Jackson is 1 !!

I can't believe it. My baby is 1-year-old today! It's hard to look at the picture collage above and not get teary-eyed. This year has flown by, and to think, I have been here for EVERY moment of it. What a blessing it has been to have had this time at home with Jackson (and his big sis, Lily) during his first year of life. God is SO good!

Well, what else can I say about this little boy that I haven't already? Jackson has become quite the snuggler recently. His new thing is to come up and immediately put his head down on your lap or shoulder (if you are holding him) as if to give you a hug. I am loving this! Up to this point, he has not been my affectionate child so this is a welcome change!

I thought I would start putting together an annual birthday "year in review" survey to remember some of the year's highlights for the kids. Enjoy!

NAME: Jackson Lee Bolinger

HEIGHT: 29"

WEIGHT: 21 lbs.

TEETH: 2 1/2 :-)...one of his front teeth just poked through

NICK NAME(S): Jack, Jackie, Jackie Chan (Daddy's fav.)

BEST FRIENDS: Big sister, Lily

AGE: 1 year

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO: Walk, bath time, get into the Tupperware cabinet- specifically my "chip-clip" caddy and his sippy cups, unroll and eat toilet paper in bathroom, help unload the dishwasher, play with big sister Lily- specifically "tag", wrestle with Daddy or spend time with him outside

SPECIAL SKILLS: Walking, waving with one hand up, attempt to climb and run, give an ornery smile at Mommy & Daddy when he is getting in trouble, have full conversations with different versions of the word "dada"- complete with hand gestures and varied facial expressions (this was his sister too..so we may have another "talker" on our hands!)

FAVORITE SONG: Patty-cake- he loves the clapping

FAVORITE FOOD: Hard to tell exactly because...Jackson LOVES to eat! He seems to like meat (chicken, ground beef, ribs!) and fruit (bananas, nectarines, plums) the best. Oh, and thanks to his Daddy...ice cream :-)

FAVORITE DRINK: Milk

FAVORITE TOY: Ball- big ones, small ones...he loves them all! He especially likes to carry them around while walking. He also is enjoying Lily's Zhu-Zhu pets, too.

FAVORITE BOOK: "Play with me"- flap book and "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?" He enjoys flipping the pages and loves any book with flaps and sounds.

FAVORITE ANIMAL: His sea horse that glows and plays music (thank you, Julia!)

FAVORITE PHRASE: "Dada". Although he is starting to say "Mama", almost any other object or request comes out as "dada".

SEVEN WORDS TO DESCRIBE JACKSON: Firecracker, Sweetheart, Adventurous, Determined, Mischievous, Comical, and most of all, extremely Lovable

His Daddy and I are already seeing glimpses of the future with Jackson as his personality develops. We are excited for what the future holds for you, son. Your Daddy and I love you SO MUCH! Happy Birthday to our big boy!