Titus's Birthday Party

Titus is not going to be a party animal. And, as we discovered, he really doesn't like parties at all...especially ones that involve singing "Happy Birthday" and a lit candle! We had some of his other baby friends over on Thursday night of his actual birthday for a party. He cried at his cake, but managed to eat one or two bites. Then, he was interested in some presents, but not in the opening of the presents in general. But, after most everyone left and we got the toys out of the boxes, he was so happy and excited. He really, really likes his new drums! We did stop to take a family picture. I'm so proud of the family God has blessed me with. They are loving and Christ focused and that makes my life fulfilled and successful. On Friday we went up to Lewisville because my very talented brother was performing with his amazing all men's choir called Vocal Majority. On Saturday morning we had another birthday celebration for Titus. We lit the candle and started to sing when all of the sudden Titus cried and screamed in sheer terror. He really was upset at the cake, candle, and singing. So, we had to take the cake away, out of his sight completely. (Oh, and Aaris just loves singing "Happy Birthday" in all of her pretend play, but that too drives him to tears). We opened some fun presents from his Mimi, Papaw, and his Aunt and Uncles. He again, didn't care about opening anything, but he did want to help mom assemble toys. Part of being a parent is appreciating each child for their unique differences. Titus is nothing like me in his social demeanor, much too reserved and introverted for my taste, but he is such a cuddle bug and loving boy one-on-one, and that is something I treasure and wouldn't change. So, go on Titus and be your unique self.

In celebration of his past 12 months, here are 12 things about Titus:

12. He voices his opinion

11. He loves to wave at people especially when he is accomplishing something that he is proud of (like climbing the playscape at Chick-fil-a)

10. He likes to turn pages in books, point, play peek-a-boo, and brush his hair if you give him a brush (just another sign of being stuck in a situation where he mainly observes us girls all day long).

9. He loves to play with toys that require a skill and concentration

8. He babbles lots of sounds like mama, dada, ba (ball), and even papa (papaw), but I'm not sure if he always directs them to things purposely

7. He cruises furniture, pushes his walker, and likes to walk holding your hand

6. He adores Aaris and wants to be wherever she is and do whatever she does

5. He totally understands the word "no" and will completely obey and stop whatever he was doing wrong....I doubt this will always be the case, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts

4. He loves to play "I'm going to get you" (game of tag and tickle), and a "copy me" game where he does something and he wants you to copy him (shake head, blink his eyes, click his tongue)

3. He loves to sing!!! His favorite tune is the melody from the "Little Mermaid" when Ariel losses her voice. (No, it's not very masculine, but Aaris sings it constantly, so the boy doesn't have much choice)

2. I sing him a song in the rocking chair right before every nap, but I can never make it through without Titus giving me at least 2-3 (sometime, 9-10) huge, open mouth kisses.

1. He has the best smile ever!!! A true Titus smile includes showing both his top teeth and bottom teeth, and of course wrinkling his nose