13 months!

"Whoa, who are you!??!"

"Is this what I'm supposed to do Momma? I thought I was done with this silly game!"

"Well, I'm glad you found that funny."

"Wait, is that Daddy flying over your shoulder? He is one funny guy."

"I just have the best parents ever, don't you think Tigger?"

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"Here, I'll show you that you're part of the family now too."
(This is how he snuggles, as he's starting giving hugs.)

Well, I didn't plan on continuing the monthly photos, but after receiving such a wonderful gift from Cass we just had to do another month. Ironically, Cass was also the giver of Mickey, which Micah become close friends with throughout his first year of life:) Thanks Cass for helping our picture tradition continue!!

Monthly highlights:

• Micah has really become very steady on his feet this month!
  
• I thought about trying to go to one nap, but it failed miserably on my 2nd attempt, so we're keeping with the two naps for now.
• We have spent as much time outside as possible, and visited every park in the area, as well as the pool:)
  
• Micah is starting to have some temper tantrums when he doesn't get his way :(. I'm not sure the best way to handle this, and right now we can distract him pretty easily...but I'm praying for us in the future!
• He visited the petting zoo this month and had a good time, but was slightly scared (actually terrified!) by the woolly lambs.
• He started barking and meowing, at the right animal:)
  
• Micah began giving hugs this month, and I love it! It's so sweet to see him come up to me or Christian and rest his little head on us, even if just for a second.
  

Party time again!

Last weekend we were able to celebrate a fellow friend (Jackson Davis) turning one, and Micah had quite a great time at the party. They also had a great photographer capturing wonderful shots, and below are a couple of Micah that I stole:) Thanks ANew View Photography! Ironic that he refused to wear a hat at his own birthday party, but had no qualms doing it here - I think he was trying to show Jackson it wasn't so bad, haha. Jackson has just broken out in tears after Jason put the hat on him, so I look at it as Micah saying, "It's okay Jackson...see? It's not that bad being 1, I promise!"

6th Anniversary...

and more in love now than ever! Six years ago today I married my best friend. Thank you, Christian, for always loving me and supporting me through thick and thin. We've been through a lot together, particularly in the last 3 years, and there's no one else I would rather experience life with than you. I love you more than words can say:)

It's amazing

what a little Baby Einstein can do!

"Hi Momma"

"Whoa, this is pretty cool."

"Look at that, Momma! The TV has puppets that look like dogs!"

"Oh, that bear is interesting...if I could just get a little closer..."

"Now that's better!"

"Finally, a front row seat."

"Ba-ba!" (aka, baby:))

Big Boy

Aunt Kari's back:)

Aunt Kari came back from Africa 2 weeks ago, and we were able to see her for a quick 2 hours this past weekend. How fun to watch her interact with Micah after almost a year. We can't wait for her to come and live with us for 3 weeks in July so Micah is able to really know his aunt before she takes off again for a year (or 2 or 3) to Africa.

Thanks for story time and the rattle Aunt Kari. I love it!

Happy Father's Day!!

What a wonderful day to celebrate. I not only have the privilege of being the daughter of an amazing father who has always loved and supported his children, I also have the privilege of watching my husband grow and embrace that same title. First, to my dad: I love you! Thank you for always loving your kids unconditionally. Thank you for supporting us through life's journey. And thank you, most of all, for providing that God-fearing, Christian upbringing that has ultimately seen your four children come to know the risen Lord. We are blessed and I pray that you see that as well.

Second, to my husband: You are amazing. It has been such a thrill and joy to watch you grow and fully embrace fatherhood this year. You love Micah with all your heart and I love watching you love him. Thank you for providing for us. I know it's hard to be away from us like you are, and please know we appreciate what you do so that I can be home with Micah. You are such a loving and supportive husband and dad - Micah and I could not have asked for a better role model of Godly living in our house. Thank you for always being there for us, encouraging us and being the amazing father I always knew you would be. We love you!

And now on to the father day festivities:

We started the morning out with Christian running a 5K. I had signed him up, thinking it would be a great start to the day, and Christian humored my desire for him to run a race. As the day approached, and Christian's training had been pretty much nonexistent due to a crazy work schedule, I knew the race would be less than exciting for him. But, he did a great job and I am so proud of him for running , regardless of training (or lack thereof:))!

Micah was so excited to be out for the day.

Happy Father's Day?!? :)

Ready to run!

Shaking his rattle from Aunt Kari, cheering the runners on.

Go Daddy, go!

Yea, Daddy! Finish strong:)

After Micah's nap we headed out to the local PrairieFest to visit the petting zoo. We thought Micah would enjoy all the animals, but he was rather scared at first, literally shaking when the sheep began surrounding him. :(

"What are these big things around me?"

"Why is that goat eating out of your hand?"

"Please don't leave my side, Momma."

"Hmm, maybe this isn't so bad after all."

"I'll just show this goat that I'm the boss."

"Seriously, get out of here."

"I mean it - don't touch me!"

"Maybe if I hold on to this fence I will just blend in to the background."

"You too, blackie? I got nothing for you."

"So just go away!"

"I think I'm ready to go now, Momma."

After the petting zoo, we headed back to the car and let Micah do a lot of the walking. He has really grown in his walking skills and hardly accepts his parents hands anymore, wanting to do it all on his own. I love the below shots of Daddy and his son!

I have no pictures of our last part of the day, but right before bedtime we headed out to the pool for an hour or so, which was only Micah's second time at the pool and Christian's first time there with us. Micah had a blast going in the water and I look forward to many more fun days ahead of us this summer!

Happy Father's Day, honey. We love you!

Micah's First Year in Review

Click here to view this photo book larger

Going on a Safari

"Where are we going to today, Momma?"

"Over there? That sure looks like fun."

"Now, are you going to come with me, or am I doing this alone?"

"Seriously, Mom, where'd you go?"

"Oh, I see you! You were playing a trick on me:)"

"You're getting closer..."

"and closer..."

"and closer! Okay, can we go on the safari now Momma? I'm ready!"