1 Year Old!

Today James is officially 1!!! It has been a crazy year. After 7 surgeries, 98 days in hospital, and 5 ER trips, James seems to be on the right path now. He has been tube-free for just over a month and is eating well. James takes 24 ounces of formula and 3 meals (consisting of mashed foods right now) a day. Developmentally, James is a little behind because of all his hospital stays and surgeries, but he has 3 therapists that work with him 3-4 times a week. He is making progress every week and is so, so close to sitting all on his own. Right now he can sit for about a minute before he throws himself backward. His PT is confident that once he starts, he won't stop. James has his official one-year check-up next week.

Dave and I took James to the park across the street from our house and had a little photo session. The pictures below are from that and from his first birthday party. Enjoy!

A side view of the mullet before it got cut off!

One of our favorites. He can really ham it up when he wants to.

The finger rarely leaves the mouth these days. I think he might be teething his molars.

A look of annoyance after having his pictures taken about 100 times.

Loving the shade after all the pictures in the sun.

James' 1st cake...an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. Yum!

James was more interested in the candles...I was afraid to light them!

Enjoy some cake!

James and Miriam...what a cute couple!

The balloons were the biggest hit at the party.

Liv wanted to see how many she could hold at once.

I thought the hat was cute, but James is going to need some convincing.

He LOVES to read...or should I say, he loves to turn pages.

Friends and cousins enjoying the party.

James' cousins attempting to pose for someones camera.

All of my siblings and a few nieces/nephews that didn't want to miss the photo op.