Emmett is ONE!

Every child is precious and every first birthday party is adorable. All of Emmett's family, however, are significantly biased because we feel blessed to celebrate this first year of life with this little boy. The most special little boy in the world! (Again, we're biased.) We thank God that Emmett is here with us and we pray for many more birthdays to come. We are thrilled that Emmett is doing well and we anxiously wait for the next signs of progress. Just yesterday Emmett, in the bathtub with his neck ring, rolled over. Literally rolled over from his back onto his stomach and looked like he was ready to do the doggie paddle!

Emmett got to enjoy the texture and feel of his cake but, as he's still fed by a gastric tube and takes nothing by mouth, the piece on his nose was as close as it got to his mouth. It was fun watching him play with his food. Literally something that this little boy just doesn't normally get to do! In fact, he hardly ever needs to wear a bib!

It isn't because he doesn't have choppers - as you can see here his teeth are present. Two on the top and three on the bottom. They have caused him some restless nights and he drools like crazy! We have also succeeded in spoiling him as Emmett is quite willing to put up a fuss if he doesn't get something that he wants. Setting him in his crib while grabbing something from his room is likely to create a scene because if it is not his nap-time then don't even think of using his crib! Or, if he wants more attention than he's getting Emmett isn't above using a 'fake' cough to cause a crowd around himself! Obviously, he has learned these attention seeking behaviours from his grandpa's!

Emmett's first birthday was an immediate family affair. Emmett and his parents, the Willms' family (except Jennie and Ben in Alberta) and the Ewald family. It's too extreme to call it reverse isolation, but Emmett is absolutely still being very protected from bugs, germs, and viruses. There are selected outings - like a hike to Cascade Falls that is just a short ride from Abbotsford. And not too many tourists at this time of year. Hint of a cold - put on a facemask and don't get close. Presents were in abundance - race car floor rug, jack-in-the-box, clothes, and more to celebrate this little man's first year of life.

One of Emmett's favourite iPad programs is a Xylophone that reacts when he touches the screen.

His face lit up when one of his presents was a real one! Of course, it's harder for him to play but that is something to work on in the upcoming months. Emmett loves a crowd and is fascinated by the colours, the sounds, and the activity that engulfs him when he is surrounded by others. We are looking forward to spring and summer when we hope he can be out and about more often.

Of course, Emmett's birthday wouldn't be complete without balloons. And there were a lot of them!

Happy Birthday, Emmett. You are God's precious gift and we love you. Thank you for being such an amazing little boy with such a huge smile!

To all of Emmett's online friends - thank you for your support, prayers, love and thoughtfulness. We can never tell you how much your support helps during the challenging times. Thank you and God Bless you!