Happy 1st Birthday, Owen!

Here it is, folks – the last monthly post for Owen’s first year. My boy is a whole year old! Happy, happy birthday, Baby Kopp!

It’s hard to only write a monthly update for this post, since I can’t help but think of the past 365 days, not just the past 30. What a full year it has been, and every day of it with Owen has been special. And documented in Richard’s godforsaken baby app.

Before I get sappy, I’ll move on to the actual recap of Little O’s 12th month. I promise there will be more posts related to Owen’s birthday in the next week or two (I apologize in advance if I cause Baby Owen overload). For now, I’ll let you know what he’s been up to in the past few weeks:

We’ve moved to a new home! The moving process (and, man, it’s a HUGE process with a baby) has consumed us for the last month. While I’m still trying to settle in, Owen has been right at home from the moment he first went through the front door. No adjustment period needed for him. Evidently, he wasn’t very attached to his old place. I like to think that Owen is simply at home wherever me and Richard are, and that he’s not a future serial killer devoid of emotional attachments.

Or maybe he’s too distracted by his newfound ability to walk that he doesn’t give a heck where he is. He’s roaming everywhere on his two feet nowadays, turning corners and even trying to run. He’s an expert walker just in time to walk his Aunt Roberta’s rings down the aisle for her wedding next week.

At this time, it does not appear that Owen has inherited my fear of heights or my tendency for motion sickness. Owen has sat on Richard’s shoulders, been thrown in the air, and held upside down countless times this past month. He LOVES it.

He also continues to love abusing me – pulling my hair, biting my face, grabbing and yanking my lips. His abuse is not just limited to me. Richard is also an Owen victim. Little O dives at Richard’s chest and gives him titty twister after titty twister, shrieking all the while. Even though Richard’s nipples may fall off eventually, I think it’s highly entertaining.

But the best thing about our growing boy? He’s becoming more and more affectionate. He nuzzles his head against my face and shoulder. He turns his face to me when I ask for a kiss. I LOVE it.

So, for the last time, here’s my sweet (sometimes violent) little guy in his monthly photos:

And here are Owen’s July-themed photos for his 12-month birthday. Hot Dog! Isn’t this a picture perfect summer picnic?

And some bloopers for your enjoyment:

Holding his number high for all to see…

Some expressions are priceless.

Checking out his number 12 with a critical eye.

Must. Play. With. Blocks.

And then try to sneak away with them…

Wooden number or walrus tusks?

Teddy bears are delicious.

So are hot dogs.