Zelbot is turning ONE

Countdown to the year marker of being moms is soon to be marked by our first Mother's Day followed a week later by Anzel's birthday. It seems so unreal that this little dude is ours, but I guess he's chosen to stay with us after getting to know us a bit. Honestly, I think much of his decision was based on his love for Lola (which is one of his first words ... WOWA). 

Over the past year, we have gotten to see Anzel's first loves develop and thought we would share his top 10 list:

Music - especially when he can dance or bang out a sick drum beat with hands or chopsticks

Peekaboo - this guy belly laughs when you disappear and reappear, and now he does the hiding and expects you to laugh - admittedly, most people can't help themselves

Nature - all things outdoors seem to fascinate, energize, and calm him all at the same time. Watching him explore nature is awe-inspiring. 

Swinging - park swings make him smile from ear to ear and squeal with delight

Puppets - weather it's Clifford the Big Red Dog, a sock duck, or his little human-like puppet friends, he starts "conversations" with them and finds them endlessly amusing

Other kids - our dude gets right in there and introduces himself by playing, touching, and grabbing other kids immediately. Making new friends everywhere he goes!

Lola's bowls - it's like Lola's food and water bowls have Anzel magnets in them and he can't resist the powerful force. And now when he gets close, he hears us say his name and he does a little finger wag at himself. 

FOOD - I cannot overstate this guy's love for food. Hummus, jumbalaya, yogurt, beans and rice, sweet potatoes ... you name it, he eats it.

Animals - dogs, cats, goats, and other furry mobile creatures make him giggle and screech. He just wants to touch, play, and snuggle with them, which most animals haven't been that into honestly. 

FAMILY - the joy on his face when we spend time with grandparents, cousins, aunties, uncles, and friends is unsurpassed. Clarke's beard, Mary's snuggles, Tamika's dreads, Mamere's songs, Grumpus's cane, Granny G's pigs, Mason's cuddles, Aunt Catherine's kisses, and his mamas' crazy singing and dancing. He's loving it all, and we are so grateful to have so much family surrounding us. We couldn't have made it through this year without all of your love and support, and Anzel is going to be an amazingly lucky human to know each and every one of you!

I'm turning ONE in two weeks... Can you believe it???