Year One

What a year it's been. Busy enough to make it difficult to keep up with this blog. Sorry, I'll try to do better...

Here's a video of Kasen on Oct. 31, 2012 walking with his new toy. A few hours later he took two steps to daddy! (You'd think an iPhone would take a better video, but whatever.) I'm sure in a few days he'll be walking like he's been doing it his whole life.

So... some reflections on our son on the eve of his first birthday. He's amazing. He was worth the wait. He's so smart!! The rate at which he learns things, fascinates me. I plan to write a letter to him this weekend so he can read it at a opportune time. I've been wanting to do that.

The best part about this year has been figuring out stuff WITH Kasen. He's so patient with us newbies. He helps us just as much as we help him. The United Methodist Church has a focus on "being in ministry WITH the poor" and I feel that way about Kasen as well. We do things with each other, not for or to each other. I totally didn't see that coming.

A Few Fun Facts:

• He hates being confined. We stopped swaddling him at around 2-3 weeks. When you put the baby gate when he's watching, he freaks out.
• He loves yogurt. 
• He's been moving up in diaper sizes way too fast for me. We're about to go to size 5.
• At 6 months old he could fit into 12 month clothes rather comfortably. We didn't get much wear out of his newborn clothes.
• He is very social, just like his father. Not afraid of anyone!
• He likes to observe, just like his mother. Would much rather be with people than be alone.
• He thinks putting things on top of his head is hilarious.
• The sticking out of his lower lip can be intense, but awesome.
• He very much has the attitude of -Hey, I can do this. No problem! Just let me try. I'll get there!
• As long as there is food, he'll keep eating.
• Loves crawling OVER my parents dog (Bailey).
• Wants desperately to play with Meadow, our dog. (Meadow is definitely NOT interested.)
• Adores his Grandma and Grandpa Clark.
• Is crazy about his Busia Cindy and Grandpa Dan.
• Tries his hardest to keep up with The Trips - it's pretty tough.
• Loves to play with the boys - Jeb and Grant.
• He would prefer to be outdoors instead of inside.
• Favorite place to sleep is in his car seat or someone's arms (mostly Grandpa Clark's).
• He would rather feed himself than have someone feed him. Although, Mommy isn't patient enough for that - so we're working on it.
• He loves life!

With our crazy 'home' life, I hope we haven't screwed him up too much. Soon enough we'll be settled. I love the song Home, by Phillip Phillips (yes, that's his name) I think of Kasen every time I hear it. 

Hold on, to me as we go. As we roll down this unfamiliar road...

Settle down, it'll all be clear. Don't pay no mind to the demons they fill you with fear. The trouble, it might drag you down. If you get lost, you can always be found. Just know you're not alone. I'm going to make this place your home.

Happy Birthday, my love.
Thank you for choosing us. God has blessed us in a big way.