Happy 1st Birthday, Grady!

We can't believe that it has already been a year since this little Thanksgiving blessing came into the world.  What a blessing he has truly been!  He has definitely proven to be a little fighter as we have seen him overcome some odds that were medically against him from birth.  He was a small baby with some genetic issues to contend with, but he has really already surpassed so many of our expectations for him and continues to surprise us with his progress.  Despite having hearing issues that will inevitably mean he'll have to wear a hearing aid for life (his ear canal isn't formed at all in one ear and is undeveloped in the other), he has proven to respond to sounds and does well with his hearing aid and sign language.  He is also just the happiest baby in the world and loves everyone he meets, but his grandparents are definitely his favorite people.  He is his great-grandpa's favorite little buddy for sure!  He is now proving to be little mover as he crawls around very quickly and is standing up and cruising some too.  He is also developing a quirky little one year old attitude and does not like being told no!  Ha!  I am definitely seeing more and more similarities to his big cousin Brody.

Mommy did a great job on the decorations.

The birthday boy is ready to party!

This little turtle is one!

And he's so excited about it.  He understands and knows the sign language for yay and shakes his little fists when he's excited!

Cupcakes for the guests. 

Cousins Evan and Brody giving their baby cousin lots of love!

A picture with Mommy and Daddy. 

Grady's happy family.

A cute turtle center piece.

Mommy made the birthday party hats too. 

Talking to his mommy. 

Brody cheesing for the camera of course. 

Grady getting kisses from his big sister, Chloe. 

Cute family. 

Daddy with his babies. 

Grady's special turtle cupcake. 

Preparing to blow out his candle. 

Grady's like "um, you are putting fire close to me.  Why?" 

"Just give me the cake, lady, and nobody gets hurt!"

"Okay, now what am I supposed to do?"

"Ah, you want me to eat it.  Okay, you asked for it!"

Here I go. 

"What are you looking at?  Haven't you ever seen someone eating cake before?"

"What?  Do I have something on my face?"

"So?  I'm still cute!"

"Anyone want to high five?"

Brody still prefers using utensils. 

Big sister Chloe shows little brother how it's properly done. 

Presents!

Yay!  Paper!

Okay, cousin Evan, but this is my toy!

Yay for big presents with lots of paper! 

And it is now time for a milk break. 

Wow!  Grady racked up!