Months 9-12

How is this little thing a 1 year old?! I know every parent says that... but really, where did the time go? I know I have said this in previous posts about Levi, but THIS is now my new favorite age. When I look back on prayers or posts from "the dark ages" (aka the Colic days), I am truly amazed that my happy, flirty, giggly, little man came out of such an unhappy newborn! (So if anyone out there is reading this and struggling with a Colicky baby, do not lose heart! You're baby will not always be like this)

In honor of his first birthday, we had a very small, laid-back "tailgate" party at my parent's house with family and a few friends. I couldn't have asked for a better day! We ate, opened presents, watched football, and Levi has his first taste of cake (banana bread with cool whip). Although he didn't like the cake too much, he loved opening presents and playing with his new toys with his cousins. It was almost surreal watching him play all day (ummm when did you become a little boy?!)

 Levi has grown so much in the last few months. He has become extremely social and he absolutely loves being around people. Some days, if he is really grumpy,we will go walk around Target because he immediately perks up being in public. (And, because I am the selfless, sacrificial type, I'll oblige HIS need to go to Target. Okay fine, my need) Levi loves bath time and has officially graduated up to the regular bath tub. He loves playing with his bath toys and splashing anyone within a 5 foot radius. He also continues to really love music. He loves listening to music, "playing" music on his xylophone, and having people sing to him. Anything that lights up and plays music can entertain him for hours!

Of all of his favorite things, there is nothing that Levi loves more than Mickey Mouse. Mickey Mouse pictures, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, his Mickey toy, it doesn't matter to him at all. Anything and everything Mickey Mouse makes him smile. On a related note, if anyone needs to know ANYTHING AT ALL about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse let me know! Or, maybe a Mouseketool could help you. (Seriously, why isn't this a category at Loco's Trivia?)

Sarah and Taylor's wedding

On a more serious note, the biggest change for Levi recently has been his enrollment in "school." This past August, Levi started at Central Christian Preschool and is there 4 days a week since Mitch and I are both working full time now. In addition to going to CCC Preschool, Levi spends a couple hours a day with my mom until Mitch gets off work. This has been a HUGE adjustment for Levi. However, he has handled it like a champ (minus those first two weeks of daycare when he would scream bloody murder the whole time he was there). Levi loves going to school, his teacher Mrs. Roxanne, and, wouldn't you know it, his classroom's xylophone (do they offer xylophone scholarships to Juilliard?) Not only does Levi enjoy school, but it has been a huge help for his developmental delays and we are hoping that it will help diminish them all together!

First day in our new house!

 At his one year check up, Levi weighed in at 20 lbs 8 ounces (10th percentile in weight) and was 29 inches long (50th percentile in height). He is on the small side but he is completely healthy! He also has 8-10 teeth and hasn't met a food he doesn't like!  (I am not 100% on the exact number of teeth he has because I fear for the safety of my fingers!)

First haircut

When the nurse told me his percentiles, David (from the Old Testament) immediately popped into my mind; young and small but chosen by God and made greater than a giant. I can only hope and pray that the same will be true of Levi... not to be great, but rather to be chosen by the Great One himself.