HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, GRIFFIN!

On August 8, 2011 (our 3rd wedding anniversary) Brian and I went out to eat at the Fish Market in Baxter Village.  My parents had Payton for the next several nights, (which made me SO sad to be away from her), as I was due to check into CMC early the next morning to deliver our baby.  The waitress asked us what we wanted to drink, and without hesitation or worrying about what anyone else thought, or any gasps that might come my way, I ordered a big glass of red wine!  After 9 months of being pregnant, I deserved that, right?  Here we are that night....the last night of being a family of 3. Excited.  Anxious.

But ready to meet our new baby...would it be a boy or a girl?  Griffin Miles or Berkeley Elizabeth?

 And here was are, family of 4, almost exactly a year later...at the Fish Market

And little Miss Priss...(a cute moment, something I want to document, so we don't forget about it...we gave Payton some coins to toss into a fountain nearby the restaurant, and told her to make a wish.  Daddy told her to keep her wish in her head, and not to tell anyone, so the wish would come true.  Her interpretation of that was to rub the coin on her head, then toss into the water.  CUTEST thing ever!  She did it with each coin!)  I would have gotten a picture at the fountain, but the "perfect storm" was headed our way...

Okay, back to August 9, 2011...and the baby!  We were checked into the hospital, watched a little ESPN as we waited for Dr. Lucas to arrive (seriously, I was THAT relaxed!) and waited to meet our little baby!  At 9:40am, it was announced that we had a SON!!!!! We were thrilled, and immediately in love with this scrunchy-faced little man!  Welcome to the world, Griffin Miles!

A week early, and a heavy-weight!  Weighing in at a healthy 9 pounds, 2 ounces, and 20.5 inches

We couldn't be happier to be raising two beautiful, healthy and happy, children...a bonus that we got one of each.  I can't believe our last baby is 1.  We look forward to seeing his accomplishments, achievements, and raising him to be a true southern gentleman!  Happy birthday, Griffin Miles!

First birthday doctor visit...yep.  Took him on his birthday.  Mean mommy?  Nope.  He breezed through the check up, and 3 shots, with few tears.  He weighs 23 pounds, 8 oz (50th percentile), 30 1/2 inches (75-90% in height), and 90th in head circumference (we knew he was smart!)  Not to compare, but to compare:  Payton was 25 pounds, 11 ounces (95th), 31 1/4 inches (95-100th), and 90th in head.  So Griffin is our "little guy."  I gave him a lollipop and he was good with the finger prick, and the shots (mostly...okay, a few tears).

Some fun facts for Griffin at ONE:
-Talks (baby talk) ALL the time....very vocal. 
 -Says "hi" and waves
-Tries to sing his ABC's (and you can make out "ABCD" if you really use your imagination)...loves to be sung to
-Almost always crawls with something (a block, car, letter) in both his hands...pushes them across the floor
-Is getting hair (finally)...YAY!  VERY blonde, with some curls
-Walking? NOPE!  Doesn't really seem interested.  He crawls super fast, and tries to run if he holds your fingers. When you let go, he immediately squats to the floor. 
-Loves playing the drums, and hits and beats on everything he can get his hands on.
-When we go wake him up, he crawls away from us while smiling, then gathers all his blankies in his lap (and sucks his thumb)
-Gives open-mouthed kisses, and will blow kisses, but sticks his tongue out
-Great sleeper...on weekends he'll sleep from about 6:30 or 7pm until 10am
-SWEET, loving, and happy little boy...we couldn't be more thankful for our kids!


Here are some shots from his first birthday, August 9, 2012...with his grandparents, Nana and Granddude.  They came in town from Virginia to help us celebrate!

Well, good morning, birthday boy!! (he was sleeping SO soundly...I hated, HATED waking him up)

Brave boy at the doctor's office!

What is this stuff?  And why is everyone staring at me?

I'm gonna get YOU!

Wait, you want me to EAT this stuff?

Who knew red and blue made turquoise?

The proud parents of of happy 1 year old!

Our "Happily Ever After..."

So, after crashing from their sugar highs, Payton and Griffin easily drifted off to sleep.  The next 1 1/2 days were spent preparing for Griffin's birthday bash.  Here are a few pictures from the party, but I'm going to post others on a later date.  My cousin, Cindy, was there to capture all the sweet moments of Griffin and his friends, and I can't wait to see the pictures!  A good time was had by all!  Our guests were greeted by one heck of a storm, but it quickly went on its way, and left us with sunshine and the entire pool to ourselves!  The kids even got a visit from a real pirate!

The girl who made the cake and cookies (Jill) did a fantastic job!  They were just as tasty as they were cute!  Arrrgh matey!

Yep, I made the shark...I have a whole new respect for those who can carve really cool Jack-o-lanterns...but for my first, I thought it turned out pretty well!

Granddude and Griffin meeting the Pirate...Griffin looks more interested in his beer?

Pirate?  I thought your name was Dan?

Most of the crew at G's party

Arrgh you having a good time?

Our little fishy!

These were taken with an iPhone (using a life case that is water proof...awesome!  I'm totally getting one!)

Happy, happy first birthday, sweet baby boy!  We had an incredible weekend with you, and look forward to watching you grow and learn.  Here's to many, many more of the happiest of birthdays!

Our little (fussy) drummer-boy!