AJ certainly doesnt need presents for his birthday. He wont know the difference… but, for those that enjoy buying gifts… here are a few things I think AJ could use or would enjoy.

Spinning Stacking Tops

Fleece Dinosaur Mohawk Hat and Mittens

Pajamas - I’m seriously addicted to Carter’s footsie pajamas (so damn cute!)(18 months), but these are cute too (12-18 months).

Winter clothes (12-18 months) - should it ever get cold in NC this year, I think AJ would sport these items very well. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Shoes - Robeez (size 12-18 months) or fake robeez from Target

Eating is Fun - utensils and straw sippy cups and snack catcher and travel bowls

If I had to pick, AJ’s favorite thing to do is play with books. His board books and other toys all sit in the same basket, and he will always go through all the books before picking out a toy. I’m all for encouraging reading… so here are a few we’d really enjoy. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

But he also likes toys… really loud obnoxious headache inducing but so much fun toys.

I am doing my best to get it on camera… but AJ has turned into a walking machine. Over the weekend, he kicked it up from 5 or 6 tentative steps to totally booking it from one side of the house to the other. Don’t get me wrong, the steps are still pretty wobbly, and I spend the entire time waiting for him to fall, but its impressive nonetheless. It definitely became the preferred way to get around. He still has trouble standing up on his own, but will crawl to a nearby wall or piece of furniture and pull himself up to start walking, rather than just crawling to his destination. When holding onto my hand, he is almost running, dragging me behind (when it used to be the other way around). I tell ya, they grow up so fast!

AJ and I had such a lovely morning yesterday. I’m not totally sure what was so great about it. He was in an excellent mood, played well on his own, laughed and smiled a lot, and barely whined. I was able to get stuff done, while enjoying his presence. And there was lots of cuddling, tickling and just plain good times. The morning was going so well, the last thing I wanted to do was pack up and go to church, where I would spend nearly two hours without him. If I’ve learned anything in new parenthood, its that time is precious and it goes by too quickly. I do hope for many more Sunday mornings like that, though.

Phew. Getting a sleeping baby out of his car seat in the pouring rain is tricky stuff.
That is all.

AJ will be one year old next month. So, of course I’m having a party! I’m so thankful that he’s comfortable around big crowds, because I couldn’t seem to narrow down my list of friends to invite. So many people have supported us through the adoption process, and I want them all to celebrate AJ with us.
In Korea, celebrating the 1st birthday is a very big deal. Years and years ago, it was just a big deal that the child survived its first year. That isnt the issue anymore, but the tradition remains. The celebration is called a Tol. The baby is dressed in a Hanbok (which we received as a gift from AJ’s foster parents). The celebration revolves mostly around food (my guests will have no problem with that!) and culminates with the Toljabee ceremony. This is a traditional event where several items are laid out on a table. Each item represents a well wish (longevity, many descendants), career path (doctor, teacher, cable guy), or strong attribute ( generosity, integrity) . The child is set in front of the table, and whatever items they pick up first is said to be what they will excel in most. Though AJ’s picks wont hold too much weight in our house, it does sound like a fun thing to do, and a great way to honor his heritage. I plan to ask some close friends to help out by bringing an item for the table, hopefully something important to them.
I had considered making a few Korean dishes, but the recipes I’ve found are really pretty intense. So, I will probably order a few things from the Korean restaurant nearby. That way, I can spend my time working on the cupcakes.
Yay parties!