Today, our budding toddlers are on the verge of walking, babble "words" all the time, and keep us on our toes 24/7. Every day they do something to amaze us and remind us how lucky we truly are:
As promised, Mommy and Daddy treated Alex and Ari to lunch at family-friendly Chili's where they ordered off of the kids' menu for the first time, splitting a cheeseburger with fries. After lunch, we took a quick trip by Daddy's office to visit his friends before heading back down to Cold Stone Creamery to cash in on our free ice cream coupons. As it turns out, the coupon was for the "Love It" size, which is big enough to feed a family of four (at least ours, and we're a family of ice cream lovers). So, we saved one coupon for later (return trip!) and used the other to get a big cup of Birthday Cake Remix: cake batter ice cream with rainbow sprinkles, brownie, and fudge. Oh. My. Gosh. Needless to say, Ari and Alex liked it very much (and Mommy and Daddy were more than happy to finish the rest for them). Here are some pictures from our family birthday celebration:Ari says "I think I'll order the cheeseburger, please"
Alex tries (unsuccessfully) to drink from a straw
Happy family in Daddy's office
Throughout the day, Alex and Ari received warm birthday wishes from so many special family and friends. They feel very loved and thankful to have so many special people remember their big day. This afternoon, Miri and Opa came by for a visit to delivery a bevy of birthday gifts to the birthday kids, including a Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon we can't wait to start to use, especially now that the weather is nice (as an aside, when Aunt Lori found out about this gift, she called to let us know they have had a very similar one in their garage for the past month, just waiting for Alex and Ari's first birthday. Guess great minds think alike!) Nana stopped by, as well, to wish Alex and Ari a happy birthday in person and deliver a few small gifts, along with a promise of the "big gift" at their party on Sunday. Alex and Ari are in suspense!
So, what are Alex and Ari up to at one year old?
As we've mentioned, Alex is very close to walking; we're wondering if it might even happen before their birthday party this weekend. Today he started letting go of the walls and other support for extended periods of time (earlier he would only stand on his own when Mommy or Daddy's hands were nearby). He's clearly contemplating those first steps. Alex is our little politician- he waves at everyone as he passes in the stroller. He loves playing in the tunnel given to us by the Arkings- he especially loves to hide inside and wait for someone to find him.
Ari is our little flirty drama queen. She flashes her gorgeous smile at everyone and charms even the most grumpy of onlookers. She's also a bit high maintenance. She is a VERY picky eater (and generally will refuse whatever is on the spoon, even if it's ice cream, until she's forced to take a taste and realize it's actually NOT veggies). When she's unhappy, you (and the guy down the street inside his house) will hear about it. She's also very clingy to Mommy and Daddy, and takes a while to warm up to anyone who tries to take her away from us. Ari knows where to find Mommy's belly button (to Mommy's dismay, she lifts Mommy's shirt to show the world where it is) and where to find her own, as well (she'll look down her shirt).
Both Alex and Ari are drinking whole milk now (instead of formula- yay for Mommy and Daddy's wallets!) and starting to expermient with a whole new range of foods that were not permitted before they reached age one (citrus, berries, chocolate...)
We'll have updated weights and statistics after their one-year doctor's appointment on Monday.
The past year has gone by very fast, although in some ways it feels like we've lived ten years in the past one. I guess what they say is true- the days go by slowly, but the years pass quickly. We say every day how lucky we are to have these two children in our lives, and to have the support of friends and family, without whom the past year most surely would not have gone so well. If the first year was filled with so much happiness and naches, we can't wait for what lies ahead.
1 comment:
Happy Birthday Ari and Alex! You are such a blessing to your family and everyone around you! May the next you be a year full of learning, fun, and tons of love!
Lisa.. thanks for the ice cream craving! :-)
Take care!
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