Happy birthday, Spencer!

In our family, it is a tradition to have your photo taken on your first birthday. So Spencer was no exception. Spencer was a natural in front of the camera. There were a few challenging moments (particularly when he was posing on his back), but overall, he was easier to handle than his sisters. Spencer had a lovely birthday party with about 40 people in attendance -- plus a furry red monster from Sesame Street. Yes, that's right, Elmo accepted our invitation! He came to the party, danced, led some games and acted as a magician's assistant. A good time was had by all, just as Spencer is loved by all. (I think it is those blue eyes that make even strangers melt.)

Approaching age 1

This photo was used on Spencer's birthday party invitations. He'll be celebrating his first birthday in Pennsylvania with many extended family members. He'll be thinking of ALL of his friends and loved ones in Florida and wishing them well on that happy day.

Spencer is an active boy. He loves crawling and putting things in his mouth -- all very normal behavior. He slept through the night for just the third time earlier this week.

We love him so much!!!

Spencer crawls and has two teeth!

Spencer was teething for at least a month. Then two little teeth popped through! He learned to do the "commando" crawl about a month ago, and for two weeks he has been doing a "proper" crawl. He dislikes sitting still; he loves to squirm. This makes bathtime and changing time a challenge. If he doesn't get his way, he emits a high-pitched squeal -- like that of a piglet. He also can coo and whimper. He desperately wants to learn to walk. He can get into a standing position all by himself and walk from one end of the couch to the other while holding on. He enjoys being around people, and he smiles a lot. Now if only he would sleep through the night ...

Growing up fast!

Our precious boy is getting so big! He can sit by himself. He likes to roll around, too. He is ready to crawl, but he hasn't yet. He likes all of the new foods he tries. Bananas seem to be his favorite. He's been a bit cranky lately. Suspected cause: teething.

Happy New Year!

Spencer is doing well. He smiles a lot, but as soon as the flash goes off on the camera, he tends to scowl. This photo is the exception. Spencer weighed nearly 16 lbs. at his six-month check up which is normal. His pediatrician had recommended starting him on rice cereal, but he never took to it. Finally we gave up and moved on to pureed carrots. He loved them! But what a mess he made of his clothes -- despite wearing a bib! Later that week he tried peas and sweet potatoes with at least as much enthusiasm. He gets very excited when he sees his special spoon with the extra long handle because he anticipates his delicious meal. He doesn't have any teeth yet, but he checks for them often with his fingers. He also enjoys playing with his toes. He is a special boy who is loved by all. And I do mean ALL. :)

Merry Christmas

Everyone got great presents -- including our baby. He was especially excited about his Sunny Sunshine, stacking rings, prayer doll and holiday bib. Thanks, Santa!

Spencer's first three months of life

Spencer weighed 5 lb. 10 oz. at birth. He came home from the hospital on Aug. 10. Even though he had a good appetite, his weight dropped to 5 lb. 8.5 oz. at his first doctor's appointment on Aug. 12 (which was a normal drop). But he was up to 6 lb. 3 oz. on Aug. 21 at his two-week visit. He was almost up to 6 lb. 3.5 oz. that day, but he decided to relieve himself on the scale and lost half an ounce!

Our girls love having a baby brother! In fact, one of them asked me to get another baby brother. I suppose that makes sense, coming from an identical twin who lived in foster care for a while with another set of identical twins!

At first, Spencer's life was quite boring – which he appreciated. For the first month or so, he would just stay at home, sleep and eat. He has always loved to be cuddled! And he makes a very cute sound when he drinks his milk. But after about six weeks of being relatively homebound, he started to go out to the store or to drop the girls off at school.

In early November, Spencer contracted a respiratory infection that is common among preemies and former preemies. However, his doctors and nurses provided excellent care, and Spencer is not expected to have any long-term effects. His weight on Nov. 3 was 13 lbs. 4 oz. Most babies lose their appetites when they have a respiratory infection -- but not Spencer. He reminds of us of the gentle plant on "Little Shop of Horrors" that starts off small and sweet and soon morphs into something much bigger and more voracious. "Feed me," the Audrey 2 (or "Two-ey") intones.

On November 12, his adoption became final. We are forever grateful for the opportunity to raise him, love him and teach him.