Argh...Happy Birthday Me Hearty!

I have been absolutely amazed by the changes that Hill has made in the last 6 months, granted that does not include being potty trained, BUT he has turned from my little toddling buddy into a 100% all-boy kiddo. Scott reminds me hourly how much he is like me, and all I can usually respond with is a grin because I can't muster up an argument...he's right. I suppose being an only child is in a lot of ways like being the first born. Here are some of Hill's strong qualities, some of my friends may notice a pattern in the gene pool:

- He LOVES his "wubbies"! It started with "Raff" (giraffe) and sucking his right thumb, but now he has many multiple blankets and pillows he snuggles with. The child loves his bed and sleep time...he does not want anybody else in the bed with him when he's ready to sleep...including the cats. But, he does have (just a guess) approximately 15-20 stuffed animals in the bed with him.

- He is the most strong willed child- he does NOT give up when he wants something and insists that he does everything himself.

- He never forgets anything, he digs up memories we are shocked he remembers- he will also start looking for "something" (toy, etc)that we haven't seen in months, and months. That's were the OCD kicks in- he has to know where everything is at all times and things can not be out of place.

- He has a wonderful imagination, but sometimes it takes him too far and he is afraid of the funniest things. He is terrified of Japanese restaurants- if we even drive near one he says, "We're not going to see boy with the egg, are we???" (aluding to the show they put on). He was nervous with anticipation one night when Scott told him they were getting pizza delivered- he kept asking "He not come to our house?!?!" So, Scott gave the delivery man a name..."John". When Hill knew he had a name and he was bringing pizza, all was great with the world. He know thinks "John" brings us everything.

- I love that anytime he touches anything he thinks is soft, that thumb goes directly in his mouth and he makes the sweetest pacified sounds.

- He LOVES his little brother...he truly does. He is very protective of him and makes sure that everyone always speaks to, as he refers to him, "my son, Rett Hoowen".

- Our favorite words/phrases that he says- "sure", "that be alright", "perfect", "pippo-thomas" (hippopotums), "banfire" (vanpire), "Chicken Nuts" (chipmunks).

- The child still worships The Wiggles and is still quiet the performer.

- He has a truly, sweet heart and spirit and makes us laugh constantly- he is a true joy in our lives.

Here are some pictures from his Pirate Party at Wald Park. Theme totally chosen by him- he did ask quiet often, "Pirate not come to my party!?!?". We did have the ice cream truck come by which was a big hit!