Happy 1st Birthday, Benjamin Gregory

Has it really been a year already? In some ways, it has flown by and in others, it feels like time slowed down and creeped along (specifically months 1-4 when we weren't sleeping). We just had a wonderful birthday party for Benji with family, and it was a smashing success. A big thank you to our family who helped so much make the day special. I know Benjamin won't remember his first birthday, but I will. In some ways, it was a celebration for Bizzy and I to say, "Look, we made it a year! We survived and made this adorable boy." We had a photographer come and take pictures of the party so that we could have beautiful memories of the party and all the people there who love Benji.



To catch up on who Benjamin is at this point in time, here are a few of his stats.

Weight: 22 pounds 4 ounces
Height: 30 inches...Bizzy is convinced that the nurse measured him short
Head Size: 18.5 inches
Feet: BIG-he is wearing a size 4 right now
Words: No official words yet; although, Bizzy had a dream where Benji's first words were "Nana here?"
Likes: Dancing to his tractor's music, snuggling on the couch during "snack-time," PUFFS, any type of ball or rolling toy, any kind of dog, trains, bubbles, belly-dancing in his car seat, being outside, riding on his red race car, and watching airplanes
Dislikes: Diaper changes, cleaning up after meals, being taken away from anything he wants, carrots, and the ice maker
Favorite foods: It changes weekly, but at the moment, he loves sweet potatoes, cheese, bananas, yogurt, and whole wheat waffles
Mobility: He is cruising all over the place and he stands by himself until he realizes he isn't holding on to anything and then immediately drops. We think he will be walking in the next month or so especially since he is in a Gymboree class with a bunch of little walkers.
Signs: Ben knows the sign for milk, eat, more, puff, all done, dog, and airplane (kind of)

                                       Here are some pics from his birthday party:

Animal Safari Theme

Ben tried to sleep through his party

                                        Eliza looking beautiful

 Sisters!

 Tablescape

 Had to wake Benji up to join his party...making his big debut

 My precious one year old boy

He was excited to see everyone!

Benji got a new red convertible for his birthday. Won't happen at 16, buddy. 

 All the fam..we are a big group!

Bissmeyer clan

Granny, Nana, and Pops (Ben decided to eat his loafer)

We love this boy. 

Hey! Look at me! It's my birthday. 

 "Hmm, interesting."

"Let me try it..."

 "Mom! What did you feed me?!"

Garry and Kate

This would have been super cute if Benji had looked less bored

 Nana and balloons :)

Love this picture! Classic Benjamin. 

 We achieved 1 picture with Benjamin and Eliza together. Success. 

Auntie Melynda with Benji

 Standing by himself like a big boy

Four generations of strong women

 Benji loved his train table and trains from Granny and Nana/Pops

My favorite picture of the day. 

Ok, second favorite. 

Thank you to everyone for their love and support this past year. We could not have survived the sleepless nights without you, and it brings tears to my eyes knowing how much Benjamin is loved by all of you. 

Benjamin, you have brought such purpose and meaning to my life. I can only imagine what this next year will bring. Happy birthday, my precious baby boy. I love you to the moon and back.