Happy Birthday Roman!

Everyone says it, but it's true; I can't believe a year has past since my baby boy was born. Roman is complete sunshine in our home. He is SMILES, GIGGLES, and SLOBBERY KISSES. When he's tired he gets extra cuddly, we joke that he's a lover not a fighter. Usually an hour before bedtime he starts wrestling with Dad. If anyone lays on the floor, he'll rush over and rub his face on their belly...this is the sign that he seriously wants to take them out!

Before Roman was born everyone said, "I can't imagine you with a boy!" and I must admit that I couldn't picture myself with one either. All I heard was how dirty and rough they were. I often saw friend's boys rough-housing and breaking things that my girls would never think of touching. Now that Roman is here, I can't picture us without him...including girly 'ol me! It's true that boys are very different than girls. We didn't use quite so many gates with the girls, we also didn't have to relocate so many items from the living room to "places that cannot be reached", but we ADORE every minute of life with Roman. I love to just watch him as he plays, I can see wheels turning in his head as he tries to figure out how to get into something, how to take a toy apart, or how to get out of his "cage". Roman has been my easiest, yet busiest baby.

New Things You're Doing:

1. Saying Da-da, Ma-ma, 'Hyo' (Hello), Uh-oh, 'Ook' (Look), No-no and other sounds that are faintly familiar but not quite words.

2. Not new, but you LOVE to throw things down the stairs. If we can't find our socks, shoes, remote, book, we know where to look!

3. When we tell you 'No, no' you shake your finger at whatever you were trying to get into and say "No, no" as well.

4. Dancing King! You love music and always get your groove on when you hear a lively toon. Our favorite is when you stop your "squat dance" and start shaking your head to the music. Super cute!

5. Hugs and kisses, you give us lots and it makes us soooo happy!

6. When the phone rings you immediately put your hand up to your ear and say, 'Hyo'. It cracks us up.

7. You are a VERY picky eater...no veggies for you. If it's not sweet then you don't want it, but we are definitely working on that!

8. We LOVE your hair and so does everyone else! Whereever we go, someone is sure to stop and tell us that they love your curly blonde locks...Daddy jokes that you got them from him!

To celebrate Roman's big day we went swimming at the OSU pool. Roman loved the water even though his lips were turning blue. We had a little family party at home. I wasn't sure that he would know what to do with the presents but no one had to show him. He was mesmerized by the bright paper as soon as he saw it. When the gifts were within reach he pounced! In no time at all he had them unwrapped and couldn't wait to start playing. I was sucker and got him all "annoying musical toys" but I knew he would love them and so far he does.

Our "tradition" is to take a picture of Roman in Darin's white shirt each birthday, to see how he grows into it...and possibly out of it. So far, here is the difference:

3 months

1 Year

Oh...and Katherine, thanks for the b-day cake idea! I totally copied your genius idea and it was a big hit!