365 1/4 Days...

Is exactly how long it takes for a baby to grow from this... To this... It's amazing, isn't it? Yep, today is Connor's very 1st birthday, what a special day. Nostalgic. At 11:50, almost a year to the minute from now, Connor was delivered via C-Section to his very proud mom and dad. It's been amazing to watch them grow as a family and to see little Connor grow from a beautiful baby into a gorgeous little boy. He's got a spunky personality and he's always game for a laugh. He does have a bit of the old Irish temper inherited from his father's side of the family, but we'll forgive him that for now (you must actually see him to believe it!). With eyes like these, though, he can get away with anything... We were up and ready early this morning to go and play with Connor at my mom's house for a little bit before I had to go to work. Jake's on school holiday, so he's lucky enough to spend the whole morning with Connor. My mom planned to bake a birthday cake with Jake while Connor had his nap and then they were off to play on the beach for a bit...

Developmentally, Connor's doing really well. He's running all over the show now, keeping everyone on their toes. He's also starting to talk quite a bit and knows quite a few animal sounds. He's started calling my mom 'Mimi', copying Jake's 'Nini' and when he sees me he goes 'cor, cor, cor' copying me saying 'where's my cor, cor, cor, Corky', which is what I've called him since birth. No clue how the name came about, just happened. He's blowing kisses, gives me kissy hands and is starting to kiss people now too. He's got 4 teeth too now...

Jake picked out a bottle of bubbles for him at the shop yesterday and was so excited about blowing them for Connor. We baby sat for Jo & Paul on Saturday night and the two boys had so much fun with bubbles; Connor was shrieking with enjoyment, which Jake thought hysterical. Needless to say, the bubbles went down a treat this morning...When Jake got tired of bubble blowing, he had a turn trying to catch them. Bubbles are awesome, no matter how old you are. Even I love bubbles, but then again, I am an eternal kid at heart...Heehee - I love those little lips...It's my party I can cry if I want to, cry if I want to...He took a bit of a tumble in the midst of all the excitement and, while I know I shouldn't take photos of a crying child (he didn't cry for long), this face is too cute for words...And as for the rest, I can't chose which pictures to put in and which to leave out. Once again I'm left knowing that less is more, but I don't truly believe it. Not of this face (or Jake's) anyway... Anyway, to Jo and Paul: Congratulations on your baby's first birthday!! You guys are doing such a fantastic job in raising such a contented little boy. He's absolutely beautiful and we are so privileged to be able to share so much time with him. It's been such a special year for all of us. Keep up the good work and we look forward to Connor eventually getting a little brother or sister too (no pressure) - sharing Connor's genes, he/she can only be cute!

To Corky: Happy 1st birthday big boy!! What a special day for such a special little boy! We love you soooo much and it's been so wonderful to see you grow so beautifully in just one year; we can't wait to share the next year with you. Thank you for always bringing a smile to our faces and for being such a wonderful baby cousin to Jake. You really are very special. We hope you enjoy your birthday and make sure you eat lots and lots of cake and sweeties!!