Baby Boettcher Makes 4: 1 Year Old!!!

Update: Seriously, SERIOUSLY, how are we already here? This is so cliche but it honestly just flew by, the entire year! I sit here today(I am writing this on his actual birthday), a tad emotional, how big and strong and independant Bennett it. We are so proud of him and he hasn't hardly done anything (I mean beyond what is natually expected of him at 1 year old!). Most of my day has been consumed with remembering exactly what happened and how I was feeling at certain points in the day at this time last year. I know that at exactly 7:58 tonight, I will be emotional. I look back on this year and try to forget about the times I thought "I cannot wait for him to hit 'this' milestone." Because all I can think about today is how much I wish I could rewind the entire year and do it again, well, let's not get too crazy! Don't get me wrong, there are days where Bennett makes us absolutely want to pull our hair out. He is wildly independant and stubborn (like his mom), and always making us laugh (like his dad), he is curious and fearless and persistant, and would prefer to climb in, on, and through things (regardless of what it is). He is 100% boy-to the core, he loves getting dirty, throwing balls, building and destroying blocks, zooming around in cars, and playing with steering wheels (don't get me started on the absolute FIT he throws when he can't play with the REAL steering wheel in the REAL car). Bennett is not much of a cuddler and he would prefer to feed himself, but he can be SO clingy, especially to mommy right after work, in new settings, around new people, or anytime he is feeling cranky, tired, or needy. And by clingy, I don't mean he wants to sit on the couch and hang out together, no, he wants me up, walking around, with him on my hip and don't I DARE sit down for 1 second or he will throw a fit. But, all of that does not matter. I would do anything for Bennett and I know Josh would too. He has brought us so much joy this past year, and we are excited to see what year #2 brings!

Likes

Cars, trucks, anything with a steering wheel
Playing outside
Climbing on everything!
Sitting in "big kid" chairs
Throwing and playing with footballs, baseballs, golf balls, etc

Dislikes

Diaper Changes
Getting dressed/undressed
Being put in his car seat
Having to sit still
When he is feeling needy and we cannot hold him

Stats: 1 Year appointment is next week!

Features: I cannot wait to find out how tall he is, I definately feel like he has gotten taller. I am also excited for him to look less "bow-legged"haha.

Sleep: Bennett has always been a great sleeper. Lately, this month we have been able to push him through his first nap (when we are out doing things), and have him only take 1 long nap a day. But, if we are home and he is not being entertained that first morning nap is essential. I will admit, I will miss two naps a day when they come to an end here in the next couple of months. He also has been sleeping a little longer in the morning (yay for 7 am!) and/or able to stay up later at night (9 or 10 pm at times!)

Diapering: Size 3 Diapers- in both nighttime diapers and daytime diapers, I will probably start buying size 4 next time we buy diapers

Clothes: Mostly, 12 month clothes, some are even still to big. He is just still so short that his shorts hit his ankles and the waste bands are a bit big.

Social: SO chatty! And we have no idea what he is saying. I think he says "dada" and "uh oh" and knows what they mean, but the kid could babble and jabber for hours and we have no clue what he is talking about. He is pretty shy around new people, but it only takes him about 5 minutes to warm up, especially if they have food or toys to share. He is definately a momma's boy and can be needy and clingy when he wants to be (which is usually when I need to make dinner, clean the house, get ready, you know.....anytime I actually need to DO something). Bennett can give high 5's, he consistently gives us wet, slobbery kisses, and has started to learn to wave (but this is hit and miss). I cannot wait to have him start talking more so I can understand him and I know he will just say the most hilarious things!

July was a VERY full month. We did alot of traveling and took alot of pictures.

(First time at the Jones county fair! Bennett did great and enjoyed MOST of Miranda Lambert concert)

(He did not sit still during the concert, but he enjoyed it nonetheless)

(We left about 2 songs before the end of the concert to try to beat the traffic and crowds)

(Waiting for the concert to start with Grandma Sara)

(We spent the next day riding rides at the carnival and they were a hit!)

(The car was obviously a favorite)

(Slow down dude!)

(The train he got kicked off of shortly after this picture. Bennett decided to crawl out of the seatbelt, which the ride operator said no to)

(This one was not so much a hit, Bennett wanted to move/walk around on the Ferris Wheel and we would not let him)

(As you can see, he is struggling a bit to be happy)

(This one was his favorite! He threw a fit when he had to get off)

(Playing the piano at Grandma Lock's)

(Right after the fair, we drove to Lake of the Ozarks for vacation with Josh's family)

(Bennett was hit and miss with swimming in the lake)

(Luckily, we had a GREAT house with a grassy lot and beach area to play)

(Part of the beach area for Bennett and Grace to play)

(The life jacket struggle was not so bad during vacation, Bennett was a champ!)

(We did not leave Lake of the Ozarks without a battle wound though. The house had a stone fireplace with a step-up, and sure enough Mr. Wobbly-legs crashed face first into the fireplace. Everything turned out fine and now he is rocking a pretty decent scar, but it healed nicely)