The BIG O-N-E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until you have actually walked in my shoes, the concept of time is an unknown realm. Having a child has absolutely been the best and most rewarding experience of my life. My new role has a mommy has had its challenges because along with parenthood follows paranoia, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion.  I can't explain it at all, but nothing is more worth it than your own child. To say "my son" is a complete privilege and a blessing from the Lord. It's unreal to say my baby is one year old, a toddler, a little boy!!! Just yesterday he was a baby, but now 1 year later, he is a sweet, handsome and healthy boy who I will always love more than he will ever know. I will always be able to recount and enjoy every shred of memory I have of his 1st year as a baby. Now there is no stopping my little mobile toddler who has ants in his pants. He will forever keep us young and happy and I pray for many many more years to celebrate with my little man!

Happy Birthday, Julian Cade Hinojosa! We love you so so soooooo much!!!

At O-N-E year, Julian...

• Weighs approximately 28 lbs and 30" tall
• Still wears 18-24 months... lets hope for a while
• Officially does not drink formula as of June 6th
• Prefers 2% over whole milk
• Walking like a champ
• Has learned how to go downstairs
• Vocabulary is extensive but only he knows what it means 
• Repeats a lot of distinguishable words
• Dances ~ SUPER CUTE!
• Got his first haircut on May 20th and did SUPERB!
• New favorite song: "If You're Happy and You Know It"
• Loves fruit...current favorite are oranges and sometimes blueberries (see video below)
• Knows where his head is! SO PROUD! :)
• Loves loves loves his only friend in the world, Sophia and can't get enough of her!
• Mama's boy :)
• CLINGY!!!! Evenings have become a challenge when you have an almost 30lb wanting to be carried the entire time before bedtime
• First time at the beach was initially good, until salt water got in his eyes. Can we say DRAMA?
• Loves the swimming pool
• Starting to brush his own hair before bedtime (see video below)
• Eating isn't so much an event anymore. Well, it ends up on the floor and the cleaning part has turned into an event for mommy
• Diaper changes are like completing a triathlon
• Is a very active and a curious explorer and if determined enough, will get into ANYTHING he can get his hands on
• Loves to climb on everything if he can (dishwasher, stairs, etc...)
• Loves to read and turn the pages in his books 
• Is the most loved little boy in the world!!!!!!!

1st Birthday Portraits

I just have to say that I can NOT believe this woman, Tiffany from Mulberry Dreams, captured every shred of Julian's personality. It was the MOST CHALLENGING shoot yet, but from the sneak peek she has given me by the next day (I know ~ she is fast!) it was worth every single penny!!!! 

Here is our absolutely gorgeous boy...

****MY FAVORITE****

 

Just 5 more days and my baby is O-N-E!!!!!!!!!

Memorial Day Weekend in Port Aransas

We decided to pack the bags and the kiddo to join Kevin, Heather, and Sophia in Port Aransas for a weekend getaway. We were very pleased with the trip and will definitely be returning. Julian did pretty well overall, but didn't love the sand at the beach (not surprised)! He LOVED the pool and was sooo happy to just be around his favorite and only friend, Sophia! See pictures and videos below...

 Getting a little antsy on the car ride

Can these two be any cuter?!?!?

 

Made our way to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi

Looking at the fishies

The boys enjoying the Dolphin Show

 

Heather is in heaven ~ she absolutely LOVES Dolphins!

Julian clapping with the crowd :)

Someone is really focused on the dolphins just like their mommy!

Getting ready for the beach

  

Can you see his little frown?

This is where the fun really began!

 Cannonball!!!

 

Soph's turn!!!

Is he posing for the camera?

1st Haircut!!!!!

If any of you have seen Julian as of late, you would all agree that he was in dire need of a haircut and so we decided today would be the day! I tried to wait for his 1st birthday to get his haircut, but I simply couldn't wait any longer. My has time flown by! I can't believe he is almost O-N-E! I will save those thoughts for a different post because explaining how I feel about my baby turning one will be difficult. Back to the subject... I was very anxious, excited, terrified, overwhelmed and relieved he did not get cut during this much needed haircut. We were completely surprised on how well Julian did! He did not cry once and was for a moment sitting very still.  After seeing the pictures below, you will understand how and why he did so well.

Entering the world of Snip-Its

Getting prepared

  The Blow-Pop was a brilliant idea!

All done!

What a handsome baby!