Monkey See, Monkey Do

I was sanding some shelves I have. Quinn was interested in what I was doing. He watched me for a couple minutes before picking up a piece of sandpaper and started to help out. He was actually doing a good job! I showed Mike and he was like, "Monkey See, Monkey Do!"

I am very impressed with Quinn that he was able to pick up what was going on. I figure, even though he's young, I need to be careful of what I do. He's Quinn, the little mimicker. That is one way kids learn...after all!

Michelle's big day

Congrats to Michelle for graduating from high school.

Looking back to when I graduated high school, I thought that Michelle had forever to go before she graduated. Now the time has come and I can't believe how fast the time went.

Michelle, I am so proud of you. I love the person that you've become. You are so beautiful inside and out. I seriously look up to you in many ways. You have so many strengths and talents. I am lucky to be your sister.

You'll love this new chapter in your life. Enjoy it! College is so fun and you'll have many experiences.

Beside Michelle is Mandy, our foreign exchange student, from Hong Kong. Mandy you're beautiful too. I can't believe how brave you are to come here all on your own. You're so fun and full of light. I wish you luck to what may come your way.

Love you both!

Quinn's 12 months stats

24.5 lbs. (74.93%tile)

30.75 in. long (80.52%tile)

19 in. HC (92.91%tile)

I was kind of surprised by his stats. He definitely has slowed down a lot in his growing. Although, I still expected to see him in the 90% range. It's probably because it's been like that his whole life.

He's only gained a 1.5 lbs. since his last visit which was 3 months ago.

It's Quinn's birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Quinn. I can't believe that is has already been a year. The last week or so I have been reminiscing with Mike about what we were going through this time last year. With me being pregnant, going to the hospital, getting sick and having a hard time, meeting Quinn, and then bringing him home. I don't regret any bit of this last year. I am so glad to have him come join our home. He has brought us so much joy. We love him so much. Like everyone says, we can't imagine life without him now.

We were going to have his birthday party in our backyard until we looked at the weather forecast. Then we changed our mind. Our house is too tiny so Mike's parent's were so kind to let us have it at their house. It turned out so well. Thank you for letting us use your house.

We had hamburgers and hot dogs. We had people bring salads to help out. Everything was delicious!

Thank you to everyone that came. Thanks to all that gave Quinn birthday wishes. Thank you for loving Quinn. He sure is a special, dear boy!

Here are some pictures for those that couldn't make it. Quinn didn't disappoint me. He made a mess of his cake and was so fun to watch. That's my boy!

What Quinn's cake started out being. Can you tell what it is? For those that can't...it's a fire truck!

Give me, Give me, Give me!

Mmm! This is GOOD! Quinn being a little cautious because he's not sure if he's going to get into trouble or not.

Then all of a sudden Quinn goes crazy with his cake!

Dad joining in the fun. Quinn has been trying to share. He's excited Dad is taking part.

Mike is so proud of Quinn. A lot of people commented about it last night. It is so obvious. I love it!

Almost finished...

Look at this mess!

Quinn did a good job. He ate a lot of the cake.

The final product.

He didn't throw any of it. He ate it.

Quinn didn't like his bath afterward.

This cake is everyone else's. So, this was the first time that I had used fondant. I made it too! I've seen nor touched fondant before. Considering that; I did a good job! I was surprised people at it too.

Quinn was a little grumpy opening presents. It was close to his nap time. I think he felt a little sugar overloaded. He hung in there and ended up enjoying himself in the end.

Some sweet birthday glasses.

Quinn really really really loved these punch balls. At first, he wasn't sure what to think of them. Then once he was shown what to do and how they work; he went to town. It was so fun watching him.

This is what Quinn got from Mike and me. We couldn't wait until his birthday to try it out. There have been a few good sunny days that we have enjoyed it. Quinn loves it. It's cute to feel little hands tugging on the back of my shirt and little feet kicking my butt.

The first time we rode he kept jabbering. It was like he was telling the other kids, "Hey, look at me! I'm riding on a bike." The kids looked and pointed at him. He definitely draws attention to himself.