Little Lukey is One!

On Tuesday, March 17th, Luke turned one.  The kids were all very excited about his birthday. Since March 17th is also St. Patrick's Day we got everyone new green shirts. Normally, I just make them find something green in their drawers, but the day has definitely taken on new meaning. They all looked so cute I decided I needed to take pictures before school.  Only, I hadn't gotten Luke dressed yet (he often goes to the bus stop in his pajamas).  I took a picture of the older 3, but it seemed wrong not to include Luke on his birthday.  I quickly got him dressed and snapped a few pictures.  We literally had to run to make the bus, but it was worth it.

As is our first birthday tradition, Thomas took the day off and we took Luke to Build-A-Bear.  Our first stop was lunch at Cafe Rio, where Luke got to experience chips and cheese quesadilla for the first time.  He was very happy, although a little less so when he realized I forgot his cup.  From there, it was on to the main attraction.  Thomas' mother sent us a gift card to Build-A-Bear when the twins turned one. We decided to take them on their actually birthday, so that their special animal would have the same birthday as them--just one year later.  We did the same with Kara.  They all still have their toys and they like knowing that it was something we made together on their first birthday.  Luke emphatically chose a "Camo Bear."  He actually did show a definite preference.  We would show him the options and see what he reached for.  I encouraged him to chose a cute elephant, but his mind was made up.

I am not sure what happened to his shoe, but here we are putting in the bear's heart 

We got home in plenty of time to greet the kids at the bus.  It was a beautiful day and lots of kids (I counted 13 at one point) ended up in our backyard.  Jack drove Luke around in his car for a while. And the older girls, as in the third-graders, decided to play house and asked if Luke could be their baby.  Kara helped him practice walking in the yard and many other kids came up to him to play peek-a-boo, or something similar.  He was definitely well-entertained and much loved.

He wasn't so happy in this picture, but he really did have a great time playing outside

Since Luke likes eggs so much, we decided to do breakfast for dinner. We had french toast, eggs, and sausage.  Then, we went for a walk around the neighborhood and came home to sing and eat cupcakes. His presents were a little tunnel, his bear, and a noise popper walking toy.

At his one year check-up, he was 21 pounds and 29 inches.  However, at his 9 month check-up, he was 29.3 inches, so something is definitely wrong.  (I measured him at home and got 30.5, so I think the 29 from this visit is off).  He was very cooperative, which is indicative of his personality.  For example, he was babbling away and then the doctor put her stethoscope on him and he instantly became quiet and curious.  Luke is still happiest when there is lots to look at and examine.  He cried for about 20 seconds with the shots.  I really hate that part, he looked up with me with the saddest, most betrayed eyes while I was forced to hold his little hands.  I was glad that it didn't last long.

He doesn't say very many words, just mama, dada and An-Na (which I think he uses for kids in general).  He understands many, many words.  He walks pretty well and has a great appetite. He really likes adult food and will no longer tolerate any baby food.  About a week ago, he started screaming when we tried to feed him from one of the leftover baby food dinner jars.  If he can't feed it to himself, he doesn't want it.  I was convinced he was allergic to milk.  Fortunately, I was either wrong or he outgrew it already. He got hives after eating yogurt around 6 months and then around 10 months, he got hives after eating macaroni and cheese, so it was reasonable for me to think he had an allergy.

As mentioned, he has an excellent temperament.  He is generally very easy-going.  Although, he did bite Kara the other day when she held him too long in a tight hug.  He still adores his brother and sisters.  I think the highlight of his day is going to the bus stop, he loves waving goodbye to all of the kids and is always happy when they come home after school.  He also loves it when Thomas gets home from work and will excitedly greet him. Right now, his favorite game is to knock over the towers I build. I stack a few toys, pretend to try and keep him away, then he invariably makes it to the tower, knocks it down and laughs hysterically as I dramatically cry "nooooooo" (repeat x50).  He also enjoys emptying out the kitchen cabinets and taking the shoes off the shoe rack.

He is just starting to sleep through the night (knock on wood!).  But, his wake up time is irregular which can be frustrating when I try to plan our day.  His nap schedule depends on what time he wakes up, which can be anywhere from 6-730.  He really likes to be out and is pretty patient when we go shopping or on other errands. He is a decent traveler, falling somewhere between Anna, who would simply fall asleep whenever she was in her carseat, and Kara who would simply scream anytime she was placed in her carseat. He loves people and being part of the action.  He is a very sweet and very cuddly baby.  I love him immensely and am so glad he is part of our family!