The one with a Birthday Boy.

 

I cannot believe my baby is one!!! How did that happen? Time just flew right on by. 

We had a whole lot of things happen in this past year, and we are all better for it. 

Luca is a light. He can be a crazy wild child that is the life of the party, and then turn around and become the calmest sweetest best friend ever. It just depends on who is around and what is going on. I can't wait to see how that changes over the next few years. 

Here are some of Luca's stats in life. 

He says several words, and does signs. He says, mama, dada, papa, "later"-see you later, "job"-good job. He signs, thank you, please, more, milk, all done, and he shakes his head no. He uses "no" correctly and when he doesn't want something. It's so funny to be told no from a one year old. 

He knows where his ear is, and we are working on our tongue. He is soaking in so much knowledge lately. 

He knows how old he is, and will tell you if you ask--usually--by showing you one finger. 

He is walking like a pro! He figured out his flat feet issue and now can span the room without a fall! He still can't get up without something to hold on too, but he stops himself from wobbling and steadies himself before continuing. 

He still loves books--he reads all the time to himself, me and his stuffed animals. The five little pumpkins book is his favorite lately. We read it several times a day. 

He loves loves loves stuffed animals still too. He attacks them and hugs them like I hug him. Lots of short tight hugs. It's awesome. 

He still loves music too. He plays the piano all the time, and stops dead when any music comes on. 

He has started to help clean up lately as well. He puts things back into bins with me. It's so handy. I can point to anything on the floor and ask for it and he will bring it to me. 

His favorite thing to do at the park is clean up trash. He crawls or walks around just to find more pieces to hand me. 

He loves to pick out his own snacks, and picks something different depending on the day. 

He tries so hard to use utensils. He tries to scoop food onto his spoon, and when it doesn't work he picks the food up and puts it on the spoon himself and then eats it. 

Luca also throws the most fabulous fits. If something happens that he doesn't approve of his throws himself down wherever he is and bangs on the ground and cries. It's my favorite in public. He's got quite the fake cry down too. 

He's gotten pickier lately--and won't eat everything. He doesn't like spicy foods and lots of things he used to eat. He still eats pretty well but it's harder to do now. 

He takes one nap a day--which isn't very long, but he sleeps well. He hasn't been going to bed well lately--but I pray it's just a phase. I can't do it much longer. 

He has lately been fascinated with everything above his head.  He points out signs, pictures, lights, fans, everything.  In stores, outside, everywhere.  It's so fun to see him discover new things!

He crawls backwards now, and can stand up on his own!

We have his doctors appointment tomorrow--so I'll put his height and weight in later! He is still in the 45% for weight, at 20lbs 14oz.  He is still in the 90% for height--I can't remember the exact, I will find it.  

He's a big healthy fun loving child. I can't imagine my life the way it was a year ago. Luca has only made us better people. He is the best thing ever. We are so grateful we were blessed with him. 

I can only hope I can do right by him and teach him all that he needs to learn so he can do everything he needs to do. There is so much stress when raising a child--I can't imagine trying to do it without the gospel as a guide and comfort. It's a beautiful gift in life, I know I can do what I need to do if I follow the promptings in given. 

Luca we love you baby!! Here's to the next year full of new adventures and learning! Thank you for being you!