Happy Birthday, Austin!

I can't believe it--our baby boy is one year old!  There are so many words to describe this past year and each one feels as accurate as the next.  Scary, exciting, difficult, rewarding, exhausting, energizing and of course HAPPY are a few that come to mind.  Everything about this year was beyond what I imagined and I have never felt so blessed in my life.  It genuinely feels like we've never lived our lives without Austin in them but in reality, this past year has flown by and I'm so grateful we did our best to cherish every moment!

It's hard to believe our 3 1/2 pound Austin has gone from this...

To this...

I still can't believe how yellow he was!

To this!

Early on in Austin's life, it was hard to imagine him ever getting healthy.  We were sure it would happen eventually but it was difficult to look past his struggles and envision a healthy little boy.  One thing I know I never could have foreseen is how happy we would be when he finally got there!  Austin has been free of blood draws and clinic visits for a few months now and it has truly been the happiest time of our lives.  I am so grateful for such capable doctors and medical technology that got him to where he is and of course for all of God's blessings on our behalf. Without a doubt, the thing that got us through this past year is every single person that offered prayers and well wishes on our little family's behalf.  We were sustained by that wonderful power and feel immensely rich in life because of the incredible people that surround us.

Austin's one year pictures turned turned out perfect and I love so many of them!  Here's an overload :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Austin,

Happy, happy birthday, sweet boy!  The joy I feel on this day is indescribable but I want you to know that you make my heart happier than you can imagine!  I feel forever indebted to our Heavenly Father for blessing me and your daddy with you as our son.  You have overcome much during your first year of life and taught us so much about how to live more Christlike lives.  Thank you for bringing the sweetest spirit into our home and for allowing Eli to stay close because of your purity.  Daddy and I love you with all of our hearts!

At one year old, you are crawling everywhere and recently discovered how to open cupboards, which you love. Your favorite activity is playing with the toilet which makes a huge mess!  If we don't keep the bathroom door closed, you'll have wet toilet paper all over the place before we can blink an eye.  You sleep really well at night, which mama loves!  You still take two naps a day but you're almost ready to move to one afternoon nap.  You are the ultimate foodie!  You get so excited for each meal and even if you've just eaten, you want whatever someone else has.  I love that you're not picky (yet)!  For the longest time you haven't been interested in books but you're starting to tolerate them more and more.  I hope you develop a love of books soon!  Your main "words" are baba, mama, and huh?  Occasionally we hear a "da" but no dada quite yet.  You love clapping and will only wave when you're in the mood or it's your idea.  I'm sure a perfect day in your mind would be full of food and playing outside as much as possible.  I can't wait for it to warm up even more so we can make that happen!

I love you, buddy!  Thank you for choosing me to be your mama!

These cinnamon roll cupcakes were DIVINE!

Trying to figure out why everyone is staring at him and singing...

Just pretend that finger in the corner isn't there

Logan was able to take today off work so the entire day was centered around Austin :) He woke us up around 7:15 so we went in together and sang him happy birthday and oh boy, it was hilarious!  He stared at us like we were crazy for most of the song and then he burst into tears at the end.  It was too good!  After throwing some clothes on we went to our favorite breakfast place, Eggs in the City, and it was delish!  I have never left that place disappointed and today it tasted extra good.  Austin loved it too!

A hat and PJs was our MO this morning!

 

After Austin's morning nap and lunch, we took him to the zoo for the first time.  Logan and I hadn't been in years and were really impressed with all of the changes they've made!  Thankfully we chose the right time to go and just missed the massive hail storm.  Austin seemed a bit indifferent at the zoo.  If he could see the animals moving then he thought they were pretty cool but he sat with a straight face most of the time.  We had fun as a family though!

 

 

For dinner, my mom brought our favorite dinner, The Dodo, and it was the perfect way to end a perfect day! We're so glad we could spend all weekend celebrating our boy and hope he felt how much he is loved!

HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS, LITTLE LOVE!