Just like last year, right after Isaac's birthday it got rainy and cold. It went from about 95-99 on Wednesday to about 55 today. Ah, late spring in New England. Isaac's actual birthday was marked by him eating actual ice cream. We got him some Ben and Jerry's plain Vanilla, as it does not have high fructose corn syrup, which, somehow after Omnivore's Dilemma, has become an ingredient as welcome as strychnine (that's how it is spelled, crazy huh?). Well, Ben and Jerry did it right because their ice cream has four ingredients, all of which sound like food and not shampoo chemicals. Isaac, however, was only moderately impressed with his frozen treat.



He has, however, thoroughly enjoyed his wagon. "Enjoy" is not the right word though, as it is clear that when he is in it and moving he thinks of himself as a king among commoners.



Here is a funny video of him in the wagon, less than impressed with my pulling abilities, especially after his session with his boundlessly energetic cousin last week.



He also reveled in other presents. Here he is playing with his classic Fisher-Price Corn Popper:



He also got some Duplos from Mom and Dad:



He loved the little bucket device as it had a mild spring on it and for whatever reason he liked it closing on his lip and tongue:



He also got a beach towel with built in hoodie from his Auntie Monica and Uncle Rob (who also sent a pop up book that he LOVES). Though the pictures don't show it, he loved it. He was more upset with getting out of the pool, even though his little legs were like icicles.



We have some more stuff to upload, so I will do another post later.

This is from Isaac's birthday (actual birthday). He had ice cream. The kid likes eating, but note around 1:16-1:20 on the time stamp. He says something pretty cool:



Made my heart melt faster than the ice cream on a 95 degree day (which it was).

By the time you read this Isaac will officially be 1 year old. It has been a great and wonderful year, the best year of my life by leaps and bounds. It makes me thankful for every minute I am with him and Bianca. It also makes me realize that while I give a lot to him, he gives me a lot back, even if he doesn't know it.

I still remember with perfect clarity standing over him in the little delivery room, while he was heating up under the lamp and Bianca was being tended to thinking that by focusing on him and his little arms that I was not losing my everloving mind because the love of my life was dealing with some serious issues. He was quiet and calm and that made me calm and I just looked at him and loved him with such power and force that it felt like a dam had burst in my heart. He has helped me out a lot over the past year, whether it was helping put things in perspective, allowing me to think about things other than work, bringing a smile to my face, or making me laugh (which he does a lot), Isaac Anthony gives me a lot. I know that Bianca feels the same way. There are days when she is down and he gives her a quick smile or a laugh or doesn't cry, knowing that she needs it and it helps power her through the day.

Happy Birthday Isaac Anthony Sculimbrene. Your parents are amazed by you everyday and love you more than they thought possible.

And here is the surprise:

Isaac Anthony Year 1:



and a slower version of part of the year:



Enjoy.