We celebrated Elliot’s first Birthday this month. Elliot woke up first

 around 6:00, so we had to wait for everyone else to get up before we could start his birthday celebration. But it gave me time to sit by myself with Elliot on the front porch then we went out back to water the flowers. Ava gave him a wagon for his birthday a few days early, he loves to sit in it and watch me water the plants. Some of my family (the Armendariz’s) were in town for the celebration - Gigi, Aunt Ava & Evie, Val and Orion. And as everyone started waking up, they joined us outside. I went in to make breakfast, decorate and wake Scott up. I had everyone wait outside until the breakfast was ready so when they came in the kitchen was all decorated with balloons. Elliot loved all the balloons. Micah enjoyed showing Elliot everything for his “Happy Birthday.” We’ve been talking about it for weeks, so Micah was excited that the day was finally here. We enjoyed an apple raisin casserole. Then Elliot got to open his birthday presents from the family. He got a play table & sand toys from Gigi Moore & Kerri, picnic table & ride on fire truck from Gigi Armendariz, birthday wreath from Val and a growth chart & parachute from us.

 

For the afternoon, we got ready for his party, Micah went to the pool and then the boys took long naps. Scott got to spend a little time alone with Elliot after his nap. At 5:30, we had his birthday party in the backyard with a few friends and my family. We had three bubble machines, guns and bottles for the kids to enjoy a yard full of bubbles! It was a hot, beautiful evening. When we brought out his cake, Micah shouted “FIRE!” he’s been so excited to show Elliot how to blow out his “Happy Birthday” candle. After he blew it out, Elliot “shared’ his cake with all the kids at the party. It was fun to see the group activity - kids love cake!

 

Elliot has changed so much in the four months that he’s been home: He got four teeth at 9 months (and is working on his molars now), started crawling at ten months and picked up sign language quickly, pulls himself up and is starting cruising and now loves to crawl chase Micah around the house. He is intense and laid back - I know it’s a weird combination, but it’s true. He can be so easy going, but when he laughs, he really laughs and when he cries & gets upset or gets mad, he GETS MAD!!! We are thankful for his life and that God brought him into our family. HAPPY BIRTHDAY my Elliot.