Arrrrgh, Matey!

As promised, here are the pictures from our big night. Here is Will's pumpkin all decked out in pirate gear. Will was most confused as to why his Mr. Potato Head pieces were being crammed into a pumpkin, but he played along (just to humor me, I'm sure).



















Will was fairly cooperative during the "getting ready" process but soon became very tired of his woolen coat (as predicted). Although you would never know by his terribly crooked moustache, he did sit very still while I applied it using Aunt Rachel's eyeliner.






















We came home and went to our nieghbor's house to trick or treat and Will was excited to get to play with their dogs. Once home, the tired pirate took a long soak and went straight to bed!

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Here's the planned costume:






Check back in tonight to see the actual version. I'm betting that the hat, socks, and jacket (okay, pretty much the entire costume) goes quickly. At least the moustache will stay. 

What a Difference a Year Makes!

Then: innocent, peaceful, snuggly





















Now: mischevious, active, independent




















Whew! It's hard to believe that it's been a year since Will entered our family. It's been a great year and Jeremy and I are so lucky to get to be Will's parents.

Will is growing like a weed. We went to the doctor for his 1 year check-up and learned that he weighs 22 pounds, 10 ounces (50th percentile) and is 31 1/4 inches long(90th percentile). The nurse measured him 3 times to make sure that he did indeed grow that much in a few short months! He is holding strong with 8 teeth (with no more on the horizon) and is becoming a little braver when practicing walking. He loves to babble, clap, and show his muscles (a new, very funny trick). He still loves to torment the cats but is petting a little more gently.

Will is so loving and happy. He has an easy-going personality and takes most of our adventures in stride. He loves to wrestle with his daddy and sing and dance with his mommy. Although Jeremy and I are worn out by the end of each day, we are having the time of our lives!

For the record, I have tried to post an entry at least 6 different times (no exaggeration!) but either something is up with the computer/program or with the computee. I will say, however, in my defense, Jeremy did try to post and was also unsuccessful. I figure if the fellow with the advanced degreee can't get it to work, then the gal with a lowly Bachelor's degree shouldn't beat herself up too much. There were 2 other pictures that I wanted to post but we couldn't get it all to work. Oh well, maybe next time.

Have a great night!

Happy Birthday, Will!

The day is here...Will is turning ONE! We had a great morning complete with pancakes, balloons, toys, and dancing. He woke up with a smile and he must have felt the excitement in the air because he laughed and jabbered all morning long. He is so excited...and he doesn't even know why! We are still practicing the "How old is Will?" routine but all he does is laugh and grab your finger when you try to show him. Oh well, maybe we'll start working on 2 soon so that we'll have it down pat in a year. We are going to East Tennessee today and will spend some time with grandparents. I'm sure that I'll have more pictures to show as the festivities continue!
























P.S. Please be thinking about Will's birthmom, A, today. We were able to spend several hours during a visit with her last weekend. She and Will played and played together and had a great time. I know that today must be a difficult day for her. We will never be able to repay her for this gift she has given to us!

It's His Party and He'll Cry If He Wants To (and He Did!)

After a whirlwind of a weekend (2 weddings, 2 states, 2 nights) we had Will's first birthday party on Sunday afternoon. We had a great time visiting with family and friends and chowing down on hot dogs and banana splits. Will was a little overwhelmed at times and downright yelled during part of the party. Oh well...he has no idea he's even having a birthday soon!

Thanks to all who came (some from very far...Brad and Alison!) and contributed yummy food and help for the party. We're lucky to have such great family and friends who love Will so much. (For the record, Will did wear a super cute monkey shirt during the party, but for some reason all of the pictures I've posted show him shirtless!)
























P.S. Congratulations to Uncle Jared and Aunt Katie who were married on Friday in Smyrna and to Stacy and Ben who were married on Saturday in Black Mountain, NC. We were thrilled to get to spend your special days with you! We love you!

Happy Fall, Ya'll!

On Saturday we went to the pumpkin patch in Corryton. We got to go on a hayride to the field and pick out our pumpkins. Will chose this pumpkin for his soon-to-be jack o'lantern. He did a nice job standing unassisted but as you can tell from the shadow, his daddy was close by!





















We also took the opportunity to take lots of pictures of our favorite subject and he was very cooperative. He was, however, more interested in looking AT the corn instead of looking THROUGH it!
























Here is Will doing his best Superman impression today. He and his daddy have so much fun playing together! I love to sit back and watch them (and snap a few pictures, too)!

Make a Wish, Grannie!

Happy Birthday, Grannie Annie! We hope you had a good day and will see you soon! We love you!

Shave and a Hair Cut...2 Bits

On the 2 week eve (is that even real?) of Will's first birthday, we took him to get his first haircut. He did a GREAT job, considering he had NO NAP all day long! He sat very still for a long time and when he got restless he went to Jeremy while I got my hair cut. Will fell asleep while Jeremy was holding him and when I was finished I took him. Diane (the Norris family hairdresser) was able to finish Will's haircut while he was in a semi-conscious state. I wasn't able to take any after pictures (due to extreme sleepiness...Will, not me) and he spent the day at Grandmommy's/Aunt Jan's. When I catch him (which is becoming quite the challenge these days), I'll take a picture to show you what a big boy he is!