Birthday trip to the zoo

We wanted to do something special to celebrate Evan's birthday on the actual day, so we decided long ago that we would take the day off and head to the MN Zoo. It ended up being a really nice day out and we all had a lot of fun! Evan loved seeing all the animals and would point and watch them intently. He's a very studious little boy!

We actually made it through the entire zoo. He was definitely ready to be done, but I'm surprised and glad he lasted as long as he did. I would have to say his favorites were the tide pool in Discovery Bay (the kid loves water!) and the farm.

Hopefully we'll be able to do something special as a family each year!

Checking out the monkeys with Dad. He would say "Ooh Ooh" when you asked what the monkey said.

The grizzly bears were both swimming around right by the glass. We stood and watched them for quite awhile. It was really cool to see them up so close.

There was a long line for the giraffe feeding, so we just stood and watched for a bit.

He did however do, and really enjoy, the goat feeding at the farm! I can't believe he did it, let alone LOVE it!! I for one did not want to participate - those things will rip your hand off to get those pellets (or at least they look like it)!!

Loving the water in the tide pool! Unfortunately the star fish and other things to feel were a little out of reach, but he loved splashing around!!

One whole year old

Walking, walking, walking!

 

It's extremely hard to believe that this post is about Evan turning one year old!! What a year it has been!

 

I get a few emails about what a baby's development should be at certain points in their life and his 12 month one included the following that I found interesting, and very true - In the last year, you've changed over 3,000 diapers, lost 350 hours of sleep, debated calling the doctor nine times and doubted your parenting decisions at least that amount as well.

 

We've definitely dealt with all of those points and much, much more over the last year. Some good (seeing the look on his face when you pick him up from daycare) and some bad (seeing him struggle with an ear infection or a fever after his shots), but that of course is what parenthood is all about! And we wouldn't change a thing...except maybe the lack of sleep part!

 

Back to Evan's 12th month. It's been a busy one! Not only did he get to have multiple birthday celebrations, he also has started walking!! For the first week or so, he would take about six steps max, but it quickly escalated to being able to move all around a room. He's still pretty unsteady and face plants often, but it's getting better and better each day.

 

Thankfully his four teeth that he's been struggling with are finally coming through. He's only got four out yet, so the extra help with his food will be appreciated, I'm sure.

 

He continues to lean toward vegetarianism (sort of like his momma!) and prefer veggies and fruit over meat. Though he eats all his meat at daycare, at home, he isn't a huge fan. He does love hot dogs, but he can take or leave most other meats that we give him. He loves rice, pasta, yogurt and of course, cheese, so he does get carbs and protein elsewhere.

 

He's also starting to say a lot more! His babbles have taken on new forms - more consonants and different sounds. He says "Hi," "Hey," "Buh Bye," "Bye" pretty well. He says "Woof Woof" when asked what a dog or puppy says. "Dada" is still his favorite thing to say and it encompasses much more than just Chris. He even says it when looking at pictures of himself! "Momma" is a little harder to come by and lately I've been getting a form of "Baba."

 

Other than that, he's still the sweet little boy who loves to play toys, go for walks and runs, swing and be outside in general. He gives out special snuggles and kisses.

 

We are beyond blessed to have had this little boy in our lives for the last year and we are so happy to be his parents! Bring on year two!!!!