Sammy and Alex - One Year

The one year mark. Like so many other milestones we've crossed this year, I'm learning that this one is bittersweet, too. It's thrilling to watch new chapters open, but hard to watch them close so quickly.

(1 year)

If I had to describe the first year in a phrase, it would be delightful surprise.

(11 months)

Many of you know that I was overwhelmed with the thought of becoming a parent. Not because I was worried I couldn't do it, but rather because I knew that to do it well, required a lot of work. A lot of work. That part I nailed, dead on. What surprised me though, is how much I have enjoyed the work - all of the stuff that before Alex was born, seemed like it would be drudgery.

(10 months)

For example, I thought I would dread the late-night feedings - that, for us, lasted until about nine months. Instead, I found myself joyful to have one-on-one time with the Little Man. I loved that I didn't have to wait until morning to hold him and give him kisses again. That's not to say I didn't have my moments, but overall, the delight far outweighed the dread.

(9 months)

I've also been surprised at how the little chores like dirty diapers, cleaning spit up, wiping up throw up, all seem like nothing. Especially when the moments after are followed with sweet kisses and snuggles. I live for those kisses and snuggles - they are what I cherish most.

(8 months)

Which makes me wonder, what am I going to do when Alex is "too cool" to give me hugs and kisses? How will I cope when that chapter closes? Oh, I know it will likely reopen, but I shudder at the thought of having to go through a season where he doesn't want my affection.

(7 months)

I'm surprised at how little I miss my career. I thought I would miss the adult interaction, the intellectually stimulating conversations, the reward from solving problems. I seem to still get those things in some shape or form. And I think that really helps me enjoy my time off of work rather than miss it. Although I do miss having a paycheck. Can't deny that one, but Alex is worth more than any paycheck I ever received. =) 

(6 months)

I'm surprised at my patience. If you have a child then you know that it seems to take twice as long to do anything - to get ready, to get out the door, to get into the car, to get out of the car. There's just a lot going on. But I've learned to roll with the punches and try to prepare accordingly.

(5 months)

There's also the patience for watching Little Man explore and do things on his own. He likes to climb the stairs by himself - which requires me to follow closely behind as he navigates one step at a time. He likes to feed himself - which inevitably means he will be covered in food from head to toe which I will have to clean up. He likes to see what's happening behind cabinets and inside of drawers - which means watching to make sure there are no smashed fingers and then, of course, picking up after everything has been strewn about. But I wouldn't trade any of these things, even if it did mean making life easier.

(4 months)

You know the other thing that caught me a little off-guard (in a good way) was how much I have enjoyed studying the new things he's learned and picked up. If you know me well, then you know that I'm not usually a "belly-laugh" kind of girl. But when Alex plays Peek-a-Boo because he sees a girl in an advertisement covering her eyes, I just roar with laughter because he wants to play along, and he has made the connection. It's amazing to me to watch him learn.

(3 months)

Speaking of things he's learned - lately he's been up to a few new tricks. I mentioned Peek-a-Boo. He also likes to "give me five." (He's got that down pat!) He grunts at everything he points to. He's learned to flap his lips with his fingers while he hums. He's practically running behind his push toys - but still no first steps. Oh, and my new favorite - he'll say "honk, honk." I really need to get this on video!

(2 months)

In the last month he also had his first black eye. Yikes! Broke my heart! But he survived. And I did, too. I guess it's good to go ahead and get that first one out of the way. I know there will be more to come.

(1 month)

When I look back over the last year, I see some pretty significant changes in my life. I think the last year has made me stronger (physically and mentally) and more confident. I feel like I can take on more than I did before. I don't know why that is, but it's been one of the most delightful surprises of all.

(11 days)