Happy First Birthday to the littlest Waterfield!

Last weekend, little Xanman turned 1!! I can't believe it has been a year since he joined the family. In one way, it feels like just yesterday, and in another, it feels like he has always been here. He fits. Like a puzzle piece we were all looking for.

Xander's nickname is The Bull...affectionately named by his daddy. He is a very strong and brave little boy. There is not enough babyproofing to protect him from himself. He bravely tries anything and everything...way before Xav ever did. He watches his older brother and practices his moves, immediately mastering each new skill. He crawled at 6 months and walked at 10 months.  His new favorite feat is climbing up on the couch and looking out the window at the neighborhood action.

Mr Smiley! Xan knows the camera. As soon as I get it out, the smile comes.

Xan's favorite spot...at the window. We always have someone sitting as a guard so he doesn't fall. Pillows surround the couch on the floor just in case.

His vocabulary is growing quickly. He says Mama and Dada and PopPops. Nana (banana) and baw (ball) are his newest words. He definitely has his own language too, which Xavie and I try to mimic. Xavie laughs and laughs when I speak "Xanderese".

He loves hanging with his Mema and his Nani...running to hug them when they visit. 

Teething has been oh so fun with the Xanman. He has 5 right now with 3 (yes...3) pushing through as I type. Both thumbs are usually being chewed on as he walks around the house. The Bull's pain tolerance is pretty darn high.

Xavie has always been drawn to Trav's drum set. If he is going to be the drummer, then Xan is going to be the guitar player. He is mesmerized by guitars. Any time Trav begins to play, Xander comes running. He plucks the strings and bops up and down.

Here he is with his own guitar. (A birthday present from Mommy and Daddy).

Life around here with the Xmen is pretty fun. It is amazing to see a really close bond growing between my two boys. Xavier will hug Xan and say,"I love my brother." Warms my heart...and then the screaming returns due to a toy yanked away or the pulling of someone's hair.

Morning walks, backyard swinging, train track building, playing at parks, drawing and coloring..just a bit of our daily fun. The kids love water play in the backyard....what starts out as playing with the water table turns into soaking Xander with the hose. Xander loves this almost as much as Xavier. He loves to get his big brother's attention. More than anything...there are lots and lots of giggles around here.

Xander being soaked and loving it. Look at how dirty and wet he is. You'd think he would start to cry, right? Nope...insane laughter and smiles. He wants more and more.

I want to ask Mamas everywhere...when does the time flying by become less painful? I know we have so many more years of fun, and every stage is new, exciting, and equally special. BUT - as I try to stay in the moment, loving every minute of their babyhood, I can't help but feel them slipping through my fingertips. I mean, I blinked and a year went by.With each new awesome milestone, as I am cheering them on and excited, I have to say a bittersweet goodbye to the stage before. Although I long for an uninterrupted night of sleep, I distinctively feel how fleeting the late night snuggle is becoming. Although I love Xavie's new independence, I know the day where he asks me to drop him off around the corner so his friends don't see me kiss him goodbye is quickly approaching. These little human beings are truly a part of us...like a living, breathing piece of our heart. Seeing them grow and learn gives us so much pride and happiness. With every new door opening, another one closes. Such is life, right? It sure is bittersweet though. So, for now, I will soak up every sweet second and not pay any attention to the future empty nest. I have plenty of time before our little nest is empty.

So...Happy Birthday to our beloved Xander Raven. You have filled our life with adventure and laughter! Goodbye to little baby Xander who spent his time rolling around, crawling, and babbling. Hello to our talking, walking, adventurous little one year old. In the words of Xavier, we love you "a whole bunchies."