Fletcher is ONE!

It's still hard to believe it's been a year since Fletcher joined our family.  We successfully weaned him from the bottle/formula last weekend and while I'm ecstatic to never have to buy formula again, I haven't brought myself to pack the bottles away just yet.  I am not as nostalgic as I thought I would be on his first birthday.  I do miss those sweet still moments you only get from a baby but I don't miss the multiple nighttime feedings, spitting up and other rigors of newborns.


From the moment Fletcher came into this world, there have been two words associated with him.  Happy.  And Big.  


He arrived with the declaration, "that's a big baby" from my OB.  Not exactly something I wanted to hear mid-push.  None of us were expecting a 9 1/2 pound baby.  But it was an easy pregnancy, easier delivery and he's been the easiest of babies!  So content and happy all the time.  And still big.  


He plows through kids, toys, furniture.  Nothing can stop him.  His grip is incredibly strong.  Children (usually Sydney) - and even sometimes we - scream in frustration holding the other end of whatever he has in his grasp - completely unable to pry his fingers away.  He's not aggressive mind you.  He doesn't hit or bite or intentionally take toys from others, but his brut strength just gives way to caveman-like qualities.  While those children scream, he often looks at them in bewilderment, not quite sure what the problem might be.


Not only is he generally a happy baby, he is blissfully content.  Content to sleep anywhere, be held by anyone, play by himself, eat anything.  Even as he's gotten a little older, when other babies begin to get a little more particular, he's still our go-with-the-flow kid.  Maybe it's being a second child.  Maybe it's a boy.  Maybe it's just who he is.  I look forward to seeing his personality really bloom as he becomes a little person this next year.


The best gift of Fletcher, by far, is the bond he and Sydney share.  From the moment she first met him and spoke the word "BABY" for the first time (and then repeated it over and over and over again) they have been buddies.  She was remarkably gentle and careful with him as an infant - she herself only 13 months old when he was born - and continues to be cautious but much more playful as he too has grown.  Everyone said having them so close would be a wonderful blessing.  We agree.  


You already saw the cake.  Here are a few more pictures of his special day.

Attempted family pic before the mayhem began (yes, Syd is picking her nose - I'm afraid her finger is going to permanently affix there).

Ooooh - paper!

And ribbon!

Grateful for a big sister to help

Show off.