Rafe Valentine's Birthday

The Rafester had a fantastic first birthday. We had a little family party and he loved it. He got lots of books, and insisted on reading each one as we opened it (although Lydia technically did almost all the opening because he just did not get it). He also got cute clothes from the Walton grandparents (thank you!) and some fun balls that he played with all night! He also got a book from his Nana and a bunch of books from Adam and I. Lydia gave him a toy airplane and the big present from the parents was a spinny racetrack thing. After we opened presents Lydia and Rafe spent a LONG time playing with that toy, putting other toys on it, etc. Then Rafe decided that it would be fun if he could spin around, and spent a long time trying to plop his giant self down in the middle of the track (to Lydia's great consternation). 

was more interested in boxes than presents

He was not that interested in his cake (which really deserves a Cakewrecks award), but we had a nice evening anyway.

At 1 year, Rafe:

weighs 25 pounds

Loves to read and will carry books around the house looking for someone to read to him

Favorite book: Skidamarink-a-dink-a-dink

Is almost walking - has taken as many as 6 steps together

Thinks Lydia is hilarious

Hates his carseat (but we got him a new big-boy one, so we'll see how that goes)

Is doing better at eating lots of food, but still loves to nurse

Learned how to go down stairs recently (makes life so much easier)

Had some issues with low iron, but it's going up

Has 5 teeth

Favorite food: Potato wedges

Is a sweet, happy boy

Is wearing 18-month clothes

Unfortunately has discovered toilet water...

We love our Rafe Valentine!