Shake it like a Polaroid picture.

I just have to say that there is not a day that goes by that I am not in awe of this little boy.
His birthday festivities turned out absolutely wonderful. He was sick leading up to his party but was healthy as a horse the day of and the following week. Now he's sick again, poor kid. He went his whole first year with barely anything and now he's got this congestion and diarrhea thing going on, breaks my heart.
Thatcher is a speed walker and has even done a little jog/run here and there, it's hilarious. He "talks" nonstop and it's so neat to see him understanding what certain words mean. We think he knows Mommy Daddy Georgia bath juice banana hot apple cheese kitty more and all done. And he has attempted to say all done, and the usual mama dada. He will also shake his head "no" when we do it to him. He climbs all over the place, loves to "help" with laundry, and is really into some of his toys right now, especially the mail box, and getting on and off his rocking horse and elephant all by himself. He gives the best hugs, unfortunately it's usually when he knows it's nap time and he's like a monkey clinging to me for dear life :) And get this-he stopped using his paci a couple weeks ago, when he was sick the first time. I think it was because he couldn't breathe while he had it in. He has not had it since or needed it, which I think is pretty sweet! Thatcher has started to insist on feeding himself too, whether it be with his hands or his baby fork or spoon. Ben's mom said he did the same thing when he turned a year. Like father like son.
I am SO excited to be able to just sit back, relax, and ENJOY his second year of life. It will be nice to have a break from things like 1st holidays and I think my picture/video taking will quiet down a bit. This summer I want to join the Channahon pool and go as much as possible, as well as the zoo. Just gotta get through this gross winter first.
Ben is doing well, still really enjoys his job a lot, that for which I am so grateful for. Except that it is going to take him away from us for 2 weeks in February :( I blogged about that last time he left for a week in July, so I know that this time I have to keep us really busy to make it go by as fast as possible.
My heart is breaking for the people of Haiti right now, especially the children. If someone called me up and said we need you to take a baby right now we totally would. In the mean time we're praying and doing what we can, giving money and I gave my blood :) I doubt that will go to Haiti but it will help someone somehow right?

P.S. Aldi rocks.