He's one!
This is Lincoln one year ago...all small and new and wrinkly and beautiful...
And here's Lincoln now...chubby and sweet and mischievious and handsome!
We had a little birthday party on Friday night with my family, who all came down from Louisville to celebrate wtih Lincoln. Of course, we had cake (chocolate with banana cream frosting).
Unlike his siblings, I have to admit that Lincoln has had quite a few sweets in his life, so the cake thing wasn't really new. However, this was the first time that he was given an entire cupcake to devour at his liking. At first he went for the icing (what kid doesn't?)
Then he really got to business...
It ended with the icing in his tummy and most of the cake on the floor--well, whatever didn't make it on his face, that is. Just look at that innocence, though? One glance from this little guy and any cares about chocolate-covered tile go out the window.
Next we opened up presents, which Lincoln really could have cared less about. Thankfully his siblings and cousin were there to do all the dirty work.
Saturday was Lincoln's real birthday, and we started the morning with blueberry pancakes for breakfast (see the fancy "1"?)
We opened the present from Grandma Shirts, and again Jonah and Kate were much more enthused about tearing the paper. These days, all Lincoln wants to do is walk around, as you can see from the photo.
Later that day we played outside with the bikes. Lincoln has a little ride-on toy that he usually pushes all through the parking lot. This time, however, he stretched his own legs and took the opportunity to roam free on the asphalt. Who needs wheels when you can move on your own?
Here are some things that we love about Lincoln:
The way he crosses and kicks his little feet while sitting in his high chair
The way he laughs when Jonah does funny things
The way he walks with his arms held up like a football goal post
His curls!!! He has the most hair of any of my babies (see below)
His kissable chubby cheeks
The way his head gets so sweaty (a bit gross, yet endearing)
The way he snuggles into my shoulder when he's tired
His total contentment when enjoying the great outdoors
His mischievious curiosity, and the sly grin he gives me when he knows he's doing something he shouldn't
The sweet sound of him screaming "ma-ma-ma-ma-ma" when he wants me to pick him up
And finally, some silly photos of Lincoln in honor of his birthday:
The Lobster Suit
The Santa Suit
The Birthday Suit
We love you, Lincoln! Happy First Birthday!
It finally happened. This past Thursday, the first day of kindergarten arrived. It was funny, because half of me wished last year that he could have started last fall. And although I was so eager and excited for him to be able to take this huge leap into the school world, when it came right down to it, it was dang hard to let him go. Having already experienced, Kinder-Camp, Jonah himself wasn't too nervous. The night before he had some butterflies, and we had a good long talk about all the "first days" we'd already had: Joy School, Preschool, even my first days as a kid. With as difficult as new situtations are for Jonah, I must say I was very impressed with his bravery. He did have a last-minute change of heart regarding riding the bus, so Micah stepped up and dropped him off for his first morning. 
As they pulled away, I watched them go, waved, and then promptly turned around to have my cry. I picked up Lincoln in his hand-me-down jammies, and couldn't help but remember Jonah wearing them not-so-many years ago. He's been all mine for so long and now there is a big chunk of his life that I'm not really a part of. I know it's good for him, and I know it's good for me, but there's still a part of me that wants to wrap him up in my arms and never let him grow up. I had spent two sleepless nights worrying about every little thing that could hurt him while I wasn't there...and then the time came and he just left. It was hard! I'll spare you the rest of my sentimental thoughts (I've already water-spotted my journal enough, no need to short out the keyboard). But needless to say I dried my tears and eagerly anticipated his arrival back home.
They had only a half day the first day (kindergarten goes all day here!) Jonah rode the bus home and made it safely, although he doesn't like the bus too much because it is too loud. When I asked him how his day was he replied, "It was so awesome!" My fears were erased and I knew then that we were on our way to a great year.
Of course, what was the first thing he did? Having left at 7:15, he was a hungry guy, so he naturally starting digging for his lunch box before he even walked in the door. After inhaling his sandwich, he chilled out with some Wipeout and quality time with his siblings.
Call me a dork, but I matched the boys for Jonah's first day. We were all happy to have our Jonah-man back, especially Lincoln. Tomorrow starts his first whole week so I'm crossing my fingers that he doesn't get too worn out. This weekend he's expressed some sadness in missing stuff that Kate and I will be doing while he's away, and I know he's still struggling with the bus (he only has to ride it for 5 minutes, so I'm thinking he can handle it). But we are excited for this big step for him and look forward to many happy kindergarten moments.