One Year Old!

Dear Nolan,

I'm sorry I haven't written to you in so long. Much has happened in our lives since July 2008. GiGi accepted a new job--still in education, but not teaching. Your Dad got a new job too, and you moved to Georgia! You have experienced many "firsts" since July--first Halloween, first Thanksgiving, first night away from Mom and Dad, first Christmas, and FIRST BIRTHDAY!! You have also learned to do so many new things. Since July, you have learned to crawl, to pull up, and now you are "cruising" around the furniture and beginning to take steps. You have learned to make new sounds, and when GiGi calls, Mom always puts the phone on "speaker" so we can "talk" to each other.

You love books. You enjoy turning the pages, feeling the different textures, looking at the pictures, and listening to Mom and Dad as they read to you. You are getting quite a collection of toys! You have outgrown many of the "baby" toys that once made you smile. Now you have things like drums, a piano, trucks, balls, and a xylophone. You have stacking toys, nesting toys, sorting toys, toys that sing, toys that talk, toys you push, and toys with buttons, gears, and knobs! Your Mom has made little places for your toys in each room. That way, they're always close by!

Papa Jack, Aunt Emily, and I were able to visit you a few weeks ago for your first birthday. It was wonderful to see you and your Mom and Dad. We miss all of you so much. We had dinner in Athens at a restaurant called "The Globe." You sat at the head of the table with your Mom on one side and your Dad on the other. You were such a good boy--just checking everything out and enjoying your Cheerios! You are eating "big boy" food now--no more formula and rice cereal!!

After dinner, we went back to your house for your little party. Mom had decorated with blue banners and balloons that said "I'm One!" She even bought party hats and noise makers. Your Dad baked and iced cupcakes for us all. We enjoyed watching you eat YOUR cupcake--you LOVED it--especially the icing!! We all sang "happy birthday to you," and we took lots and lots of pictures!

You had so many presents to open! GiGi put curly ribbon on some of the gifts, and you enjoyed playing with the ribbon and looking at the bright colors. Your Mom and Dad helped you open your presents. You were so excited with it all--the paper, the boxes--everything!! You got some new clothes and new toys! Aunt Emily gave you some Appalachian State University overalls with a matching shirt--so precious!!

I miss you little man, and I love you so, so, so much! I'll write soon.

Goodnight sweet one,

GiGi :-)