Baby Birds

For the past 6 weeks we've been carefully watching our newest additions:

The first days after hatching they opened their mouths for any sound or movement.

(please excuse the reverse timeline)

They've survived thurderstorms, tornado watches and an entire neighborhood of interested children.

The mama bird (a mockingbird) was VERY protective and would start dive bombing us if we hung out too long or got too close.

Once the babies got their feathers I went to get a picture. The little birdies were startled and hopped out of the nest. I spent the next 1 1/2 hours chasing around those little buggers with our frog catching nets, placing them back in the nest, having them jump out and then replacing them in the nest. All while being dive bombed by the mama. I finally had to go pick up Matts from school and when we got back they were all gone. I was convinced I was a bird killer, but so very happily, we've seen three little mockingbird flying around :)

My Boy

Reed is quite pleased with Christian's two current favorites:

Daddy

Balls (especially basketballs)

Festivities

Christian wasn't quite sure of what to think about this whole birthday thing. Throughout his 'kid party' (babysitting swap night w/cupcakes :), presents and cake he had quite the stoic demeanor. He took everything very seriously and wasn't sure of any of it. Not at all what we expected from our busy, crazy boy.

Checking things out

Still checking things out

Yep, you got it...checking things out

Some birthday loves.

Meet Gwynnie; Christian's biggest fan.

As his mobility has increased so has his regard for her (apparently, absence really does make the heart grow fonder)

The little maniacs at work

Ok, we finally got a smile

Checking out the cake, part 1.

Let them it cake!

Much like the rest of his 1st birthday, Christian approached his 1st cake with a large does of stoicism. Finally, the sugar won out and we got some smiles at the end.

cake - slide show

Sometimes

Sometimes life it boring. Sometimes it's straight out of the movies.

"Brothers don't shake hands. Brothers hug." (especially to get out of time out)

"It's a hard knock life"

"oompa loompa dompa-de-doo"

Happy Happy Birthday Christian!

Christian's first year has flown by in a blur of sleepless nights and balancing 3 boys. It has definitely been the fullest year of our lives.

Full of craziness, laughter and incredibly, peace.

Christian:

You are such a blessing in our lives. You have completed our family and given me a sense of peace and contentment that I didn't think possible in this life. In many ways you combine the best of your brothers; Matts' energy and Gray's joie de vivre. You are a busy, busy, happy, busy boy who is adored by our entire family.

We Love You!