Happy Birthday, Thomas!

Today Tommy turned one! It's hard to believe it's been a year since our little guy surprised us by arriving two weeks early. Tommy must have been very anxious to make his earthly debut: He was born just five days after we arrived home from our Christmas vacation in Chicago and just one night after Adam had a violent flu. Not only that, but he made his appearance a slim thirty minutes after we made it to the hospital. That's a lot of corners to cut, but it was worth it to have him here that much earlier.

Some things we have come to love about Tommy:

5. His new tricks: waving bye-bye, clapping, signing "more" at mealtimes, and saying "cracker."

4. His love of water. He goes wild in the bath, thumping his arms and legs like there's no tomorrow. The last time we took him to a pool he was in heaven. I think we'll take him swimming for a birthday activity.

3. His love of soft things. He attacks stuffed animals and pillows with glee, shrieking and burying his face in them.

2. His long-standing method of transportation, tummy scooting. My favorite was at Halloween when he scooted (or "swam") across the Church gym floor in his crocodile costume.

1. His sweet Tommy smile! From day one he has been charming family and strangers alike with his ready grin and adorable dimples.

*Thanks to Adam's sister, Jenny Stevens, for the first three photos!