Happy birthday, Liam!

Linking up with Cari at Clan Donaldson for Theme Thursday: Shaming because I'm waaaay ashamed that it took me almost three weeks to post about Liam's birthday.  I don't even have a good excuse...

I think Liam is ashamed that he has a mother who insisted on stuffing his poor one-year-old head into the same hat
he was forced to wear for Christmas pictures at 7 weeks old

It was a day of profile shots--all the pictures of Liam actually looking at the camera came out blurry

The last in the series.  At this point he finally decided that the playground mulch
looked too delicious to be ignored any longer.  Also, those are "I need a nap" eyes.

Dearest Liam, I can't believe you're already one year (and 2.5 weeks) old.  This time last year your daddy and I were marveling over how you would fall asleep and then stay asleep when we put you down.  Now we're rejoicing that you are (finally) sleeping through the night (somewhat) consistently.  But sleeping or not, you are such a joy.

From the very first months of your life you were the most ticklish baby I had ever seen, and I still can't resist tickling your ribs every time I pull a shirt over your head (mean, I know--I'll be sorry when you're big enough to tickle back).  You have always been such a happy little person, and it is so exciting to see you express your personality more and more every day (even your temper--I know it's hard to wait for food and deal with a brother who is still learning how to share).

Speaking of brothers, Michael absolutely adores you, and I love to see your friendship developing even now.  Including the mini-fights over toys.  I hope you keep that special smile just for Michael forever; and I know you'll have another one for John Paul when you meet him (and thanks for not caring that mama's belly keeps getting bigger and bigger).

I love how you clap and try to say "all done" when you're done eating, and how you raise your arms and say "Dah!" for tada (and how all done and tada sound just about the same).  Your occasional "mama"s and "dada"s melt my heart.  I know I'm not supposed to wish the time away, but I can't wait for you to start talking more!

You are so precious to us, Liam Roderick!  I can't wait for all that God has in store for you.

Birthday cookies turtle

Not quite sure...

Oh, that was pretty good after all!