Where Has The Time Gone?

Probably one the most stated quotes in the history of parenthood.  Really, just even starting this post brings tears to my eyes.  My sweet little boy.  Born August 10, 2011 at 5:17 pm.  I remember the first time I heard your cry and the first time I saw your face.  Instant love.
     


And then, two hours of recovery and impatiently waiting, you were handed to me.  And I held you.  Instant bond.
(you can skip to about 1:13)



You rocked my world.  From the insanely hard times to the euphoric happiest times.  I was given a new title.  Mama.  Mother.  Mommy.  Your mom.  It has definitely been one that you have made me earn!  You loved to be held and the place you felt safest was in my (and your daddy's) arms.  Sometimes I would complain that 'I can't get anything done!!' because you always wanted mama to hold you.  All I heard from other mamas was, "Savor each moment." "The house can be cleaned later."  "Hold him as long as you can."  Because.  Time goes by too quickly.



You grew up.  Became more independent.  Ventured off by yourself, exploring this new world.  And you didn't need mama to hold you while you slept anymore.  And I missed it.  I wish for those days now.


You learned so many things in your first year.  How to roll over.

How to sit up.
 

How to crawl and pull yourself up.



How to eat.  Oh, how you love to eat.  You may be a skinny little thing, but that belly can pack away the food.

First solids: Avocado

Even with no teeth.  Until now.  Finally, a couple weeks before your first birthday, teeth are breaking through.  And just like you haven't been the typical baby from birth until now, your first tooth is a top one!  And it seems you have 4 or 5 more coming in right after it.  Silly baby.



Speaking of silly, I love how your personality fits right in with Dad and me.  You are the perfect mixture of us both.  Like Daddy, you are so laid back, chillin' with your feet crossed.



You love to make people laugh and will keep making the same noise or doing the same gesture to keep us rolling.  You think your burps are funny.




And you love to dance to The Dirty Heads.

Like Mommy, you love without holding back.  You snuggle and cuddle, giving kisses to all your toys because everyone deserves a little love.

I just missed him giving the elephant a kiss.  He kisses all his toys.  And our dogs......hmmm....

You cry when you don't get what you want.


And you seriously know how to relax.


You also inherited other things from mommy, but we won't talk about that...


This has been the most rewarding year of my life.  Not only do I get to experience motherhood, but I also get to watch your dad experience fatherhood.
And I think it suits him.


You have made us work harder at loving each other, pitching in to help each other, and making time to get away and be a couple again.

Daddy brushing mama's hair the day after my big surgery

Restaurant Week

Christmas Party

Halloween Party....duh

Dirty Heads

Buffett

Children are blessings.  YOU are a blessing, baby.  A miracle.  An absolute treasure.  Precious and rare.  I am so thankful that God answered our prayers and gave us more than we could have ever hoped or dreamed of.  A sweet, smart, healthy little boy.

I am going to take in this next year more slowly.  Give more kisses (if that's possible).  Be there for every new milestone and adventure.  Hold you more.  Sit down and just be with you more.  Because it will fly by.  And I will wonder, where has the time gone?

Brand spankin' new

One Month

Two Months

Three Months

Four Months

Five Months

Six Months

Seven Months

Eight Months

Nine Months

Ten Months

11 months

 Happy One Year Baby!!