Happy 1st Birthday, Gavin Lee!

Warning: Picture overload ahead! 

The birthday party was a blast and really couldn't have gone any better. We got to celebrate with most of our closest family & friends, watch all the kids have a blast in Gavin's new ball pit & devour some delicious food. But sometimes pictures speak better than words, so here ya go! 

BTW, I love how the chalk from my previous board would NOT come off...so ignore the old residue at the bottom!

Who doesn't love a popcorn bar complete with yummy seasonings & toppings?!

Gavin's 1st birthday present from mom & dad was a ball pit. One blow-up pool from Target and 6 bags of colorful balls = the time of his life! I'll probably be picking these up for the rest of my life, but that smile makes it all worth it!

We had a sparkler candle on his cake, which he was completely intrigued by...and he also couldn't figure out why everyone was singing to him, haha.

Cue my FAVORITE part of the party: 

"Mom, can I make a wish and blow out the candle?"

Sure, buddy.

"Okay...(looks around at everyone at the party) I wish we could all be friends forever."

SERIOUSLY?! I gave birth to this thing?! He has the sweetest soul I've ever seen in an almost 4-year-old. 

Gavin wasn't so sure at first...

But immediately figured out that Mimi makes some yummy cake!

Next, we attempted to let Gavin open his presents. I say attempted because he had absolutely NO interest what-so-ever. He wanted to either escape out the front door or play in the ball pit. Christian and co. opened all the presents, except for this bright green one, which Gavin quickly claimed as his own. ;)

And lastly, we played the career game, which we had also played at Christian's 1st birthday party. You lay out an array of toys that represent future career possibilities and supposedly whichever one they are drawn to is the path they will choose later in life. Gavin immediately went for the microphone, but then threw it down for the stethoscope. 

So we're thinking that his passion in life will be music, but he will choose a more stable career in healthcare. I guess we'll see in 18ish years!

(In case you're wondering, Christian chose a calculator...our future business man!)

And that puts a wrap on Gavin's birthday party! We all had such a blast & are SO thankful for the amazing people in our life. 

Thank you all for coming and being a part of our special day!

And what would a blog post about a 1st birthday be without a 12 month update as well?! Like I warned you...picture overload!!

So Gavin is weighing in at 20.5lbs & 30 inches tall. We won't get what percentiles he is in until his 1 year check-up tomorrow.

He is taking more & more steps every day...it's only a matter of time before he is a full blown walker!

Gavin has 6 teeth & hair is obviously still as red as can be! Eyes are turning dark brown like mommy's.

LOVES:

Big brother. Beating up big brother. Biting. Eating. Playing outside. Toys. Pacis. His lovie (stuffed animal). Mommy & daddy. Playing with the remote. Answering phones. Opening cabinets. Dogfood. Being mischievous. Bathtime. Bedtime. Sneaking into the pantry. His new ball pit. Chasing the dog  & cat. Ripping out fur from the dog & cat. Turning the water on in mommy's bathtub. Clapping & waving. Music & dancing.

HATES:

Diaper changes. Clothing changes. Being told no. Having things taken away. Coming inside from outside. His carseat. Fruit. Barricades. Closed doors. Child locks.

Gavin is still taking 2 naps a day and sleeps from 7:30am-7:30pm. He is weaned from breastmilk & is on whole milk. He is still the weirdest eater ever. He loves bell peppers, pickles, olives & mommy's pasta salad, but will scream at you if you have the nerve to offer him a strawberry or blueberry.

He still has quite the temper, but is also turning into such a sweet little boy. I seriously cannot imagine our life without this guy...it would be so boring! 

We love you to the moon, Gavin Lee! I can't wait to see you grow and learn!