ONE

Look out world...Gunnar is the big 1!!!
     You will have to excuse my lack of blogging lately, life has been a little crazy around here.
     I can't believe we have already celebrated Gunnar's first year of life with us. What a blessing this year has been. He is such a joy to be around. He lights up just about any room he walks into. His huge smile, hilarious laugh, and his cuteness will melt anyone's heart. 
     He has mastered walking and is getting faster everyday. He is a very curious little guy who loves getting into everything. Gunnar still hates his vegetables, but will eat dog food any chance he can get. He is a mama's boy, but loves to show off (as long as mom is close by). 
     This year has been a roller coaster ride for me as his mommy. Never have I been so sleep deprived, yet am in complete love with the cause of my lack of sleep. If you know me, you know I love my sleep...who knew I could actually function without it. My house has never been so messy, yet I realize that its okay, loving and caring for my sweet baby is far more important. The news of Gunnar becoming a big brother was a bit hard on me at first. I realize I found out at a bit of a stressful time in life (Kyle was returning from Afghanistan with a badly broken ankle), but I have since come to realize that God's plan is greater than mine and that this pregnancy is a blessing. I believe Gunnar will be lucky to have a brother so close to him in age, and I pray that they will be the best of friends.
     I have been working with Gunnar on some basic sign language for a few months. We were so excited the day after his 1st birthday he did his first sign "more."  He has also signed fish, I am hoping that he continues to add new signs. He also has mastered saying "mama," "dada" (although Kyle would prefer to be called "dude"), "dog," and "duck." Instead of "no" he says "ni." I am not looking forward to when he masters that word. He blabbers all day and obviously has a lot on his mind. I have a feeling once he starts really talking we will never have a moment of silence.
     Gunnar has also started dancing. He obviously is our child, because that boy has some silly  dance moves. It cracks me up because it is almost like he can't help himself when he hears music. No matter what he is doing, he will stop in his tracks and dance. I can't help but laugh. He only has the leg movement down, we are trying to get his arms going, but it apparently takes a lot of concentration to bob up and down to the music.
    I can't believe how much Gunnar has changed in a year. At his 12 month check-up these were his stats, they said he was nice and healthy:
Height: 28.9 inches
Weight: 18lbs. 9 oz.
Head Circumference: 46cm.
    I hope Gunnar had a great first birthday and we look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with our sweet baby boy.
   About 45 minutes after entering the world....

    Gunnar, 1 year old.....