First Birthday Video

I created a video of Braden's growth and accomplishments over the first year.  I had it all ready for his birthday party to be played as background music.  And then I forgot to start it.  So, since I took the time to make it I thought I would share!

Braden's First Birthday

I am actually writing this post one year & one month late!  But, as I am thinking about starting his 2nd birthday post I thought I should write about his first birthday.  I did include some highlights in my Summer Update last year.

For Braden's first birthday we went with a Very Hungry Caterpillar theme.  I found tons of amazing ideas for decorations, favors & cakes on Pinterest of course.  

Guest "book"

Favors - butterfly bubbles & caterpillar playdough

Sun decor

Mini caterpillars that we hid around the yard

More party favors - butterfly snacks

I used Braden's monthly pictures to create a "guess my age" game.  I couldn't use the onesie pictures, because that would give it away! ;)  Mimi won - but I think she studied?!

Braden had his own little cake, which of course at that time had to be dairy free.  There were regular chocolate/vanilla cupcakes for everyone else.  

When it was time for the cake Braden did not dig right in.  I had to help him a little bit by giving him a small piece.  He slowly ate some of it, but really never got into it.  

We are so thankfully to have so many friends & family members close by who could join us in celebrating Braden's 1st birthday!

It was also pretty special to have some of Braden's new little friends join us as well!

Twelve Month Birthday

A little summary of the month:

* "real" crawling in the grass or when approaching something

* pulling himself up to standing more frequently

* cruising along the furniture

* first time at the Maine Jump (slept in the Ergo)

* babbling constantly

* prompts wanting to walk by grabbing onto your hands

* fake laughing or imitating someones laugh

* attempting to climb the stairs

* loves watermelon & grapes

* first Fourth of July celebration in Poland

* first experience sleeping in a tent
* falling asleep on his own and without a pacifier

* participating in the Scarborough library summer reading program

* swimming in the lake with dad (fell asleep)

* 20 lbs, 14 oz (22%), 33 in (99%), 18.5 in (69%)