First birthday coming up

Hello all,
So we are nearing our son's first birthday celebration. I have had requests for gift ideas. We, by no means, NEED all this stuff but I was getting into the brainstorming! I hope this helps those of you who were planning to give him something. Please do not feel obligated to get anything. Also, money for Levi's education is always welcome.

Birthday wishlist:

Levi is soon getting old enough to enjoy wooden puzzles (check the age level for each puzzle).

Books are a big hit in our house and especially the hardier board books so Levi can turn the pages.
Some book ideas are:
Eric Carle books
Usborne 'Baby Jigsaw' books and 'Lift and Look Flap' books and 'That's Not My...' books (we have 'That's Not My Puppy" and 'That's Not My Monkey').
Little Blue Truck Board Book (Board book) by Alice Schertle

A wooden wagon I am sure would be well loved and used.

Bigger cars/trucks etc that he can push around on the carpet or outside.

We don't have a shape sorter cube and I notice these are popular with kids his age. :)

Levi might enjoy sand toys for the summer.

We are pretty well covered for clothes at this point (thanks to Billy and Ben and neighbours!!).
Although we are short on shoes and socks. It seems that Levi is a size 2 shoe at the moment but quickly outgrowing them.

Olympics

We went downtown today to check out the Olympic hype. Nothing was actually open yet despite all the propaganda telling everyone to 'come on down!'. There was some strange public art, like Chris' favourite 'Double Happiness Chicken' and we got as close as we'll probably ever get to seeing an event live (check out the bobsledders). Oh, and Levi and I did some awesome snowboarding.

Mayne Island

Galiano Island

Exploring the windy deck on the way to Galiano. (Chris was working at the port behind my head).

Anabel checking out her buddy during a nursing and snack stop on our hike through Dionisio Park.




Below are Chris and Vanessa and baby Anabel, our friends who are staying on the island for the winter.

the latest...

So these pictures have nothing to do with the latest news but it has been impossible to capture on camera so far. Levi is starting to WALK!! He took his first steps yesterday while both mom and dad were watching him. He took three steps before tumbling and was very proud of himself. He has been trying here and there to take a few more and is getting more confident in standing alone. It begins!
p.s. Levi is 9 months old today.

peek-a-boo

Levi has discovered how to play peek-a-boo by hiding himself in the curtains. Too funny!

January

Levi peering out the patio door. "When is Dad coming home?"



Below, Levi is being the life of the party at his friend's first birthday.