Letters from Mom and Dad

Hunter,
My wonderful little man. Your dad and I decided to keep this blog when we found out I was pregnant with you. We wanted you for so long and when we discovered you were finally on your way, we wanted everyone to have the opportunity to share in our excitement and your progress. Now we are turning our journey of your first year into a book, for you to one day cherish.

This past year has been the best year of my life. What you have brought to our lives is indescribable. I feel so lucky to not only watch you change and grow everyday, but to also see your dad become such an incredible father right before my eyes.

I will never forget the night you were born. Your dad and I looked at each other, both so full of self doubt, but then we looked at you and somehow found an inner strength that we never even new we had. Day by day we grew more and more confident as parents, and you became more and more amazing. Tonight as I write this letter you are a healthy happy 1 year old who is sleeping through the night in your crib. At your 1 year doctors appointment you weighed 25lbs 14oz and are 32"tall. Such a big boy!!

Their is nothing in this world we wouldn't do for you my little man. I hope that throughout your life, you will always follow your dreams and know that mom and dad are here for you every step of the way. I love you!

~Mom


Hunter,
Well its been a whole year from the day you were born. I can't tell you how much of a joy it has been to see all this happen right before my eyes. To see you go from 7lbs when you were born, so small, and I being a little unsure of what to do in those first days. I didn't want to break you and felt a little overwhelmed, but with the love and support of your mom, she helped me be more comfortable and reassured me that you wouldn't break. I don't know what I would have done without her.

My little Buddy, there are so many memories of your firsts, but here are a few that come to mind. Once when I was changing your diaper, I was speaking baby talk to you and giving you kisses, I felt a warm stream of water hit my face. Not sure at first where it came from, I quickly realized that you were peeing on me. Oh, you little sucka!! I never thought that being peed on would be so funny, but it was! Another memory was when you said your first word, "DAD". Your mom wanted that one bad, Thanks Son! How fixated you would get when you would watch this one episode of the show, Glee. You loved when they would sing Lady Gagas version of Poker Face. You would be all the way in the kitchen and when you heard it you would come crawling into the living room super fast, then you would just sit and watch and listen to the song. It was so cool! Seeing you walk for the first time, turning your car seat around, all these things that meant you were growing up.

I can't wait to do all the things together that fathers and sons get to do, like play catch, take you to your first sports event in the bay. We have alot of them to see so don't worry, there will be many! I can't wait to help shape and guide you through life, but also letting you be you. Giving you many options and most of all, loving and supporting you in whatever you choose.

Mom and I took you to your one year check up today, August 1st 2010. You are growing so big and strong. I look forward to watching you develop more and more. Son, it has been so amazing up until this point and I can't imagine anything more than many more amazing years to come, with life, love and family.

Happy 1 year Hunter, I love you so very much and I am here whenever you need me.


Love,
Dad

1st Birthday Extravaganza!!

Hunters 1st birthday party was so exciting! We had a BBQ at the park so we had lots of room and all the kids could play on the playground. Hunter had a great time and got some fantastic presents, everyone was extremely generous to our little guy! Here are some pictures of his big day.


Dad at the grill
Me, Hunter and my sister posing with my Grandma and Grandpa

Hunter and Auntie Rachel

High fives with Larry

Eating his absolute favorite fruit, WATERMELON!!

Posing with his best buds from across the street

Grandma Cathy and Aunt Sue

Handsome Cole

Gemma & Leslie with beautiful little Jordyn

My Livermore MomsShelby, Faith and Bobby hanging out at Hunters new table. Thank you Auntie Rachel!!

Kisses for GG

Hunter and Papa

Time to open presents

Time for a rest with Nonnie

Dad worked hard on the watermelon cake for Hunter, it was great!

Sadly my brother was really sick and in the hospital so my parents and my brother couldn't make it. They were definitely missed but thankfully my brother Thomas is getting better and home where he belongs. Hunter absolutely adores his Uncle Thomas!!

Hunter Turns One!!

July 29th 2010, Hunter turns One!!! I can't believe how fast time has flown by. This year has been so amazing and such a whirlwind. Hunter started walking a few weeks ago and now he is all over the place. Its as if every day is more and more exciting. Seeing the world through his eyes is such a beautiful and exciting time.
We celebrated his actual birthday with a pancake breakfast. My niece and nephew stayed overnight with us and our wonderful neighbors across the street all came over to celebrate the morning with Hunter. It was perfect!
Tomorrow is Hunters 1 year well baby appointment so I will let everyone know how that goes and post pictures of his big birthday bash we had on Saturday. As for now, Billy and I are so proud of our little man!

Oakland Zoo

A couple weeks ago, Hunter and I went to the Oakland Zoo with our best buddies Gemma and Jordyn. As always, Hunter and Jordyn had a great time together.

It was hard getting photos of all of us but we did our best :)

After the Zoo Billy and Justin met us for dinner, Hunter and Jordyn had more fun crawling around the restaurant.

Gilroy Gardens

Aunt Mary spoiled all the girls by taking us and our little ones to Gilroy Gardens. We had a wonderful day together and the kids had a blast. It was the first time Hunter had been on any rides so it was a big day for him. Of course the first thing we see when we walk through the gates, Curious George, Hunters favorite!


Everyone on the carousal, Hunter is in the very back holding on for dear life

I love this picture, Ali is having more fun watching Grace than Grace is on the ride. Such a mom!I was so proud of Hunter going on all by himself. He was actually terrified but I think but he got use to it.

Hunters favorite was the train ride

Aunt Mary enjoying herself

Aunt Noelle on the carousal with Hunter, he enjoyed the chair rather than the horse.

Grace loving her horse

Just practicing.... :)

This was a water ride that started off exciting

Halfway through the ride, Hunter got sleepy

And he's out cold

The Curious George show was next but Hunter slept through it

Everyone else enjoyed it :)

The water park woke him up and was a hit for everyone

Hot air balloons went up high and looked a little to fast so Hunter sat out

He watched from the sidelines

We ended the day with dinner at Casa Azteca, it was perfect!

Thank you Mary!