Well, our little Mudpuppy has turned one. A little over a year ago, we got our first picture:

And loved him even then.

Exactly a year ago, we almost missed the birth. Can you believe it? We had a scheduled induction, but stayed up late watching Kitchen Nightmares and the alarm didn’t go off in the morning. So little Mudpuppy was late for his own birthday, but he made it.

And I think the young man delivering him was as proud as anyone in the room.

It was his first delivery. Actually, as many student nurses who showed up for the delivery, I think we somehow ended up in Childbirth 101 rather than a hospital room.

During the exam, he decided to peek out at the world for the first time. What a beautiful, ornery little eye it is!

He wasn’t too pleased with his first bath.

But now he fights to get in.  He has discovered the joy of the bath, but somehow mom never thinks about the camera until afterward.

In fact, as I look at the pictures taken after he left the hospital, I think we were too busy watching the little guy grow up to bother with taking pictures of the event.  I still can’t believe he used to sleep in this little thing, though.

He loved that little frog. Thanks, Anna!

Didn’t bother taking pictures unless he was eating, that is.  He likes his teething biscuits mommy made for him.

And lasagna.

And chocolate cake.

Yeah, we’re real strict with that recommended diet.  It seems to become less and less a dietary law and more and more a dietary suggestion with each successive child.

Happy First Birthday, little Mudpuppy!