Year in Review

As today is New Year's Eve, I thought it would be fun to take a look back through the year. Here are some photographs and memories I wanted to share:

If there is one thing I can say about my son, it is that he is always happy. I severely underestimated the joy he would bring not only to my life but all of those around him.

My little Valentine! 

He has been quite the good luck charm as well - especially when it comes to running. I set a PR in ever race I ran this year!

March also brought a big change for us. We moved! This is Phinn's last nap in Purcellville.

I think this will always be one of my favorite pictures of him. That was such a fun phase! 

First bunny cake! One of the many things that I love about having a child is that you get to pass on all of your favorite traditions.

My little foodie! He always gives everything a try to see if he likes it. I think we have come close to trying just about every fruit and vegetable. He has even surprised me with a few of the things he has taken to such as kale, Brussels sprouts, spinach, and mushrooms.

We went from crawling to pulling up and creeping along everything in early June! He also began to look more like a little boy than a baby.

Also made his first of what I am sure will be many trips to St. Louis this summer and got to meet his great grandmas. I feel so fortunate to have been able to take him and he was a great little traveler.

And what baby timeline is complete without a bathtub picture?! Beside the standard words like "ball" and "dog," "duck" was one of Phinn's first words and to this day points out ducks like "Where's Waldo?".

Another favorite picture of mine! My mom made these hats for her and Phinn one afternoon while she was watching him. It made it hard for me to be productive with this cuteness going on in my family room.

Love the joy you can see in his eyes! Phinn has taught me how to be more joyful and find amusement in the smallest things, like the baby giggles that you hear when playing peek-a-boo with a pillow.

In August, he started really playing with his blocks and even learning to stack them. Now it has turned into a game to see how high we can stack them and then knock them over.

Swinging at the park.

Did I mention how wonderful baby laughter is?! Seriously, best sound in the world! 

First bite of a whole apple while we were apple picking.

And his priceless reaction....

We got a little carried away while finger painting.

My baby boy turned one with a Curious George themed party with friends and family from as close as Charlottesville and as far as St Louis.

Happy Halloween! Not a fan of costumes, especially ones that include a headpiece. Maybe next year...

He did enjoy the pumpkin carving.

In November, everything became a phone. Our water cups, blocks, pacifiers, shoes, you name it Phinn has probably used it as a phone. We don't think we talk on the phone that much but apparently that was something Phinn really honed in on.

Gadget man! Has his trusty remote and phone by his side. Also this is the last known sighting of our Roku remote. It has been missing and we are thinking it may have been put in the trash another thing Phinn enjoys doing.

Happy, happy boy!

 Merry Christmas!!

 A true all American boy in his Air Force t-shirt and his (I mean Hunter's...) Cardinals hat.

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

Happy New Year everyone!