Happy First Birthday MacArthur! (Macadoodle)

I just saw that except for one little post this month, my last posts were in February! I am shocked by that because at first, I cannot even begin to figure where the time has gone. But then, I think about the blog that I am writing and the child I am celebrating and it all makes sense. MacArthur Reid Chism, you were born on your Nana's birthday. (Thanks for getting me out of buying a present last year;)) So this year, you are celebrating your 1st year on Earth while she celebrates her 60th! And let me tell you Mac, it has been a year!
First, you are a precious boy. You are almost ALWAYS smiling. I mean, you get annoyed from time to time when you want to be held or when Ike climbs on your back and attacks you, but other than that, you are a happy baby. Your smile is so big and sweet, you practically can't see your eyes when your flashing those 7 pearly whites. I think that amazing smile was a real gift given to you from God because honestly, without that to melt Mommy's heart, you would be in a world of hurt!
You are the busiest of all my babies. You could care less about television or toys. You instead love all things that aren't for your playtime. We keep the trash can either tucked away under the kitchen table so the lid won't open or we put it up high out of reach because you LOVE playing in it. I have caught you pulling out wrappers and picking little bits of food out of them. Gross! You also love toilet paper and tissues. You love to unravel the rolls and unload the boxes. You like to eat the tissue. Again, gross!
You and Nana's dog trade toys quite often. I am not surprised when I find you with a dog bone in your mouth or a chew toy in hand. You are constantly in a drawer or cabinet you are not supposed to be in. We have taken to rubber banding them shut but you still manage to get into mischief.
You love going outside especially when your brothers are out there. Although, you are quite content to be out there by yourself.
When it comes to food, you eat veggies but you love fruit, especially blueberries and bananas. I worry you will turn into Violet from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, just one giant blueberry we have to roll down the hall;) You love ice cream too. If you see someone eating it, you go crazy mad hollering for your share.
Your sleeping has been GREAT lately. You have been a pretty good sleeper from birth, at least compared to my other kiddos. You continued to wake up for feedings long past the age you should have but you got over that a little over a month ago, and it has been smooth sailing ever since.
You are walking these days. I am not sure it is your preferred mode of transportation but it is the first one you go to. If you fall, then you just crawl the rest of the way. I LOVE seeing you walk. You still walk with hands raised high, a smile on your face, and you make a sound of delight that brings me such joy!
You are a bear to change and dress. I practically have to sit on your to get your diapers changed. You are always trying to get somewhere.
You don't really like the car seat and usually protest when first put in. But you are a pretty good car rider and love having Will sit next to you. When we get to our destination and you see me through the window coming to get you, you kick with such delight. I LOVE it!
Your brothers really love you. Ike has his moments of frustration with you but that is really to be expected. He is trying so hard to fit in with the "big boys" and find his new place as not the "baby" but the big brother. Sam and Will think you are amazing and cute. They just can't get enough of your laughter. Really, I don't think any of us can.
You chatter a lot in your tiny, sweet voice. Sometimes I stand outside your bedroom when you are just getting up from a nap and talking to yourself to just absorb as much of those precious sounds as possible. I know that one day all too soon, those little noises will be gone. I look forward to the day you that you and I sit down and talk about your day at school or your favorite games to play but I will miss the little chattering.
MacArthur, I am tired. I am really mentally and physically exhausted most of the time. But you know what Mac, I am blessed. You are such a gift to our family. We were a family before but once you arrived, our family became complete. I am excited to see all the plans that God has in store for you and your life but I am going to try and savor all of these moments with you while you are still just underfoot usually hanging onto my legs. (We have both become quite good at maneuvering through the house together like this.)
Happy Birthday Mac! Thank you for being patient while I figure this "mommy of four boys" thing out. Thank you for delighting in my arrival and making me feel like the most important person in the world. Thank you for the pure joy you bring to our family, sweet Macadoodle:) Again, Happy Birthday:)