Drake's FIRST Birthday!!!!!!!

So, for those who don't know, apparently a "drake" is a male duck. Eric and myself, being non hunters or big animal people, didn't know that. But nonetheless, having a little ducky party for Drake's first birthday seemed fitting.

The cupcake, before my sweet boy destroyed it.
The Drakester with Ashlee, Pryce, and Peyton.
The grandbabies of course wanted their grandma at the same time.
Such a sweet face
He was loving the tissue paper.
Time to open presents with the little stinker.
My little family! I love this photo.
Perplexed at this huge thing on his high chair.
Peyton helped him taste the icing, and then he was sold.
Digging in

He was still into it here.

Yummy icing!
Now we're talking- a spoon to play with!
Right before he started crying to get out. He went straight to the sink to get washed off.
The "after" shot of the cupcake.

So, can you BELIEVE that Drake is one year old? I sure can't. I'm amazed that so much time has gone by for him to have a birthday. What happened to my teeny tiny baby? Where did this walking and talking toddler come from? This kid who drinks milk from a sippy? He is such a big boy, and I just really can't believe it. Unfortunately, due to changing jobs and insurance, I'm not taking him for his "12 month" checkup until February 1st. I can't wait to get back to Dr. Dorsey and the staff at Arboretum Peds. They, for the most part, are pretty darn awesome.

We had Drake's little party before leaving Florence, and kept it small to family only. Next year, I feel like he'll be old enough to actually have a little party here in Charlotte at a bouncy house play place. (Monkey Joe's is the name of the chain here). He was funny with his cupcake, and was only into it for about 5 minutes before wanting out of his high chair. He got a lot of cute gifts! Thanks to everyone who made it an extra special day.

At one, he does all kinds of fun things. Except, they aren't always fun. For example, he can walk. But he walks EVERYWHERE. He can climb stairs. Except he ALWAYS wants to climb all stairs. He can make it up them pretty quickly, with one of us right beside/behind him of course. See what I mean? These milestones are bittersweet. He drinks whole milk and water from a sippy. Today was day number two with no bottle at all. I'm not sure if I should be proud or cry. He eats all table food and "big" people food. That is what we are currently struggling with, figuring out what he likes and will eat. Since he's at the low end of the weight curve, I want him to eat as much as he can/will. But I also want it to be healthy.

Drake loves to play. We have a play area set up in our basement, and he just loves it. He also loved the play area at the mall yesterday. It's all padded and made from soft rubber, and enclosed. He had such a great time! Since he doesn't go to daycare, he is always funny to watch playing with other kids. He loves watching them, and interacting. Watching him be such a big boy playing, is hard. I miss my baby, but I'm so happy for my toddler.

I can tell that Drake is understanding some of the signs I use, but I haven't seen him use any yet. It's kinda hard when I'm the only one who uses them. Fortunately, as soon as we get the DVD hooked up, the nannies will be watching the signing video with him each day. And practicing!

He babbles incessantly, but I don't know how much of it I'd call words. The dada is still the most obvious one. I can't wait for mama!

Okay, I can't think of much more to update on my sweet boy. He is perfect and amazing, and is truly the joy in my life.