Braysen is 1!!!!

I have no idea how I am already at this point in Braysen's life! I just cannot believe he is already over 1 year old! I guess because I was so busy with Brylin and all that we already had going in her little life that the past year was a whirl of snapshots and memories of our baby boy's first year. What a little blessing of a child he is to us! He is so full of personality and spunk and it endears me to him more each day. He has definitely made me realize what an easy baby his big sister was because Braysen doesn't let much slide without making his opinion known!
We had a birthday party with family 9 days before the official date. It is always so much fun to have family around and I think, for Moms especially, the 1 year mark is such a sense of accomplishment. When I stop to think about the little chunky ball of boy they layed on my chest just one year ago who couldn't lift his head or see or sleep for more than 3 hour stretches to my now handsome, charming little man who can crawl, cruise, talk, feed himself, sign, clap, wave, laugh, recognize family, understand what we are telling him, and on and on...it is almost miraculous! What a transformation the first year is! What a gift to be Braysen's Mommy and help him develop and learn the past 12 months! So, a little about our boy right now...
He LOVES balls!! He will literally throw a ball back and forth with you as long as you will continue on. Actually, he throws anything he can pick up! His favorite words are hat and hair. He has had a fascination with hair since he was born that continues. He says, "air" and "at" at least 3 times a day. He loves our cat and gives him many kisses. Oliver's fur is constantly soaked with saliva because Braysen has smothered him in kisses. He and big sister are actually pretty good buddies. He doesn't put up with anything though. If sister takes a toy, he screams. If sister doesn't let him play with her, he screams. If sister leaves him alone in a room, he screams. But, he also claps and lights up when he sees her and the laugh he has when she is being silly with him is contagious! He loves to eat...the foods that he likes. He spits out anything that isn't in his list of favorites and I spend most of the meal shoving it back in. Usually he concedes by the 3rd shove. He really loves grapes! The diapers are lovely! One of his funniest little traits is when he wants a drink he doesn't sign drink anymore he says, "ahhh" like you might do when quenching your thirst after a long drink. All day I hear "ahhh" and I know he is looking for a sippy cup. He is a total love and gives hugs and kisses all day long. He lays his head on your shoulder and snuggles so still and sweet. He is also a total bear cub who shouldn't be crossed! Make sure Braysen's every need and want is met the second he desires or you will hear a...ahem...complaint. It is just amazing to me how two little people from the same parents in the same environment can be SO different. But, it is also amazing how much you can love both of them and feel they are absolutely the most perfect child you could have imagined! I truely understand why the Bible say that children are a blessing from God.
So, on we already go to month 13 of Braysee Bear's life and I am so filled with gratitude to God for our son! I just pray for our son to be a great man of God and that He would bless Braysen with a life that is glorifying to Him. Happy 1st Birthday Braysen! We love you more than you'll ever know!