Surprise!! AN UPDATE!

First of all, I want to apologize for being a HUGE slacker!! I haven't updated since March and that is so unfortunate. Silas is growing like a weed! Not only is he physically growing, but his personality is booming as well! He is walking, "talking", saying "uh oh", dancing, and just acting silly. One of Silas' favorite things to do is read... or to be read to. He has a couple of favorite books and he wants me, Nonna, Tuck Tuck, or really anyone who is willing to read them over and over and over again.

Silas loves playing with his cousin Arden. They are so sweet together! They are like siblings... and they get on each others nerves just as siblings do. There are a few pictures of the two of them below.

Silas turned a year old on the 3rd of December. It's unbelievable how fast time passes! This past year has been wonderful. I could not have asked for anything more when it comes to a child. He eats well, sleeps well (most of the time), he's sweet, cute, and VERY entertaining. He gives the sweetest hugs and kisses that will make anybody's day. :) I'm just so thankful for all of the blessings that have been given to me this past year.

I also am so thankful for my family. Every single member of my family has played a huge part in mine and Silas' life this past year. While I'm getting ready for work in the mornings, Silas hangs out with Nonna and Tuck Tuck in their room. Otherwise, Silas would be following me around crying for me to hold him. They are such a huge help! Nonna picks Silas up from Mimi's most afternoons since she gets off work a little bit earlier than I do. Even after I get home from work, Nonna is still very good about helping me give Silas dinner and get him ready for bed. And if she's not helping with that she's usually picking up his toys, clothes, etc. or playing with him while I get him dinner and ready for bed. Tuck Tuck is the entertainer--- Silas would sit in his lap and let Tuck Tuck read and sing to him for HOURS! I'm not kidding... Tuck Tuck has a way with Silas. Silas listens to him better than he listens to anybody else... they definitely have a special bond. I'm also so thankful my my sister, or "Aunt Lindy." She picks Silas up from Mimi's on Wednesdays, and she keeps him on Fridays... sometimes all day! Keeping one toddler isn't so hard, but she has her own toddler to take care of as well. But Lindy is willing to keep him for me and she has a great attitude about it! :) Also, Geoff and Melinda babysit for me sometimes so that I can have a break. That's always so nice because with the stresses of work and being a mom, I definitely need a break! And last but not least, my brother Nathan (or Uncle "Nay Nay") has been a big help. He likes to just come over and spend quality time with Silas, which gives me a little while to get some things done or to at least sit down for a minute and rest. Anyways, I had to give credit to my family for being such a big help! Thanks to all of you! :)

Now, for the pictures... which is probably what everybody is waiting for--- These pictures are from the Beach (August/September '09), the Iron Bowl, Silas' first birthday, Christmas '09, and then some pictures that have been taken since Christmas. It would have just taken TONS of time to go through all of my pictures and pick just a few from this past year, so I just picked some from our most recent events! :) I hope you enjoy and hopefully it won't be months before my next post!

Beach 2009

Arden and Silas (it's hard to get a picture where they're both cooperating)

Probably my most favorite picture of Silas :)

Silas, fish. Fish, Silas.

First walk on the beach

Mommy and Silas

Arden and Silas acting silly

Iron Bowl 2009

This is the only picture we have from the Iron Bowl... it was taken kind of spur of the moment but it was hilarious! They Silas was smooshing Arden up against me and we were all laughing about it. I love it! :)

Silas' 1st Birthday

Birthday cake and smash cake

Silas is unsure why we're all standing around singing to him

Enjoying his cake :)

Clapping for himself because we were cheering for him when he'd eat the cake

Christmas 2009

The tree with Silas' gift. Santa didn't wrap them this year because Silas shows no interest in unwrapping things--- but next year everything will be wrapped!

Silas walking into the living room to see what Santa brought him!

He squealed when he saw all of his presents! So cute! :)

Big Boy!!

Happy New Year! 2010 thus far

Mommy and Arden :)

Playing with Nay Nay--- That is a stethoscope that Silas has around his neck. It's a real one that belongs to Nonna and Tuck Tuck but Silas LOVES it and wears it around all the time!

Silas and Nat Nat