Will is one year old today! Ryley and I are remembering fondly what we were doing one year ago today. My mom and his parents came down on the 25th once we knew things were moving along. They arrived in Chicago about midday and I had been having contractions for about 24 hours already but they were really far apart. At Julie's suggestion, I hit the street and started walking. Mom and I walked up and down Southport doing a little shopping, and sure enough the contractions kicked into gear.
That evening the five of us went to our favorite pizza place three blocks away from our apartment and on the way there I had to stop every block with contractions! We made it through dinner with me going to a happier place every few minutes and our moms giving each other looks that it was getting close to game time. But I was going to make sure I had a good meal! It was a long walk home, but then we decided to pack up and head to the hospital about 9:00 p.m. on Friday night March 25. Will didn't make his arrival until 12:48 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011.
What I remember most is him feeling so squishy (he had plenty of padding at 8 1/2 pounds!) and then being SO thirsty! The second he was delivered I asked for something to drink, but they seemed to be busy with some other things, like taking care of my newborn. :) But I soon had a cranberry juice with ginger ale that was the most delicious thing I had ever had! As I was trying to come back to reality, Will was on the baby scale kicking his legs like the nurses had never seen before. You can only imagine what that felt like inside my belly.
When we finally got a good look at him we decided he needed a name. We held him in front of us and tried a couple out. It took us awhile, but finally decided William Bret seemed like a good fit.
Ryley and I cannot believe how much happiness our little buddy has brought into our lives. This past year has been the most challenging and most rewarding of our lives. We could not be more excited for what is to come!
At one year old, Will is in the 90th percentile at 24 pounds, 7 oz and 31" long. He has eight teeth and started walking at 11 months so by now he's getting close to running. He loves to explore every square inch of the house, getting his hands into everything. Getting chased, making loud noise by banging things together, going to story time at the library and playing outside are his favorite things to do. His dislikes are diaper changes, sitting still, and having to wait for anything he wants. He eats anything you put in front of him, but his favorites are toast with applesauce, bananas, cottage cheese and, my special, bean balls.
To celebrate his first birthday, on the 17th we had family over to our house to celebrate. We had a perfect birthday brunch with beautiful spring weather!
Front door sign
Brunch included egg casserole, biscuits and gravy, banana muffins, blueberry coffeecake, hashbrowns and fruit salad. A big thanks to Grandmas Joan and Julie for helping with the food!
I got a little crafty and made some pennant banners for decoration.
He was a little hesitant at first, but then he realized that this was the day he had dreamed of!
Mom and Dad so proud of our birthday boy.
Aunt Vicki and Grandma Julie
All cleaned up and having fun opening all the fun presents.
Birthday cake from our favorite bakery in Boone, Dutch Oven.
Just a little more craftiness by mom.
It was a real treat to have Grandpa Gordy and Grandma Karen make the trip from Minnesota.
His new favorite toy--a car from Grandpa Bret and Grandma Julie. He does not like it when his ride ends!
We were so glad Ryan, Amanda, Gavin and Dylan could help us celebrate!
Cousin Carter, Grammie Joan, Jim and Renee made the party extra special.
Grandpa Al going for a ride with his two favorite little dudes.
Grandpa Bret is trying to get Will to hold up one finger. Maybe he'll have it down for his second birthday.
It was a wonderful day! Thank you for everyone for helping us celebrate our little guy. It means so much to us. We love you Will!!!
