When Ira is sleepy, he pulls his hair with his right hand and sucks his thumb. He has sucked his thumb ever since the day he was born and I would wager that he sucked his thumb in utero as well!

And I'm obsessed with Ira's hair and refuse to cut it (even though it could use a trim) because of this... Fresh out of the tub and a little bit of curl. Really, really hoping Ira has curly hair like Conor one day!

I've found that writing about Ira's birthday is something I've procrastinated; as though if I don't write about it then it never happened and he's still a wee baby. I have to say that the babyhood of Ira and E have flown by faster than my daughters' first years. It's likely because the first years of my sons overlap. Ira continues to be a complete joy. He is a happy, happy baby. Everyone loves his big blue eyes and he receives lots of compliments. Ira is a cuddle, in fact, I can easily declare him to be my most snuggly baby of all time. What a way to close out the baby years! I love when his head rests on my shoulder and he tucks his little arms down by his side. Ira gives big, slobbery kisses, first to me and now he will kiss his siblings and Conor when asked (sometimes). He continues to say, "hi" and "uh-oh" lots and can sign "more." I'd like to teach him some more baby sign language. Ira loves crawling around while holding and pushing a toy vehicle. He loves the dishwasher and bath time. He loves climbing up the stairs and he loves to find Enoch. Ira can stand independently and he's a real show off. He loves getting a laugh. In the last month or so, he has reminded me of Greta when she was a baby. The goofiness and the hair. The snuggly nature. Ira is very easy going, but he will hold his ground if someone (Enoch) is trying to take a toy from him. He'll scream and hold tight! And if Ira feels that he's not getting enough attention at a meal time, he'll scream. Ira loves to eat and is very eager to do so. I can't give something to Enoch without also offering it to Ira. Ira is very good at insisting his needs are met. Often when I'm preparing dinner, he is under my feet or clinging to my ankles. His little voice is adorable - I love to listen to his baby babble. Truly, he is sunshine and light. He outshines the morning son, my son.

I love carousels and I especially love my babies on carousels. We made a quick trip downtown to put Ira on the carousel for his birthday and it was everything I hoped it would be!

Oh my little loves. Ira and Enoch spent a good chunk of time crawling while pushing the buses along the floor from the living room to the kitchen and back again. And then through the dining room. I was surprised to see that Ira was the leader. These two and their brotherhood... it's truly special. And buses, I'm a complete sucker for boys and buses (and vehicles in general - I love my sons!).

Before we drove home, Holly, Greta and I skied the Browns Farm Loop. My heels killed (seriously the worst blisters) but when in Methow, am I right? Holly and Greta paused to wait for me a few times. I loved watching the mist burn off in the valley as we skied. We skied past a horse in her pasture and were pleasantly surprised when she came when I called to her. And then we finished packing and drove home. We'll be back!