Nolan: Month Twelve

Nolan turned ONE on Friday! It's been a busy birthday week and weekend. We spent Nolan's actual birthday in Adel, GA at the memorial service and funeral of Kevin's great grandmother. I have only had the pleasure of being around Granny a handful of times, but she claimed me as one of her own. She had that "no such thing as in-laws" kind of heart capacity and loved well. She gave the best hugs and had the biggest heart for Jesus. What a beautiful legacy she leaves behind for her family. She has great GREAT grandbabies. Now that's a bountiful life. I'm sad that Nolan never got to meet her, but it was neat to celebrate two special lives all in one day. 

Here's what Nolan's been up to this month:

You turned ONE.

You give kisses. They're slobbery. We rub them in, not off ;). 

You have this truck. You use it to walk around ALL OVER the house. It's like your security blanket.

You decided you don't care for green beans anymore.

You love saying "Dada," "All gone," and recently you  learned "Uh" when you drop something. (You're working on the "oh" part.)

You "talk" A LOT.
You'll give "high fives and wave "bye bye."

You know what a ball, airplane, and puppy are.

We survived 2 weeks without Daddy while he was in Brazil.

A few of your favorite things include:

The "Dada" book by Jimmy Fallon

Going to sleep

Baths

Running errands

Going out to eat

The beach

Sweeping

I have soaked up every moment of this past year.

We. Love. You.

Happy 12 months, kiddo.

Happy First Birthday, Nolan.

Nolan,

You're one. ONE. 

I keep replaying the day you were born over and over in my mind. And I'm having the hardest time putting into words the way my heart swells at the thought of that day. I just can't find them. 

The only thing I've been able to muster up is this:

You rocked. Our. World. 

Our world was rocked by fears we never even knew we had. Our world was rocked by a joy that only you could give. Our world has been rocked by a revitalized dependency on the Cross of Christ. Son, you are a good gift. And I don't mean good as in your behavior or attitude because, let's be real, those two things can go either way depending on the hour. But God has graciously given you to us, and we recognize you as the good gift that you are. You need to know that we mess up a lot. You show us grace and, so, remind us of God's grace. But our love for you has never wavered, and it is an unbelievable honor to claim you as our own. Your personality is developing and thriving and brings so much spunk and laughter to our home and daily rhythms of life. I adore your love of food. You're goofy and you know it. I want even just a taste of your fearlessness. In the same breath, however, though fearless, you are observant and mindful. Especially in a crowded setting. You find those you know already so you can rekinder the BFF relationship you had with them last time and determine who needs to gain your trust and affections. You are independent and simultaneously tender-hearted. You laugh just because others are too and that toothy smile is infectious. 

So yes. You've rocked our world.
Thank you.
Happy first birthday! 

We love you.

-Mommy & Daddy

Nolan: Month Eleven

The past month has been so fun! We've done lots of big things. YOU'VE done lots of big things! 

And we couldn't be more proud of the spunky, silly, knuckle-head you're becoming.

You still love water and will play in it ANY chance you get.

 Gamma ended up getting in the pool with you. Clothes and all!

You visited Texas for the first time and did so great.

Technically your first flight was during your 10th month, but these pictures are too sweet not to post.

We visited an aquarium in Dallas.

We celebrated our first 4th of July as a family of three.

You visited Alabama and took your first boat ride (and l.o.v.e.d. it)!
I should also mention, while we're at this precious pic, that you are a daddy's boy through and through at the moment.
I don't even hate it :).

We made a fun trip to hometown where we got to celebrate Papa G's 62nd birthday and hang out with family.

Several of our hometown friends and their kiddos finally got to meet you.

And then, of course, here are just a few other pictures taken throughout month number eleven:

Happy 11 months, silly boy!