My FIRST birthday!

Mateo's birthday came and went and he had so much fun, two days in a row. Yesterday, his actual birthday (4/23) we went out for lunch to an italian restaurant and to the Children's Discovery Museum afterwards. At the restaurant he was brought a little cake with a candle. He stared at the flame puzzled and this year, I blew it out for him and made a wish in his name. Then, a couple of hours at the discovery museum were well spent. He experienced flying balls, wet balls, rolling balls, noisy balls and lots of sand and music.

Your first cake and candle

Cool bubbles

agua

Today we had a little birthday party planned for him. Olivia and Isaac were the only friends who made it, all others did not come for several reasons. Over all, he had a great time, playing with water, sand, toys and bubbles! 

Now he is fast sleep! 

Cake and candle at home

A year ago...

One year back, on a Thursday, at around this time, I was holding a just born baby. I was just falling in love with the little being placed in my arms. This first year of Mateo's life has passed so fast. I am glad I kept records of all the things that we did and happened in this blog, otherwise, I would not be able to remember all. I know one day I will spend time reading and looking at this blog's pictures and videos and bringing back great memories. Mateo's first year of life. Anita's first year as a mom and Pat's first year as a dad. It has been wonderful above all and we look forward to the second year. Most of the second year will take place in Ecuador!

after he was born

a year later

Walking!

It finally came the day when Mateo walked on his own (4/11/2010). It took exactly one month since he took his first steps alone. I do believe they have a very precise clock regulating all their developmental milestones. It is so fun to watch him be independent. 

Now his non-stop energy have us follow him all over the house many, many times exploring everything. A new life has began for him... and for us!

Having fun

I love spending the afternoons at home with my baby. We get to walk around the house, read books, play with toys and go for walks around the farm and spots all kind of animals.

Soon, I will be home all day everyday and it will be great. Pat and I will have the chance to teach Mateo everything we know in spanish and in english!

Here are some cute photos:

Looking for eggs?

eating is fun and messy now!

In few years his feet will be bigger than mine

one of the Hidden Villa's cat

Bob Revolution

We want to be able to take Mateo out on walks and not always carry him in our arms that is why we bought "bob revolution"! This great stroller will go with us to Ecuador when we move. It is great for city walks as well as rough roads like the roads we have in our farm in Ecuador.

Today it was rainy so we did not tested it outside, however Mateo really liked the ride around the house.

In other developments, Mateo is walking more and more and he adventures on his own a lot more everyday. His confidence is building up day after day. Still it is a bit stressful for us to let him go on his own because when he falls, he falls pretty hard on our concrete floor house.

In 3 weeks he will be 1 year old!