It seems like a lot has happened in the last month. First, we found out that Julien is going to have a little sister! Hooray, I am so thrilled. Springtime in the northwest is always exciting and busy, everyone is ready for the rain to stop and the sun to come out. It's the time of year we all look forward to that first day of 70 degree weather, where all the neighbors come out and mow their lawns and chat about how long this winter was. It might also be that I have a special fondness for this time of year due to the fact that my birthday is in April (I've always loved my birthday) and now that Julien's is in May. Everything is fresh and so green, and it feels like the real start to the new year.Julien has officially learned to walk all by himself. It began towards the end of when he was nine months old, he was holding on to us and taking a few step and then dive bombing into us. During months ten and eleven he slowly became more daring, and trusting in his ability and began taking bigger risks. This was a little unnerving for me, trying to catch him before each fall but also attempting to let him learn to balance and make his own mistakes and attain a few bumps and bruises here and there. The walking adventure continues as he becomes more agile and curious.
This was our family trip to the Oregon coast on my birthday, Julien's first time seeing the ocean. Daniel and I were so excited to see his reaction, I guess we thought he would be in complete amazement. That wasn't exactly the case but he did seem to enjoy it quite a bit. He had fun looking out at the water and we would say "ocean", he would respond "00hhh". Both of us were completely convinced he was saying ocean :) I think his favorite parts of the day were picking little flowers and handing them to mom and dad and watching Samba and the other half dozen dogs running along the sand, playing and jumping in the water.
On dad's back. This baby hiking backpack is such a great invention! Julien loves being right up at our level and the way the pack is built, it makes it really easy to carry him and not strain your back. Who comes up with this stuff?!
Look a that north-westerner! Who would have thought this man grew up in Texas? I tease him about this frequently, how he is adapting to his environment and slowly morphing into an Oregonian. Honestly though, I love that Daniel is willing to go on hiking and camping adventures with me, which may sometimes be out of his comfort zone. He is daring and adventurous and (usually) seems to enjoy himself. Oh the fun adventures we have ahead for Julien and baby girl Couch! 
Ah, the baby gate. These have become a necessity in our house. It makes for a lot of high stepping, but hey, that's some sort of exercise right. I just dread trying to hurdle these things when I'm 8.5 months pregnant and carrying Julien.A few times he has pulled on the top of the gate and lifted his leg as if to try and CLIMB over...I know your uncle Torrey is a monkey but seriously, your not even one yet!
Looking cute as ever in his new elephant outfit from grandma Couch. He is so loved. Here we were playing the "how big is Julien?' game. He also loves to appease you when asking: where's your _____ (nose, hands, head, tummy, etc...) He's so smart :)
Mom, Julien and Samba enjoying the sunshine at the coast on my 33rd birthday. I didn't (in the least) expect to be pregnant again on my birthday so I told Daniel that all I want for my birthday next year is to not be pregnant. Please.
Picking flowers for mom and dad, what a sweet boy. I have to admit a few may have made it into his mouth, because really, tasting things is the best way to figure out what they are. 
An almost one-year-old's adventure in eating; nothing is off limits in his opinion. This boy loves. to. eat. We have always known this, but really, some days it amazes me. He is becoming pickier with what he eats, he no longer lets us spoon blanched spinach into his mouth like candy. Now days it's crackers, or any sort of carbohydrate. 
A great distraction while out to dinner, how will he open and eat the fruit leather? Hummm...
Julien on the move. A new skill he's acquired is pushing himself up to standing in the middle of the room, with nothing to pull up on.
The Easter bunny visited our house and left Julien a fun assortment of gifts. He seemed to be enamored by the pinwheel. It's shiny, multi-colored and spins. Really what could be more interesting?
Easter morning. I think it was a success.
His new Easter book. I remember getting a new book every year in my Easter basket so I thought we would carry on the tradition.
In amazement of the pinwheel.
I guess I feel inclined to include another bath picture. Naked baby pictures are a must.
On a recent sunny day in our front yard, Julien decided he was going to pick all the dandelions and give them to mama.
Our walks to the park used to be mainly for me to get out of the house and for Julien to get some fresh air. Now days, as we are approaching the play area he points to the swings and says "da!". My loose translation is (as with everything he points at) that he is saying "that".
The latest adorable thing Julien has learned is blowing kisses. This was right before bed the night before his first birthday. We were reading books before saying good night to Dada, and he blew Daniel kisses.
Julien was completely approving of the helium balloons we got for his party.
"nie-nie" time. He has to get his reading in before bed if he wants to be a scholar like his dad.
Happy first birthday Julien!! Showing his cool balloons to Grandma Holly.
Present opening chaos. I think I opened most of them, I was not about to make everyone sit a watch Julien try for hours to rip open wrapping paper on a dozen presents. Julien was pretty impressed that he kept getting new toys, one after another. This firetruck was the envy of the five year old neighbor kid; I'm sure Julien will share. 
Samba was in place and ready for anyone to drop a morsel of food. I'm sure after the day was over she get plenty. We had quite the spread.
Julien testing out his new hammer toy. Can you tell he loves to bang on things?
Using his new maraca on his bowl and lid as a drum. Seriously, making drums out of things already? He is so much like his father sometimes :) Who knows, maybe his little sister will be the drummer and Julien will love to cook with mom. Either way I'm happy. 
Unimpressed with the home-made carrot, banana no sugar "cupcakes" with maple cream cheese frosting.
Well, if you insist.
All he got was cream cheese frosting.
He make a fine mess. Not too bad overall.
This was the first trip to the Zoo that Julien seemed to be really interested in the animals. He especially liked the water animals; sea lions, fish, penguins, and polar bears. When we were watching the polar bears I was pointing saying "polar bear" and Julien (who has a well loved teddy bear he cuddles at home) put his hands next to his face and made a hugging gesture. I guess he equates bear with hug. Hum. Sweet but also interesting since we do have our share of bears out here, some of whom I have encountered on occasion while camping. 
Our little cruiser. Happily navigating his way around the living room. Often times in the morning, right after he wakes up and we get dressed he'll walk over to the stereo and point to it saying "da". Then he proceeds to demonstrate his dance moves, telling me that I should turn on the music so he can dance.
Oh Samba. She does really well tolerating him and she gets a few pets here and there. More often though it's a pulled tail or ear. I sometimes wonder if she asks herself, why does this one keep getting faster and more annoying...at least he feeds me from his seat.
Oh, the joy of packing boxes. Thanks auntie Andrea.
Using his new birthday cup to drink water. Really, he just did this.
New birthday shirt form auntie Andrea.
Julien's first substantial mishap (look at his swollen right eye). He had a little run-in with the corner of the door frame and now has pretty good shiner. The day after this it turned a nice dark purple. Let the adventures begin.
And last but not least, Julien's final on the eights picture. ONE YEAR OLD!
thanks so much for all the photos!!! can't wait to see you guys in a couple weeks.
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