uno

Just after coming home from the hospital

The very important day you were given a name and a blessing at church by your dad. So many members of your family were able to be there for you on your special day.

Rivers, my baby boy, turns one in the middle of June. I can hardly believe it has already been a year (that's what most parents think too right). He is one incredible kid who definitely keeps me on my toes and challenges us all every day. 

These two kids have such an incredible bond already. They hit, kick and scream at each other. They don't share and think that what the other has is theirs. But that is how it goes. At the end of the day, or even the first thing in the morning, they are sooo excited to see each other. It truly melts my heart seeing the love these two share. 

He has almost 5 teeth poking through right now but only his two bottom teeth are showing and they really make his smile so infectious. He is one of those kids who when they smile their whole face lights up. He is always happy, except when he is not. He is a sensitive tough guy. He could get battle wound one after another, but if you raise your voice even in the slightest or leave the room to pee ( for heavens sake), he will cry. This boy is his papa through and through. His mannerisms and personality and of course his eye brows are such a likeness to Dave. I love it. And I know Dave does too.

Rivers, just like his sister, started walking at 9 months. He is very determined and will accomplish anything he tries, like climbing up onto EVERYTHING! He has such chunky legs and a wide stance but it is just one more thing I love about him. He favors his left leg and therefore walks sideways. It is hilarious (probably only to me).

We have gone a long way in a years time, but we are happy here in Las Vegas and I know as he continues to get older he will make friends just as Emery has. He can't help but make everyone fall in love with him. He is a baby for crying out loud.

Rivers loves his sister and really has so much fun with her. I am so glad that I had them 19 months apart. As hard as it has been it has been so rewarding and totally worth it. These two are my compadres.

Rivers eats like a horse. He will eat anything you put in front of him (other than strawberries). He eats more than Emery at most meals and I have a feeling will be one hungry teenage boy in the future.

He loves to play and he loves attention. He is definitely a mamas boy and I don't mind it at all (well, most days). He loves to cuddle to fall asleep and finally sleeps really well through the night. He wakes up in the best moods and full of energy. I am NOT a morning person so this is a bit of an adjustment and/or sacrifice.

I am so in love with this kid, both of my kids. It has been a hard year for me emotionally adjusting to a life with two, in a new home, in a new state, with no family. But these kids make everything better, easier and more worth every moment in my life. I am so grateful. Happy Birthday Rivers. You are my favorite son.

*Emery and Rivers' clothes are all products of H&M other than Rivers shoes. His shoes are Vans. And my awesome and very talented beautiful friend Kuulei Akina took these pictures for us! Thanks again girly.