One Year Old

This year has been one of a kind with this little boy in our life. A life whose unique beginning matches the spirit he brought into our home. A year ago he came into this world with truck loads of love, attention and prayers.  It is amazing how much he has grown in this short span of time.

Hair: His hair has gone from loose amazing curls to straight. We're going to grow it out again over the next few months and see if the curl is gone.

Eyes: His dark brown eyes have stayed that beautiful dark chocolate color that I'm still learning to photograph.

Mobile: He's gone from being frustrated he couldn't move and watching his brother run circles around him to chasing his brother around the room and running (yes running) circles around everyone.

Talents: Hop Hop. He discovered he can hop on command. Not only the motion of hoping, which is super cute with his arms flapping up and down, but also his little legs push up enough his little feet actually come off the ground at the same time! It's adorable.

Eating: He's such the adventurous eater. Its so much fun to see him try new things and he doesn't necessarily have a favorite but he sure hates peaches.

Personality: We always suspected that his little personality was going to be very strong, passionate, and sweet. And he is all of those things. He will hug you so hard and nuzzle your neck making you feel like a million bucks. He'll also scream so loud you shrink back with ear pain. Which is his go to move when he's being ignored.  He is also very passionate about his family. Chasing his big brother. Sticking close to mommy when he's nervous and running to the door at the sound of daddy's voice at the end of the day.

Teasing: He likes to tease. When we are wrestling and playing he'll stand up, stare right at you, and with the biggest smile he'll carefully walk backwards or sideways while giggling.

Head-butting: Yes it is an action of endearment. Much like his hugs he'll use his own forehead and hit yours while smiling. That means means he loves you.

Laughter: His laughter is contagious. Daddy can get the best of laughs out of Tanner simply by looking at the boy.

Teeth: Oh I miss the days before teething. They were such kind days. The pain you can see him in from these swollen gums and mean, mean teeth that won't come in, it's so hard to watch. He does have six sharp and well used teeth. There are bite marks on the furniture that would be mistaken for a puppy. But nothing has been effected more by this horrible act of teething then Tanner's sleeping. He's trying but it's hard when the numbing stuff doesn't last forever

Growling: Gremlin, Pitbull, furry cartoon monster. It doesn't matter what you think of when you hear this boy growl, it still has you laughing to tears. He does it on his own. Never for the same reason but he is very consistent in that if daddy growls, Tanner growls back.

Stone face: He can still win a staring contest. Upon meeting him for the first time, or meeting him again after a long time apart, he will seriously stare and study you carefully for as long as he wants before giving you anything.

Tantrums: Oh the tantrums have kept us thoroughly entertained. If he's in your arms he'll throw his head back and cry. If that only gets him laughter he'll start to twist around in your arms until he's hanging upside down. The best though is when he's on the ground, he will carefully get down on his belly and then bend upward in a familiar yoga position and cry. All we do is laugh. It's adorable.

Mastering the Stairs: Hasn't figured out how to go down yet, but he's figuring out how to make it to the top without stopping. Big brother helps keep him from falling.

Climbing: He loves to climb on things. Mostly the ottoman. But he has proven he can figure out how to climb carefully back down.

Pat: He loves to pat you on the face. Especially daddy.

Milk: It's been two days since we gave him milk and he LOVES it. Can't really blame him, it's so much better then that formula he's been required to have, but man this kid loves milk. We're going to have to win the lotto soon if we're going to be able to keep up with both boys appetites.

Tupperware Cupboard: We managed to lock up all the other cupboards except one, and he loves it. There is Tupperware lids and containers all over the house.

Camera Shy: Actually Shy is not the right word. Stubborn. He's getting more and more talented at evading the camera. These recent birthday pictures are just attempt one. We'll try again when it stops raining outside.

Cats: There is a cat that visits us from time to time. Tanner will sit by the window when the cat comes by and point at it, laugh at it, and often growl at it,

Upside down: He loves to be hung upside down. I'm not surprised he's got an adventurous streak that's going to have my stomach in knots for the rest of my life.

Naps: Four days ago he dropped his morning nap. We are tired. We are grumpy. We are growing up.

Bloody Nose: Not all experience have been easy. Being a kid is tough. Tanner has had two bloody noses now, before turning one. How horrible is that. But the one that happened this last Sunday was a dozy. Ten minutes before Church he stepped on the towel he had been carrying around and face planed right on the kitchen floor. As a result he napped for the first time during church. Poor kid.

Stats:
Height: 2' 5.17"  (22%)              Weight: 23 lbs 8 oz  (81%)              Head: 18.9" (93%)

We are also proud to, not only, celebrate Tanner's birth today, but we also celebrate his Birth Parents along all those that prayed, fasted, and were with his innocent soul every step of the way one year ago. The path of adoption is not an easy one for everyone involved and it's not over. There is more to come. As both these boys begin to form their place in the world, their adoption will have them face some trials both from outside the home and inside themselves. But they have the best support system I have ever seen. Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, so many cousins that love them, our wonderful Birth Family, and more friends then I can name in this little post. There is more love and more spiritual strength in our support wheel then I could ever imagine possible. And we thank you. We celebrate you. And we are forever grateful to our Eternal Father in Heaven for this brilliant family he has pieced together for us.

This is our family and we are full of Gratitude.