Doctor, Parties, and LOADS of Candy

First we'll start with the before-crazy-weekend details:
Since Lincoln turned ONE YEARS OLD (still can't grasp the magnitude of that statement!), he was due for his one-year well-check visit: "happy birthday, baby - you made it through your first year of life! Now lets stick you with a very sharp, long needle - not one, but THREE times so that you can remember this memorable day!" Yes - the doctor's visit on Friday that Jason's mother attended with me to check and see how our little one was progressing and get a pat on the back for helping him make it this far without too many setbacks (those pats on the back for mom are important, by the way).
He is still in the 75% for both height and weight coming in at 24lbs. and 31 inches tall...his head? That monster melon? Well it's actually gone down on the percentile charts from the 99% to now the ever-so-much-lower 95%. Funny.
And just because this weekend has been all about him, I will brag a teensy weensy bit on something the doc said: they go through their checklist to see what all the little guy can do...walking? most definitely YES. understands "no"? ha. he had this one down a LOONG time ago. Peeing/Pooping? he's our elimination machine...and then so on and so on. Well, then I was telling the doctor about how Lincoln stands up, bends his knees (in an athletic stance) and catches balls when we throw them to him. The doc became interested and I then demonstrated what I was talking about. I then told him how Lincoln will not only catch the ball (80% of the time), but will then throw it right back to you - overhead. His eyes got big and he said "wow - not only should he not be able to catch that good at this age, but throwing overhead is advanced for him, too - he must be very coordinated!" Yeah - daddy was proud of this one.
So after the doctor, it was a mad rush to finish working for MY LAST FRIDAY...and then off to go all over NWA to get finishing touches for the big birthday party Saturday with Jason's mom.
And then The Party.
Lincoln woke up in a fantastic mood...like he knew it was his day. He had his first outfit of the day on, his skeleton PJ's and went crazy with a few balloons that were being tossed around on the floor - little did he know just how much more fun was in store...when he gets real excited, it's like he just has to release it all and gives out a big ole scream - it's hilarious.

Then the guests started arriving...we kept it just family this year. The menu? A little bit of everything. We had mini quesadillas, chips, salsa, cheese dip, buffalo wings, mini sandwiches on yeast rolls, pizza slices, fruit dipped in white chocolate, a candy assortment tray, macaroni and cheese (for the birthday boy), and of course, yummy white cake from Rick's Bakery.
And then cake time. And let me say, Lincoln did NOT disappoint! He dove in, full force, no hesitation and made quite the colorful display all over himself.
And then it was bathtime before we opened presents...

This was one of mommy and daddy's gifts - a giant "tub" of plastic, colorful balls. I saw it and KNEW he'd love it...and trust me - he LOVES it more than we even thought...So the party was very successful, with TONS of gifts for the Mr. Our family really went overboard - we love all you guys and are so blessed to have yall in little Lincoln's life!!!

After his long afternoon nap, the family of three (with Baby Noah soon to join), walked to Wal-mart to get some last minute things for trick-or-treaters. You see, we used last night as promotion for the house. :) We'll see if it worked later or not. We changed Lincoln into his Frankenstein costume and braced ourselves for the scary candy-seekers. Little did we know how much Lincoln would LOVE all the costumes, doorbell ringing, and little kids - it was hilarious! Everytime the doorbell would ring, he'd squeal with delight and "walk" (his best Frankenstein walk) to the door to greet the kiddos. He loved it. I think his day just kept getting better and better. Here's a Frankenstein pic:The little guy played his heart out till about 10:00 last night before we made him go to bed...I'm sure he dreamed of music cars, blue icing, scary kids begging for candy, his tub of balls, and all the other fun toys he got this special day. And that's what it was...truly special.