{happy birthday eli!}

Happy first birthday, little guy. You are so much fun and keep us all smiling just by being you. Here are 12 things we adore most about you - one for every month since you were born (in no particular order).

12. How excited you are to see Daddy whenever he's been out of sight for more than thirty seconds.

11. The way you light up with babbles and smiles when we walk into your room after bedtime or nap.

10. How you give a fake whimper and a boo-boo lip every time we tell you "no", only to turn around and smile when you think we can't see.

9. How much you adore playing with your big brother - you smile even if it involves him sitting on you.

8. How you always find a way to squish your big brother right back when you've finally had enough.

7. The way you prefer red toys and of a whole box of cars, you always end up with Lightening McQueen.

6. How you learned how to say "num num" and "ba ba" before "ma ma" because you love food so much.

5. The way your round face, double chin and chunky thighs tell the world that you love food so much.

4. The way you smack your lips to make a smooch sound every time Daddy or I say "kisses".

3. How you will dance to anything, anywhere - a phone ringing or a microwave buzzer - ever since you were 6 months old.

2. The way you make a break for the fridge or pantry the second you hear the doors open because that's where the food is.

1. The way your eyes light up and you clap when you think something is exciting or fun.

HAPPY, HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, SWEET BABY BOY! WE ALL LOVE YOU SO MUCH!