Happy 1st Birthday!

It's hard to believe, but my little guy is one years old! Incredibly, Leif seems to have grown up a lot in the last few weeks, even in the last few days. He's chattering more, smiling and interacting more, waving at people, and cars, and trees and stuffed animals. He has not looked like a baby for a few months now, but he is really looking more and more like a little boy. What a difference a year makes!








































My dad and Patricia flew down for Leif's birthday weekend.
We took Leif on a hike for his birthday.




















































On Saturday, we had a few friends over for some swingset time, sock puppet making and cupcakes! It was such a good time. And, it was good to celebrate- a really good year. I imagined that having a baby would be incredibly difficult all day, every day. There have definitely been incredibly difficult times this year, especially at the beginning, but there have been many restful, delightful days. I feel so privileged to have a son as beautiful and wonderful as Leif. He is truly, truly a joy.