Shout Hooray!

I know. I know.

 

One of our favorite holidays went by and I didn't update about all the fun we had. (And we had a lot of fun!)

 

The day was immediately trumped by the following day.

 

Which, of course, was Pudman's FIRST Birthday!

 

I might be biased, but I think my Pudman is the cutest, sweetest, smartest little boy to ever set foot on this planet.

 

Maddox is happy and content almost all the time.

 

He was a little unnerved about all the attention he received over his birthday, but he seemed to enjoy both his birthday and his birthday party. (Which happened a little later.)

 

His birthday started with a donut-run with the whole family.

Maddox was really excited that he got an entire donut all to himself.

 

Next up, a birthday present.

 

I wanted to wait to give Maddox most of his gifts at his birthday party.

However, Matt and I were really excited about this birthday shopping experience and we just couldn't be patient!

 

We changed our minds a few times before we finally settled on...

 

 

A big Dump Truck.

 

We didn't realize how big this Dump Truck was when we ordered it. It was a lot bigger then we had pictured, but Maddox loved it. He even loved riding in it. Well, until I stopped pushing him to take a picture.

 

I had so many ideas of how we would celebrate Maddox's birthday. I stressed about it for weeks, but in the end I decided to do exactly what I knew Maddox would want to do.

 

Skip dance class.

 

Maddox's birthday landed on a Thursday, which is the day Holynd has dance class. Maddox HATES to go to dance class and wait for sissy to get done. It's probably one of the only times he acts out.

 

So we went to lunch and I let the kids go crazy eating Halloween candy all day long.

 

Everyone was in heaven.

 

It was the perfect day.

 

*****

 

A few things about Maddox at 1 year old.

 

Maddox looks like his G-Pa. A lot.

 

 

Maddox isn't high maintenance. Not even a little bit. He reminds me a lot of Matt. Matt doesn't like a lot of fuss over his birthday and I knew Maddox would want the same thing.

 

Maddox is still tall and skinny. Just like dad.

 

Maddox likes to talk. His favorite thing to do is ask, "That?" and point. I think he has picked this up from Sloane who is always asking, "What's that?" and "Why?".

 

Maddox is really laid back. He also gets this from Matt. It takes a lot to upset Maddox.

 

Maddox isn't afraid to stand up for himself. Lately, the girls have been coming upstairs to tattle on Maddox. "He won't let me have his toy!", "Mom! Maddox growled at me!", "Mom! Maddox pulled my hair". It's really hard to get mad at Maddox because I know he's only doing it because they girls pick on him relentlessly.

 

Maddox gave up the binkie and baby food. Actually, he gave up baby food MONTHS ago. Once I gave him a taste of a regular meal, he refused to go back to the mushy stuff. I don't blame him. Even the expensive stuff looked pretty nasty. Maddox really loves beans and Homemade Chicken and Dumplings.

 

Maddox is the easiest baby to take anywhere. Even when he's tired. (This does NOT include dance class). I've had Maddox almost completely fall asleep while sitting up in the cart at the grocery store. He just doesn't like to cause a lot of trouble.

 

Maddox's favorite snack is Ritz Crackers. He also LOVES broccoli - it doesn't even have to be cooked. He and Holynd are very much alike in what they like to eat.

 

His favorite toys are balls, trucks and cars. He loves to play "catch". I'm sure this makes Matt so happy. :)

 

Maddox will stand and walk around furniture, but he has yet to walk on his own. He seems nervous. I really don't blame him. I wouldn't attempt to learn to walk in this crazy environment either.

 

Maddox has 2.3 teeth. One of his top teeth cut through yesterday and he has another ugly bump right next to it. He's not a bad teether, but he definitely lets me know when he's ready for some Tylenol.

 

I really can't believe how fast the year flew by. I know enough to know that there's quite a difference between 12 and 18 months. They grow and learn A LOT! This is really when they grow out of being babies. I'm a little sad, but I'd be lying if I didn't say this is one of my favorite ages.

 

We love you Pudee.