Yesterday, we were spending some time together as a family before Bud’s nighttime routine. I have no idea how he learned to talk on the phone, old school land line style. Maybe at school? But he knew exactly how to use the little phone on his walker from Grandpa.

Eric starts calling family and then passing the phone to Bud for chats with Meme, Aunt Carrie, cousin Lily, Uncle Jake, Grandpa…He sat there for minutes and “talked” to each. Bla, da, buh, ehe, babuh.

He started off with the phone up to his ear/mouth and then got a little lazy.  I don’t know how long this went on.

Then he started blowing kisses, which is still a work in progress.

Lots of love here…

Love pool time!

Buddy’s an extrovert.  He loves being around people, and his party was no exception. He had a great time, was a great sport, and loved his new friends.

Small aside to new parents: Chose a color besides red when picking icing color for your baby…if it’s fourth of July, stick with blue and white.  You live and learn. 

Buddy was blessed to be born into a whole lotta love. Over time, he develops a unique relationship with each family member, and I hope he always takes for granted having these amazing people in his life and their unconditional love.

We had Harry’s first birthday party on the 4th of July!  Happy birthday to Harry and America.

So many wonderful friends and family joined us to celebrate.  It meant so much to us to have folks from near and far.

As most of you know, Eric’s definition of friend = someone who can talk copiously about NY sports, not talk at all without awkwardness, enjoy dude substances such as beer and cigars…and the two most important qualities: for whom he would do anything and with whom he played when he was Buddy’s age.  Okay, okay…I exaggerate about the age, but most of Eric’s friends are from preschool, Seamus being the late joiner in middle school. I exaggerate not about how E would do anything in the world for these dudes.

I digress…the point is that it was so special to have Adam, Seamus, Hank, and Eric all together with their lucky ladies and their babies!  I CANNOT believe I didn’t get a picture of all these guys and babies…a minor tragedy.  There are pictures, however of these adorable little ones!!!  These kids are stuck growing up together, so good thing they’re all so precious.  Beware: adorableness ahead.

Harry’s one year on July 8th.  Everyone says it flies by, and indeed it does.

Highlights of year one:

– Love.  Indescribable love.

– Family.  Becoming a family of three.  I just love my little family made up of the best two dudes. I can’t even begin to try to describe the feeling when I eavesdrop on Eric and Buddy sharing a moment.

– Learning.  I don’t remember being 0-12 months, so I had forgotten all the things you don’t know and have to learn: holding your head up, smiling, rolling over, sitting up, eating, clapping, and high fives.  Observing Buddy learn and grow has been such a gift.

– Giggles.  Oh, the sound of pure, unadulterated laughter.  Maybe tickling isn’t as evil as I’ve always thought.

– Individuality.  Every day, Buddy grows more into his own person.  His 12 month personality brings so much joy to our lives.  Can’t wait for what the future holds.

Lowlight: Sleep.

We love you so much, Buddy!!!!!!!!

We couldn’t be more excited for Katie and Jake to be in Jersey near us!! They moved into a new place about 20 minutes away. Their house is adorable!! And the back yard is just perfect for a lazy holiday Saturday afternoon.

Buddy’s best giggles and smiles are reserved for his dada.

Uncle Jake was in Austin for work but didn’t forget Buddy. Our little cowboy.