The Bieri family received a lot of goodies and gadgets for their newborn Will, after he was named the first 2015 Moniteau County Baby.
The forehead scanning thermometer may have been the most appreciated, especially since Adam and Tracey had to take their second child to the hospital at only six weeks due to RSV.
Seeing their little one in the hospital for four days was scary, Tracey admitted. Older sister Hadley, 3, never had such an illness, they said.
"The worst was the IV in the head," Adam said.
Once they overcame that early ordeal, the Bieri family has enjoyed watching the youngest member grow and develop his personality.
At 11 months, he's attempting to walk. Will also loves tractors, making tractor noises and catching bouncing balls.
"He's at the fun age," Tracey said. "He loves to sit back, watch, smile and laugh."
It's big sister he likes to watch the most.
"He thinks she's pretty funny," Tracey said. "And she likes to make him laugh."
Hadley also has benefited from a younger sibling.
"She's changed; she's learned how to share and think about others," Tracey said.
The siblings, who stay with their grandmother while mother teaches at Russellville Elementary School and father teaches at California High School, have been regulars at the Friday Parents As Teacher play group in Russellville. And they attend St. Michael's Catholic Church.
During his first Christmas season, Will has taken to waving at Christmas trees and saying "hi," Tracey said.
The family is eager to get past this winter season, so they can resume their outdoor excursions on their Latham farm, where Will enjoys rides on their all-terrain vehicle.
And this summer, the Bieris plan on taking Will for his first ocean vacation.
The couple said they appreciated the many gifts from the California business community after Will was born Jan. 4 at the Boone Family Birthplace at Boone Hospital Center.
Their advice for the 2016 family: "Enjoy it because it goes fast."