Walk Like a Man & Tunnel Vision

We are learning, first-hand, what "toddler" really means. Drew is now toddling, and we have the video to prove it! Here are a few of his first steps - motivated by a cell phone held just out of reach. (Who needs the colorful and expensive toys littering our family room floor, anyway?)

We admit that he looks like a drunken sailor. (I won't comment about which side of the family that comes from...) But in the few days since this video was taken, Drew has gained quite a bit of confidence and walks happily around the house. And 'round, and 'round, and 'round. Seriously, we're dizzy all the time! He just learned to pull himself up from the floor into a standing and walking position. In fact, I think I just heard him ask Jeff to borrow the keys to the car on his way toward the garage.

And we couldn't resist adding this next clip. Aunt Laura, Uncle Dennis, and cousins Riley, Cameron and Melanie brought Drew a colorful play tunnel for his first birthday. At first glance, Drew was leary. But give him a day, and he's mastered the art of tunnel crawling.

Of course, he was once again motivated by the cell phone - but I think it's hilarious that he throws it into the tunnel on his own. Then again, I think everything is hilarious. I'm a first time mom in awe of life's little joys.

Let Him Eat Cake! (Happy 1st Birthday, Drew)

Happy Birthday, to our sweet and funny little boy! We had quite the weekend full of celebration. On Saturday, we prepared for the arrival of some friends and family by dressing to impress. Here is Dapper Drew in his new (size 18 months!) shirt and sweater vest. Nothing says Birthday Boy like argyle, right?

Uh, guys, what am I wearing exactly?

Then came the arrival of a special delivery, courtesy of Mimi and Papa. Balloons! With a truck attached to the bow at the end! What could be sweeter? Possibly just the expression on Drew's face when he woke up from his nap and couldn't take his eyes off the shiny floating, magical toys.

Wow! Let me grab it!

No party is complete without a cake! Trying to get Drew to smile in any picture is hard to do as all he wants is the camera. But we had an even more difficult time getting him to look up from the cake, decorated with his favorite things... DUCKS!

Some cousins came over to play, too! Melanie loves her little cousin, and he thinks she's pretty great, too.

And tonight, on the actual birthday, we let him celebrate the old fashioned way... with cake, icing, and a messy, messy high chair.

Mushy. What is this?

Hmmm, goes down pretty smooth, I suppose.

Maybe I'll just try another small bite. But I'm watching my weight, so just a fistful.

What little boy's birthday is complete without a party at "school?" Drew was greeted at daycare this morning with a birthday sign, decorations, a special hat, and treats to share. His teachers even gave him a great present - a stuffed duck!

It's been a great year. Worth every push and every sleepless night, our little guy is now a walking, babbling, laughing, TODDLER. Our house will never look the same again, the dogs will never be denied food again (they are in cahoots with Drew), and our lives are never going to be boring. Such is life with the Langners.