Tobias is 1 Year Old!

Completely unimaginable that our little baby boy is now one year old. We are ever-so-thankful to our gracious God for his vibrant life and to our friends and family who have prayed for him, made him smile, and loved on him.
Just look at that smile!


Tobias is one busy boy. Needless to say this kid keeps us on our toes. When we carry him downstairs and place him on the floor in the family room to play he immediately crawls to the dog dish.

Once he finds that avenue-to-fun road-blocked, he abruptly alters his route directly to the stairs. Forbidden fruit is always the tastiest, right? This kid just wants to go “higher” – he’ll pull up on just about anything, but that doesn’t satisfy him. He’ll put his hands on the table and desk and attempt to climb up. Someday soon I fear he will succeed.


One of his favorite activities is playing “tag” with Lydie. Of course, he doesn’t realize he is being tagged or when he is the tagger, but he is thrilled with “chasing” her around the loop in our house. He has been “free standing” lately even long enough to clap or shake a maraca but no real steps yet…
Here he's trying with all of his might to get over the log.


Tobes loves to read books, particularly about animals. He has learned “What does a chick say?” and often repeats this noise for every other animal, however lately he’s been getting the horse, cow, and lamb. It is so much fun to teach him and see the grin of satisfaction and pride on his face when he makes the right sounds.
Intent on his "reading" with Mimi & Lydia. [Side note: Isn't his T-shirt adorable?! He received it from our friend, Amy for his first bday. Don't you think she should quit her day job and sell these, one of her many hand-made crafts?]


“Noisy” – definitely an accurate description of Tobias. He certainly lets us know when he’s not happy about something or is tired or hungry. His case of separation anxiety is pretty severe particularly from his mama. For a couple weeks he was doing better, even staying in Bible study babysitting for an hour or so. However, the past couple weeks he has been screaming his head off (to the point of almost hyperventilating) at which point his dear caregivers page me. I feel so badly for them. They are so patient with my attempts and understanding yet his volume and persistence pay off. His propensity for volume has also led to his attempts at words. In addition to his favorite word of all time, “Bahl” (ball) he also says “Dah” (dog) “Dah-nnnn” (down) & my new favorite, “Dih Deeah” (Lydia). He’ll also stop at the top of the steps and say “Boom” as if he knows what might happen if he ventures down them. He also exclaims “Boom” when he drops something. He makes cute repetitive sounds, “Dih kah, dih kah dooo weee!” And today playing with his birthday present, a train table, made a “choo” noise for the train. In addition, he communicates by “sign” saying “more” and “please” (and sometimes “eat”).

And the giggling… Lydia has a beautiful gift of making Tobias giggle. Once she gets him started they feed off of each other and uncontrollable laughter ensues. Oh, the sweet sweet sounds.


This month Tobias attended “Music Class” with Mimi, G-pa, Lydia (and mommy a couple times). He loved hiding under the scarves, clicking the sticks, and chasing after his dancing, jumping, singing sister. For the most part he did quite well, but often would get fussy at noon (his typical lunchtime). Thankfully he was easily distracted with bell playing or parades, or banging on kitchen instruments.

Going along with the whole, “making noise” theme, Tobias loves to pull open the oven drawer and throw (not place) the muffin tins and loaf pans on the tile floor. He will often pull Lydia’s play-pots down (CRASH) and “cook”.


Sometimes his ability to entertain himself amazes me. He will take an oatmeal container or coffee can and put items in and out and in and out and put the lids on and off and on and off.


By far, his favorite toys are balls. It's the first word he says when he wakes up and can spot a ball yards away.


Oh, Tobias, we love you so and enjoy the blessing of watching you grow. May God continue to bless, protect, and guide you as you follow His path for your precious life.