Russell turns 1!

The last year has gone by way too fast! I can't believe my little guy is already no longer a baby, but a toddler. Although he isn't walking yet, so I guess I don't have to call him a toddler just yet! 

Even though he isn't walking, he has reached many other milestones.  He has 5 teeth, can crawl just about where ever he pleases, can go up and down stairs and has even said his first word, DaDa! 

On the day of his birthday, we didn't do much to celebrate.  Matt and I reminisced, but besides that, we mostly celebrated with other people and their special occasions.  It is my Mom's birthday as well and one of Matt's cousins had a baby shower. 

But the next day, on Sunday, we had a fabulous party!  We started out with dinner, and Russell really enjoyed the soup and rolls.  I also enjoyed the salad that Grandma Smith brought, but Russell didn't like that so much.

 

After dinner, we opened presents! There were lots of willing hands looking to help Russell open his presents.

 

After presents was cake and ice cream! Russell also had lots of help blowing out his candle.

Russell had been trying all day to get at his cake and it was finally time to cut him a piece and let him go at it! 

First bite! 

The littlest party guests also loved the cake and ice cream. 

Keldrie with her only girl cousins (so far), Katelynn and Julia. 

Once the cake and ice cream had been consummed, the kids were all over the gifts.  The toys were a real hit with the older kids as well as the young ones. 

Matt dutifly serving up cake, along with Greg's help with the ice cream.  I really think it was just their way of hanging out in the kitchen. 

Some more of the guests.  I didn't manage a picture of everyone, but we are so glad you were all able to come visit and celebrate this major milestone with us! Russell (and Keldrie) have already played with the toys quite a lot and I know he appreciates them.

Besides the party, I thought I would take a minute to tell everyone about what our sweet boy is like. 

Russell Matthew Smith, you entered this world with much less drama then your big sister. You were also wore me out much less during the pregnancy.  You came into the world around 9 pm and we loved you instantly.  Because of the bad flu season, your big sister had to wait 3 days to meet you in person.  But once she did, she also loved you greatly very quickly.  

Within a few weeks, you were holding your head up and trying to control this blessing of a body.  We were so blessed that you were born of sound body and that you are growing up well.  

You are full of curiosity! Constantly trying to discover something new.  You love to get into  Keldrie's sock drawer and pull them all apart. You also have a fascination with the toilet and the water in it, which I really don't enjoy.  

You are adventurous in your food as well.  I have lots of fun giving you a new food.  Right now your favorite is probably apple sauce.  You also love M&M's.  

You are a snugly boy! You like me to hold you and even give me kisses, although they are quite wet.  You also have a special place in your heart for your daddy.  His name was your first word and I love to see you two play together.  

You love patty-cake and waved Good-bye to your Uncle Tyler for the first time.  You also love "I am a Child of God" and it's melody can usually soothe you.  Keldrie will sing it to you in the car when you cry. 

Russell, you are such a blessing to us! We are so glad that you came here to our small family and made it just a tiny bit bigger. We love you!