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As Lynnette mentioned in a previous post, Derek really has gotten pretty good at walking this past week. We really believe it is now his preferred method of getting around.

Here is video proof:

I’ve been trying to get pictures posted the last two nights. Unfortunately, it hasn’t quite worked out.

Sophia helping Derek open presents:

Riding around in my new car:

Incredible (cupcake) Hulk:

The DLD posse (Devin, Logan and Derek):

All the Grandkids (Derek, Sophia, Devin, Emily and Logan):

You wouldn’t believe how hard the previous picture was to get. I don’t think I’ve ever worked so hard to get kids to pose. Ironically, Sophia and Derek aren’t even looking at me - go figure.

It is so hard to believe that Derek is already 1 year old. This has been by far the most emotional year of our lives. He has changed our lives so much and we couldn’t be a happier family!

Derek has come so far in the last year, from my little 5 lb 10 oz fragil little surprise to a big walking ball of surprises every day. His preferred method of mobility is now walking, although he does realize that crawling can get him places faster. His newest saying is “ah oh” and he loves to sing “da da dah” (those of you who’ve heard it can’t get it out of your head).

Grandma Marilyn, Auntie Karissa and Devin came down Thursday night, Auntie Kim, Emily and Logan came Friday night. And we had a household of friends and family over for his big party on Saturday. Sophia followed Emily around like a puppy and the boys all played by each other in the same general vacinity. Every now and again there’d be a big brawl over a toy or a little baby conversation, but at their age there’s really not a lot of baby partying go on.

As suspected Derek tore right into his green cupcake. He looked like the incredible hulk by the time he was finished. He had it all the way down his chest and tummy…yummy!! Derek had a great Birthday weekend, I’ve never seen him happier!

We just wanted to thank all of our family and friends for helping us through Derek’s rough beginning and through this past year. I know we couldn’t have done it with out all of your support.

I’ll be posting pictures from Derek’s birthday party here: http://www.pictage.com/558473

You can pre-register to order pictures and you’ll be able to save a few bucks.

I think Derek’s going to be shaving soon…

We took the kids to a pumpkin patch today. And while there wasn’t really a whole lot to look at, they seemed to have fun anyway.

Both images ran through a bleach bypass filter…

A pumpkin, among the pumpkins:

Notice how Derek’s shirt says: “I’m skin and bones. Need more CANDY!” Umm, yeah right.

In case you were wondering:

So we’ve been telling Sophia for the past few days, that we were going to take her to the salon, so she could get her haircut. And, for the most part, she has been really excited about it.

Tonight, we finally had the opportunity to go. Let’s just say it didn’t quite turn out how we thought it would.

After struggling to get her to sit on either one of our laps, the two dum-dums and Jeff putting Shrek 2 on, things weren’t going to plan. Sophia absolutely refused to get her haircut - I swear she had the biggest frown I’ve ever seen.

As a last straw, Mommy decided to get her haircut, to she Sophia it really wasn’t a big deal. Unfortunately, that didn’t work either.

When we got home, we were able to convince Sophia that going to the “Mommy salon” would be fun. Although, I was a little skeptical after seeing mommy cut Lexi’s hair, but I figured this was our best bet.

Anyway, Mommy worked her magic and Sophia now has the cutest hair cut ever!

Here is a before picture:

After the Mommy salon:

I’m not sure what prompted me to do so, but tonight while tucking Sophia into bed I asked her what she wanted to be when she grows up. She looked at me with a straight face and said…”A fireman”.

I didn’t even think she would be able to understand the question, but after I repeated…”a fireman?” She said, “yeah, with my hat”. Is she smart or what!?

Another night, another bath: