Christmas card pictures

We attempted multiple photo shoots for our Christmas card picture this year - we got some cute pictures of our baby and furbaby! Patrick was just happy he didn't have to be in the picture this year! :-)

 

12 months - ONE YEAR

It happened - my baby turned one.

This time of year (Holidays, Christmas) has always made me nostalgic. Even when I was a little girl, I always got a little weepy during the holidays. It never fails that hearing the story of Jesus' birth makes me feel so humble. On top of that, there's just something about spending another year with 

family and living out traditions, as well as ending one year and beginning the next that makes me have a lot of emotions built up. I always feel so thankful for the time I get to have with those I love, and also feel sad and miss those who are no longer with us. Now that I have a baby with a birthday in December, it is even more that way for me. I wasn't as emotional about him turning one as I thought I might be because he is just so much fun right now, but it is definitely overwhelming for me to think that I no longer have a little baby.

In his 12th month, Banks transitioned into nursery 2 without much difficulty at all. He had a few days that he cried when I first left, but he adjusted before the first week was even over. The teachers in his room (Tina, Lori, Loretta, and Amy) said it is one of the smoothest transitions they've ever seen. Go Banks! He has grown up a lot being around babies that are doing more advanced skills. Although he took a few first steps back in the middle of November, once he moved up nursery levels, he pretty much immediately took off. Now he's walking like he's been doing it for years, and is eating like a champ. We are even able to take him out to eat now without having to pack food - he can eat grilled cheese, french fries, black beans, cheese quesadillas, rolls, etc. as long as we break it up for him. That certainly makes things easier on us. He is also on a much more consistent napping schedule (12:30ish-2:30ish every day). I didn't believe that he would actually be able to skip his morning naps and adjust to that schedule, but sure enough, he did! He sleeps through the night almost every night unless something is wrong (dirty diaper, cold, hot, sick).

I'm still waiting on him to consistently say "mama." He is still really fond of  "dadadadada" and repeats it whenever he's giving the opportunity. He thinks it's funny to respond with, "dada" when I say, "mama" to him. Little clown! He is waving, clapping, and dances when he hears music.

Banks continues to be so incredibly happy. That's what everyone who meets him says... "He's such a happy little guy!" That makes my heart so full to hear that! He is so loved by so many people, I don't know what he'd have to not be happy about!

Banks had a kidney follow-up appointment this month, and his kidney is stable. Dr.Teague read the ultrasound and said that although his kidney will never be "normal" (always will be enlarged), it is much better than it was before his surgeries, and it is functioning. We will always continue to pray for our boy's kidney!

Since things don't change quite as quickly in the second year as they do in the first (thank goodness), this will be the last monthly update... plus I'm out of the cute stickers (too bad they don't make those through the age of 18 because I'm sure teenagers would love to take pictures with stickers on their shirts haha). I will update when we do something fun and/or Banks hits a milestone!

First Birthday Party

Banks had his first Birthday party on Sunday, December 14. The theme was a "Winter ONEderland." It was really easy to find decorations for it because of the Disney movie, "Frozen," that came out this year. It ended up being really cute.

I was overwhelmed with the love from family and friends who came and celebrated Banks' birthday with us. Banks had both sets of grandparents at his party, which is something I am so appreciative of and cherish so much. In addition to both sets of grandparents, Patrick and I both had Aunts and Uncles and cousins there. Shannon and Allison and the girls made the trek from Charleston, and Ellie really enjoyed helping Banks open his gifts and eat his cake. Then there were our friends who don't even have children yet who came from Greenville and Charlotte (The Mowlajkos, Gordons, and Alfieris). The Guffees were there with their boys, Rollins and Asher, and Kayla was kind enough to take pictures for me. The Potters came from Spartanburg. Then there were our "newer" Anderson friends, including some of Banks' buddies from daycare (Stella, Cora, Jax, and Mattox), and April and Logan Pierce came. Everyone brought very sweet, thoughtful gifts and Banks got some really cool new toys. But it was definitely the presence of our friends and family that meant the most - Banks knew all of his favorite people were together in one place and he loved it!

The highlight of his party was the smash cake. Banks was a little ham and loved tasting the icing and then letting out a loud squeal after every bite. He thought it was so great that everyone was watching him and smiling and laughing.

First visit with Santa

We took Banks to the Anderson Mall to visit with Santa for the first time. We had to get the typical "crying baby" picture, but Banks always has a way of making things interesting. We did get the initial crying picture, but after about 5 seconds of crying, he went completely emotionless. No laughing, no crying, really not even any blinking. He completely checked out and went to his happy place. The girls taking pictures were dancing, putting on crazy hats and everything trying to get Banks to smile, but he wasn't going to give in.

Decorating for Christmas

Even though last year was Banks' official "1st Christmas," I feel like this year is more like it. Patrick even got in the spirit and let me decorate a day early (usually I have to wait until Dec 1). Banks enjoyed helping me decorate too :-)

Clemson vs Carolina

Finally, we broke the 5 year streak... Clemson is back on top! 35-17 final score