The big O-N-E for Branson

Happy happy birthday to our sweet Branson Michael! Our little family changed for the better when you joined us one year ago. Our hearts grew more than we could have imagined and your brother now has to figure out how to share haha. 

If I had to look back and summarize your first year into a few words the first thing to come to my mind would be into everything. Even though you were immobile for the first half of your life, it's still true. When I think of you, I think of the crazy kid that's into everything. From the moment you could crawl you wanted to keep up with your big brother and it didn't take long for you to start walking at 11 months. You do pretty well, but are still getting the hang of it though, which means you walk around like a drunken sailor most of the time. I really don't think it's possible to keep you safe at the moment. You are always stepping on precarious toys or other items in order to reach a little higher, dropping heavy items dangerously close to your own feet, and bumping your head on anything and everything. Your poor little noggin has had so many bumps and bruises already that I'm getting nervous to take you in public ☺. Like we always say, it's a good thing you're cute! And cute you are. I could kiss those chubby cheeks all day long! (I also love kissing your adorable little feet which makes your dad laugh ☺).

You love food, but aren't shy or subtle about letting us know your preferences. You love baths and balls and cars and remotes. Oh remotes, you will do whatever it takes to get one in your hands. And if you're fussy, all we have to do is throw you in the bath and you're good to go (although you're always trying to stand in the tub, of course). You also love books, which is kind of a problem because we have a lot of non-board books that you always seem to get your hands on. You hoard binkys and often have one in your mouth and one in each hand. You have the biggest, cutest smile that stops me in my tracks. It especially melts our hearts that you seem to smile the biggest when we walk into a room after being gone for awhile.You know how to give high fives, but don't give them out too often. Your favorite game is to alternately yell with daddy to see who can yell the loudest. In case you are wondering, you always win. You also do this hilarious deep growl which makes us laugh every time. We haven't cut your hair yet, but I think it's getting close to time for your first one. You are independent and don't seem to care at all if mom is around or not. You are finally learning how to actually lay down in our bed and snuggle in the morning after you wake up. You see, snuggle time is important to us because your dad and I don't actually want to get up and out of bed to play at the same time you do little man. Oh, and I think you are determined to keep me from experiencing Sunday School or Relief Society for the next 6 months #countingdownthedaysuntilnursery.

We love you so much Bran-man and have a hard time remembering what our life was like without you. It's like you've always been there. You have helped to grow our family and our hearts and we only hope we can help you to realize your fullest potential.

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The only time you are still. Also, how is this comfortable?

  

You love trying to go up the slide.

Ice cream is definitely one of your favorites.

I was at Granky's house over Thanksgiving weekend when I noticed this magnet on his fridge. I asked him about it and he said he forgot he even had it as it was probably purchased on a trip to Branson, Missouri decades ago! He couldn't have guessed then that he'd have a great-grandson named Branson! So he gifted it to the most special Branson in his life 😊 I'm sure our Bran-man will treasure it ❤ Plus, it will probably be the only novelty item he'll ever find in his life with his name on it haha.

Oey, this right here is why you have so many bumps and bruises.

 Always with the remotes. You even know to point it at the TV!

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For your birthday we went to Red Robin with Gm and Gp Bailey where you had lots of fries, broccoli, and a shake.

Then back home for gifts! You were best at opening the ones in bags with paper tissue to pull out, and Nolan was happy to help you with the others ☺

Birthday cake!

Aaaaaand you're done haha

My amazing friends, Sara and Lis brought you and your brother birthday cupcakes (including numbered candles) and gifts! A cute orange triceratops plush for you and a Star Wars book for Nolan. How sweet are they?!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!!