As I was baking Christmas cookies today with Hailey, I realized that this is the first year she did not have to stand on a chair to reach the counter…

“My life keeps moving faster,
stealing precious days that pass.
I want to hold on longer-
want to recognize your lasts…

I’ve watched you grow and barely noticed seasons as they pass.
If I could freeze the hands of time,
I’d hold on to your lasts.”
Karen Kingsbury

Hailey’s letter to Santa.

Dottie trying to take a little nap… Hunter makes it a bit difficult for Dottie to get much rest.

Hailey was in the Christmas program at church- the kids sang “Happy Birthday Jesus.”

Hailey with her friend Arianna

Hailey’s artwork was selected to be on display at a local hospital.  We went to the Gala Reception- Hailey was pretty proud or her accomplishment!  And she enjoyed some cookies and hot chocolate too

Hailey enjoying one of Hunter’s birthday presents.

I can’t believe a year has already come and gone… but it has, so we celebrated Hunter’s 1st birthday over the weekend.

Here are some of the decorations from the party:

Pictures from Hunter’s first year.

The dining room all decorated with a Toy Story theme.

Dining room

A few decorations in the living room.

Happy Birthday!

Alien marshmallow pops

Santa Hats (this had nothing to do with Toy Story, but they were cute and super delicious!)

Sheriff badge cookies

Hunter all ready for his party… waiting for the guests to arrive.

The birthday cake

Hunter enjoyed having everyone sing Happy Birthday to him

Hunter’s cake… he wasn’t sure what to do with it.

He finally dug in, although he didn’t eat much of it he seemed to like playing with it.

Hunter opened up his presents (with some help from Hailey).  He loved all of his gifts.

Hunter had a great first birthday party!  He had his grandparents and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins here to help him celebrate.  We’re so thankful for so many people who love him!!

Hunter, 12 months old, with Tigger

Hunter’s favorite thing about his birthday presents- climbing on the boxes and sitting on them.

New things from this month- Hunter is walking!  He is so fast and gets into everything!

Hunter hasn’t picked up many new words this month, but he certainly speaks quite a bit of jibberish   In addition to the words he started saying last month, he says “tock, tock” which he whispers when he sees a clock and he also says “nigh, nigh” which seems to mean that he is tired or that he wants to nurse.

Hunter is still nursing 2-3 times during the day.  Some nights it seems like he wants to nurse constantly and other nights he will only nurse once or twice.  He is doing better with table foods.  He loves every fruit he has ever tried and does good with his vegetables too.  He seems to like meat, but he just chews and chews it and doesn’t swallow it.  So for now I’m still using baby food for his meats.

Hunter is 30 1/2 inches long which is in the 60th percentile and he is 22lbs, 5 oz which is in the 45th percentile.  He wears 12 month clothes and is still in size 4 diapers.