Blake Turns ONE!

I am feeling a little nostalgic about my little Bubba turning one this weekend, its so funny - he isn't my baby, but I just love him to pieces and I can't believe how big he is getting and what personality he has!

Stacey's pregnancy with Blake was the first I have ever been present for from the beginning - LaDonna had Mady when she was in Arizona, so I didn't see that progress, and most of my friends are just now starting to have babies. So Stace was the first person super close to me whose entire pregancy I got to be such a part of - down to being in the room leading up to delivery (never again, please) - and immediately after he was born and cleaned up from the goopyness.

From the second I saw his tiny face and full head of dark hair, I was in love. He was so tiny and sweet, and I was so happy to have been at the hospital (all day long) waiting for him. I first held him when he was 3 days old, and I have loved holding him ever since. He is a wiggle worm, a ball of energy, and a baby who hates to snuggle, but he is also a kid who will lean in when you ask for a kiss, laugh when you tickle him, and wiggle his bum in the air waiting for you to somersault him.

I have taken several beach trips with Blake this year - most recently last weekend - and despite how he becomes increasingly more on the move and exahusting to take with me, I also have increasingly more fun taking him, watching him grow and learn, and hearing him talk...NON STOP. I am proud when he says a new word or learns a new trick, I get excited about his new teeth, and I am impressed with his new food experiences...the kid likes to eat! :)

I am so happy and grateful for all the time Stacey makes for me to get my Bubba time in, and I just can't believe it has been a whole year since I held that tiny little man for the first time.

Stacey's Baby Shower * 3 months til Baby

At the hospital...waiting, waiting, waiting

Grandma meets Blake!

Blake Richard Smith...perfect!

3 days old, meeting Auntie V

Bath time

3 weeks old, meeting Parker Kelly

1st time at the beach with Auntie V

Pacific City

Meeting Mady

Cousins

I love me some Bubba kisses!

Bath, woot!

DeLaina's engagement party in the woods

Meeting the Smith cousins in Seattle

Cannon Beach Monster Weekend

With Auntie Kitty

Somersaulting around the beach house

Beach cuddles...or attempt anyways.

Happy times!

Happy, happy, happy birthday to my little Peanut, my Bubba man, my favorite little one year old. Happy birthday Blake! Your Auntie V loves you so much!!