Gabe's Birthday

On April 15, Gabe turned 1. I can't believe that we already reached that milestone. Gabe has been the most chill out of our three kids. He loves food, and he loves to explore! He is especially drawn to dirt. He brings us all so much joy, and we're so grateful to have him in our family. 

His birthday fell on a very busy Saturday. Since it was the day before Easter Sunday, the Easter bunny came to our house that morning. Then, we had breakfast with some out of town friends, the Simmons, in Sandy. Then we had two soccer games. It was nuts, but I wanted to make sure that he still got a cake decorated by me. This time, I used candy melts for the elements, and of course, we used a prop:

Here's his little smash cake:

By the time we made it to opening presents, it was almost bedtime!

Gabe was more interested in climbing on it than opening it!

Finally, it was time for cake. I love how babies never know how to take that candle flickering:

I thought he would dive in and make an epic mess, but he was a little careful.

He didn't know how to take all that gooey frosting on his hands. I don't think he really liked it.

Rinsing him off:

And when Mom's a photographer and taking another shooting and editing course, she has all these great ideas about doing a photoshoot for your first birthday. Unfortunately, it was bedtime, and Gabe, while very happy, was far too busy to sit still for mom in the perfect lighting situation. 

 Here's his progression from birth to a year in pictures:

I really can't believe how fast this year has gone. I've been trying to find his stats sheet from his 12 month check up, but I'm not sure where I placed it in all the craziness of April and May. Though he is our chubbiest baby yet, he still is not in the upper percentages. He's in 9-12 month clothes and size 3-4 shoes. His little legs have the cutest rolls at his ankles, and his arms have cute rolls right at his wrist, and while Rachel still holds the biggest cheek record, Gabe's are so adorably kissable, especially with his big, brown eyes and dark, long lashes. Everyone stops everything to greet him when he wakes up from his nap. We can't get enough of him, and he's growing way too fast!