Happy Birthday, Babyson!

One year ago this moment, I was in hard labor. We were listening to David Crowder Band's Remedy Album, and singing the phrase "things will never be the same, never be the same, never be the same..."  Oh, how true those lyrics were.  I was just a mere hour and half away from becoming a mother.

This year has been like most - both seeming to last a lifetime by encompassing so much and rushing by like a bone-chilling wind.  It begs me to ask the questions, "Has it already been a year?" and "All that happened this year? It feels like so long ago."  When I contemplate how much a baby changes in one year, the developments, and the growth, my mind gets dizzy.  Literally, right now, I am dizzy.

Eli just woke up from his nap. He's kind of sick today. On his birthday.  I'll be right back.

From the day he was born, he's fought to keep his head up.  At first we were amazed.  If only now, he'd learn to put it down.  Still not a great sleeper, but lovely when he does.

At 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and today at 12 months, I recorded him in his crib to track his growth visually.  Here is a side-by-side view of each session.  Each one more and more difficult as he grew into a flurry of activity.  Today's was a feat, accomplished only with the aid of graham crackers as bait.

As I was editing this morning, I recalled this other image from 6 months.  He posed himself just about the same.

Waving goodbye to all his adoring fans... The prince of Haarlem will celebrate his first birthday on a flight to Texas to visit his Nana & PopPop!

Due to our travel plans, the little fella doesn't have his 12 month stats to report.  But we'll give you the info after the new year when we find out!  He's a big, big fella.  24 month clothes on a 12 month baby.