The Boy Turned O-N-E!!!

It's only a month late, but I'm going to attempt blogging about Samuel's 1st Birthday while the little man is running circles around me here in the office while holding checks up in the air that need shredded and squealing with excitement...

So, here we are -- parents of a toddler. Samuel's first year in our arms absolutely FLEW by. Kids grow up fast, sure. But I wish we had a pass -- one that would allow time to go just a tad bit slower. I was just telling Sam at lunch that there's almost no proof left in our kitchen that we had a little baby here -- no bottles, no bibs (he rips them off the second we try to use them if/when we do), no formula, no baby food or those tiny spoons, etc. Now it's straw cups, big grip silverware for him to use, lots of whole milk and fruit in the fridge, etc. Heck, if I was willing to clean up a mess daily, he would prefer just using a regular cup -- he gets super excited when I let him. Where did my baby go? He's almost running now -- RUNNING! While he could care less about putting away his own toys, he loves to put everything else in our master bedroom closet -- apparently that's the catchall for things that aren't in their place...according to Sam. He has the few words that he says clearly and many others that, to him, are hilarious. He initiates peekaboo by pulling a blanket over his face before nap time and belly laughs. Oh, I love this boy. This toddler. I'll admit...I'm sad the baby days are over, but I'm also excited about what's to come!

I know time is only going to go faster from here. While I've been seriously slacking on the blog, I have been using Instagram like crazy. With not being able to sneak away as much to the desktop as I once did, it's been a quick/easy way to documenting the little man's life. Documenting a life through pictures -- can it get any better? Ha.

In the meantime, here are a few from June 7th -- the Sam-man's FIRST BIRTHDAY!

We had a Yo Gabba Gabba Birthday, since the little man LOVES that show. As we brought him in the living room, he was super excited to see Brobee hanging from the ceiling...

 Looking at his decorations...

Apparently, Grandma Julie's Looney Tunes wrapping paper is AWESOME!

I love you, Muno...

Just a little excited...

Checking out his Brobee cake. If I only knew how he would react later while being told he had to eat...  

A close-up...

Muno and Brobee cakes...one for us and one for him...

(Note to self, prepare for stained hands if you buy food coloring gel at Walmart.)

Some family pictures...

And now...(drum roll, please....) The smash cake experience...

I took his eyebrows off, I'm done...

I don't want to eat Brobee!!! He's my friend!!!

Dad, thanks for saving me. That was traumatizing...

Take it away. I can't bear to look at it...

I don't understand why this is supposed to be fun...

Poor Samuel. As you can see, he wasn't too fond of the smash cake idea. Nope, not at all. He did, however, love everything else...

June 7th brought back so many memories -- memories of joy, happiness, and really...it brought back the feeling of complete shock. It still amazes me at times that we have this little man. I doubt I will ever forget how I felt when I was told he was alive and well directly following his birth -- such a different experience than with Jacob, Jordan, or Olivia. It was most certainly one that I will forever cherish.

And now, before I go...

How could I forget Samuel's 12 month chair picture?!

It's so crazy to think this much time has gone by!

And now on to our second year with little Samuel Ryan in the house. I can't wait to see what's in store!!!