We bought a zoo (ticket)

For Preston's birthday, we had planned on taking him to the Little Rock zoo as a way of celebrating as a family. However, the weather planned differently, so we postponed our zoo trip for this past weekend. Since Scott had to go to Memphis for work, Preston and I came along, and we were able to go to the zoo once Scott had finished his Harding duties.

^^^ Laughing at the penguins.^^^

Although crowded (Even the parking lot was full; we ended up parking on a nearby street in front of someone's house), we had a fantastic time. The Memphis zoo is pretty great, partially divided into different countries based on animals and their locations, and we were able to see lots of animals.

^^^ Giraffes/Waving at a bird in the bird pavilion/Checking out the pandas/Snack time^^^ 

^^^Encountering a komodo dragon/The little zoologist^^^

Preston's reactions to the animals was so fun to watch. He would intently follow them with his eyes as they moved around their exhibits. The penguins, meerkats, birds and elephants got the biggest reactions, with waves and giggles. The biggest highlight though was probably the zoo map. Babies: They're easy audiences.  

^^^Watching the elephants^^^

In the end, we made the return trip home, grateful for the car's air conditioning and that we'd left everyone else's crying, sticky-handed children back at the zoo. I know this guy was happy to get a nap, as he slept the whole two-hour drive home. I know he won't remember it, but I'm thankful for these outings with our little family. 

Monthly Preston: Month 12

Weight: 19 lbs., 1 1/2 oz.
Height: 28 inches
Likes: Honking peoples' noses, being outside, throwing things from his highchair, walking around the house while holding onto my hands, splashing in the big tub, dancing, and "Carry On" by fun. thanks to that HGTV commercial.
Dislikes: Being told no and going to Sunday school.
Accomplishments: He has two teeth now, stomps his feet when I sing "If You're Happy and You Know It," pulls up on his own, loves to open and close drawers (and pull out whatever is in there), loves to play in the laundry basket (and pull out whatever is in there, too), and says "na-na" when he wants his paci. Where that came from, I don't know.

Our boy has been a year old for a couple of weeks now, and I'm just getting to this. I think it's because I'm in denial that it's already been a year. We have been so blessed by this little boy, and, although there are times where food is thrown in the floor or tears are flowing or tantrums are thrown, I cannot imagine life without him. He has shown me love in a whole new way, and his childish innocence is so beautiful to see. I hate that we grow out of that. I love him more than I can say, and I am so thankful to have had this wonderful year with him. I'm looking forward to what's to come, but I hate that this year feels like it's passed so quickly.

Getting ready for the day; No girls allowed, Mom; Work hard, nap hard; Exploring; Sick days mean you can do things you typically can't, like play with mom's phone; Standing tall

So, we've reached the end of this little series. Here's a look back at the past 12 months ...

Preston's first birthday

Last Saturday, we celebrated Preston's first birthday! While Scott initially told me not to let it get too out of hand, once he joined in the planning, it got a little crazy. But, hey, you only turn one once, right? 

I love the nautical theme we went with. The flags were so cute and will go great in Preston's room, and it seems like anchors are the new mustache because they were on everything. It made it easy to shop for party decorations. 

(Just as a note: We found the invitation on Etsy, and it came with the "Dress nautical" prompt. We didn't purposefully mandate a dress code for our baby's birthday. Everyone participated, though, and it was pretty cute!) 

The set up on our buffet; Preston's gift pile, along with a few photo books of his first year; You can't have a birthday party without birthday cake; Party-themed bibs

The cake, though, was really the icing (haha) on top of the day. Many searches on Pinterest resulted in an anchor-printed cake with rope detail and an anchor logo Scott had found (originally on a canvas for a kid's room). When I took the idea to the bakery, I wasn't expecting the detail from the photo to be literally translated onto the cake. I mean, it was pretty complicated anchor. So when she opened the box to show the finished product, I was extremely surprised. It looked awesome. It was almost painful to eat it. Almost.

Time to open presents! Preston quickly picked up on what to do.

The day started a bit more hectic than we had previously planned. Our house is currently on the market, and we had gotten a call Friday that someone wanted to schedule a showing for 11:30 on Saturday. The party was at 12. 

We tried to reschedule, but they were coming from out of town and that was the only time they had. Additionally, we were their favorite house after looking online. We couldn't say no to that. So Scott and I scurried around Saturday morning to get the house clean and in a show-ready state. We put a few decorations out but saved the rest until after the prospective buyers left. I went to pick up the cake and get a few last minute party needs. Then our families hopped in their cars, and we sent them and Preston on a little drive while the buyers came to look. Once the front door clicked close behind them, we once again started scurrying around to get the party ready. Since they looked for such a short time, we were skeptical anything would come of it.

Later that afternoon after the party, we got a phone call that they had made an offer! Within a couple of days, we were under contract with them and had sold our house! Preston doesn't know what a great present that was.

He got very shy when it came time to sing "Happy Birthday;" Talking with his people; A happy birthday boy; Peek-a-boo!

Preston had a great day, though. In addition to our families, we invited his babysitter who watches him while I'm at work — his beloved Mrs. Jan — and our friends Morris and Brenda, who often find themselves with babysitting duty, too. It was a wonderful celebration of our boy's first year, surrounded by the people who love him just as much as we do. We've been truly blessed to be encouraged and supported by such a great group of people.

Happy first birthday, sweet Preston! We love you so and have thoroughly enjoyed this past year with you!