a movie "chicken" dove into Luke's popcorn bowl and helped himself to some popcorn and this afternoon Luke, "chicken" and I played a game of t-ball in the backyard! The frisbee was 2nd base and Luke was sure to give "chicken" his fair share of hits, runs and throws. Perhaps this is the beginning of "middle child syndrome" as he has very much bonded with his "chicken". Being a Mom of 3, it's clear that Luke is somewhat on the outside of the relationship Nolan has created with Dane but I absolutely love Luke's imagination. He's thoughtful, compassionate and just plain funny! Thank God for Luke!

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Dane!

It's official...Dane is now a 1 year old toddler! Let the wild rumpus begin! Dane started his birthday on the right note when he slept all night (yay!) but things quickly turned sour when his first appointment of the day was with our Pediatrician and his evil nurse (she administers the shots so of course she's not to be trusted!). Here are his stats:

Height: 28 1/2" (8th percentile)
Weight: 20 lbs 12 oz (20th percentile)
Head: 18 1/4" (30th percentile)

As Dr. Robert put it, he too is a member of the "short club"! That's ok because he's got personality and personality goes a long way! What a wonderful first year!

It was a Dog-Gone Fabulous 1st Birthday Party!

I find it hard to believe that almost exactly 1 year ago we were getting ready to welcome our 3rd baby boy into our family. Oh, where has the time gone?! Getting ready for Dane's birthday party was bitter-sweet for me knowing that it will be the last 1st birthday party we'll ever throw. And while I know he will have no memory of his 1st birthday party, it is these small moments that I will savor as time marches on ever so steadily.

This year Dane was lucky enough to be blessed by visits from both his Granny and Papa AND from his Great Grandma Wilson as well! Of course the regular Wilson crew were here along with great family and friends who we are so happy to have as a part of our lives.

Dane had a puppy birthday party with a puppy cake, dog bone-shaped sugar cookies decorated in red and blue, lots of balloons, a 1st birthday banner and Dane's very own special 1st birthday party hat (which he proudly sported!).

Dane's 1st Birthday cake made to match his invitations!

Having fun with his balloons!

The birthday celebration officially begins with the lighting of the #1 candle!

I love this picture! Busted!

The aftermath!
He got so much icing and cake on himself and his birthday outfit he had to have a quick bath before transferring him into his pjs for the rest of the night!