More Firsts....

Since our last post, Mason has celebrated his 1st 4th of July, 1st Birthday and 1st hair cut! We hope you have a little time, because there are lots of pictures to see!

Mason celebrated his 1st birthday on July 5th, we held his birthday celebration on July 6th. As his 1st birthday was approaching, I found myself filled with many thoughts and emotions. I even took the time to write them down, thinking I would share my thoughts at his birthday party. I didn't end up sharing that day because I am not much for public speaking, I didn't want to cry and things were just super crazy! Crazy...but fun! On Sunday our family ate lunch together at a local Mexican/Guatemalan restaurant, then gathered at our house for presents, cake and ice cream.

However, since this blog is for scrapbooking purposes (as well as keeping family and friends updated) I will share the "speech" I was going to deliver. (So, for those of you that were there...this is what I spared you from hearing!)

I don't think it's the "norm" for a 1st birthday party to involve a "speech". However, I have had so many thoughts in the last few days that I felt it best just to get them out and share them with close friends and family. Also, if I pull a stunt like this in 10 years, Mason will be absolutely horrified! While I am emotional about our baby boy turning 1, I am even more emotional about the fact that he is HOME with his FAMILY to celebrate this day.

A year ago on July 5th Cristian Alexander, now known as Mason, was born in Mazatenango, Guatemala. A year ago on July 7th we received the call that would forever change our family. A call asking us to share our lives with this tiny little 5# baby boy. A baby we knew so little about, but knew in a big way that God had brought into our lives with purpose. We hoped and prayed that Mason would be home in time to celebrate his 1st birthday at home with us. We don't feel this is just another ordinary 1st birthday party...it's truly an answered prayer.

Mason is still on the move...Daddy often refers to him as "Captain Active"! He is still walking around furniture or pushing toys to walk around the house. His front, right tooth is making its way in...slowly but surely. Not much in the way of any new words...at least not English...lots of jibber jabber though! Oh, and his latest stunt...STAIRS! He can be up 3 or 4 stairs in no time at all...it's getting back down them that is the problem. :)

Happy 1st birthday...a trike!

Mason's own lil' bday cake
Diggin' In

The end result...

First Hair Cut on 07/10/2008

1 Year Portraits

Ready for 4th of July fireworks!

Papa helping Mommy with bday cupcakes

Daddy, Mason and Mommy

Yummy!

I think he found his sweet tooth!

Checkin' out this summer's hottest swimwear!

Peek-A-Boo!

Fireworks celebration on July 3rd