Birthday Boy

Gregory is 1!  We can't believe it!  But somewhere along the way, we went from

this adorable, chubby little munchkin...

 To...

This sweet, almost walking and talking little man.

It's been a long year, full of adventures, but this little guy lights up our life!  And challenges us plenty, too.  He is cruising and exploring everywhere (nothing is safe anymore!), and taking small steps by himself.  He loves to growl, sing, dance, and play "bonk" (thanks to Aunt Katie).  He can roll a ball, almost climb out of bed, climb stairs, and taught himself how to get down safely.  He can sign "Night night," "help," "come here," "drink/milk," "eat," "paci," "outside," "up please," "down please," "more," "all done," wave byebye/hello, and say "Mama" and "Dada."  We're still working on please and thank you.  He is easily frustrated by a lack of communication, so we are trying to teach him signs for things as quickly as he will learn them.  We already have to spell a few words, like "bath" and "milk," because he knows the word all too well.  Green beans, bananas, spaghetti, sweet potatoes eggs, and animal crackers are his favorite foods.  He prefers food with plenty of seasoning and texture.  He loves beef, bacon, and coffee.  He is a solemn little guy--just takes everything in around him.  He enjoys figuring things out.  And the only time he'll laugh is when you chase him and come roaring out from behind the couch.  He is always on the go, but does love to sit and read books.  He refuses to perform new skills while being watched, but waits until no one is looking, and then takes off.  He's already showing himself to be a perfectionist, and doesn't like it when his hands get dirty.

He enjoys helping Mommy load (er, unload) the dishwasher, "fold" laundry, and wash dishes.  Still not too sure about the loud vacuum cleaner.  He prefers to play outside.  His most recent skill is learning to point, and asking you to name everything he touches while he tries to "say" it.  He likes technology just like his Daddy, though he is learning to not touch it...or the trash...or the toilet paper....or dump flour everywhere....or throw food off his tray...

And just the other day, I sang "Silent Night" to him, and he signed "night night" every time I said the word "night."  Smart little guy!  It's so much fun to teach him!

He enjoys playing with his cousins, and is learning to stand up for himself among the crowd. ;-)

His favorite color is red, and he is hoping to see snow when he travels up north soon.

Side note: I wanted to write this post on his actual birthday, but it didn't happen.  I plan to do quite a few posts before the New Year, though, as I have a few things to announce.  You'll also get to see more pictures of the little guy!

Smiles!