When you wake up in the morning you will be a one year old. One whole year! The past year has hands down been the best, hardest, funnest, most rewarding year of my life! I sit here with tears in my eyes as I type this. I am overcome with many emotions thinking back on what this past year has meant to me and what a blessing it is to be your mom. Sadness because you are going so quickly and time is flying. Joy because you are so fun to watch and see the world through your eyes. Happiness at all of the great things you have brought our family. From the day I found out I was pregnant I always knew life was going to be an adventure with you. You are full of spunk, sass, energy, and love. Lots of love!
Some things about you as a big one year old....
- You are likely just moments away from running. You'll walk several steps solo at a time before falling and are determined to climb any stair, bin, or small chair in sight. Since transitioning into the toddler room your walking skills seem like they progressed over night and you are now a walking pro.
- Breastfeeding- where do I even begin with this topic? We did it. We made it to one year. ONE. And when I say "we" I mean WE. It was a team effort and you were a rock star in holding up your end of the bargain! Never in a million years did I ever think that I'd be able to nurse you for a whole year. Six months, maybe, but never a whole year. You shattered my expectations and goals and for that I'm eternally grateful. Grateful that we got to experience that bond and it is definitely an experience that I'll cherish forever. Were there days that I wanted to throw in the towel? Sure! Those first few weeks were so tough. But, I knew in the long run I would be glad I stuck it out. And I'm beyond glad that I did. You still very much want your mommy and sign for milk and I wish I could freeze time and live in those little moments forever. Sigh....
- You LOVE books and story time. Often times you want to just crawl around on the floor over to the books, grab one of your favorites, and toss it over our way to read it to you. I find the irony in when you hand me the , "Are you my mother?" book. Adorable! Some of your favorites include, Brown Bear, anything from Dr. Seuss, Goodnight Moon, I Love You Through and Through, Beekle, Iggy Peck Architect, and any book that has different touch and feel textures. Your father has found it humorous to get you addicted to the "Biscuit" dog books and he has them all memorized to recite to you in a moments notice.
- Your development really seems to be flourishing since you have transitioned into the toddler room at school. You are babbling more, sharing toys with mom and dad, and seem to be all boy in terms of activity. With this step you have also developed your own strong willed personality. You are sensitive when I tell you "no" and at times start to have a meltdown when I deter you from something that could harm you.
- You LOVE your daddy and I love watching you two interact together. I pray that you build a bond with him like no other and that you turn out to be the man of God that he is today. I pray that you learn from him in all aspects of life and grow up to be just like him.
- You love food, in particular carbs and dairy! Definitely the "Birnbaum" genes in you. You would live on Cheerios and Babybel cheese if I let you. You like most fruits and will eat some veggies- mainly squash and carrots. You aren't too hot on eating peas anymore and will ever so politely drop them on the floor when I serve them to you. I shamefully admit that you love grilled cheese and macaroni (#momfail). A more recent like is pork chops. You will devour them in record time! You have tried eggs and don't seem to mind them, but also aren't a huge fan so we will continue to work on those. We will start trying some whole milk and peanut butter in the next few weeks. If you are anything like your mother then you and peanut butter will be BFF's.
- Your vocabulary continues to grow. You still say, "mama", "dada", "muh muh"( more), "up" (not really sure what started this one), and just random jabbering as you run wild through the house. :) The other night I had to wonder if you were telling me "no-no" as I thought I heard you rambling, "nuh-nuh". Sigh.
- Your sleep habits are still good (as I cross my fingers). Most of the time at school you will take a 2 hour nap and you're typically ready for bed around 7:00. Weekday nights you are so worn out from school and tend to crash hard. Weekends are a little different and we just kind of go with the flow. I love hearing you wake up in the mornings and jabber. You almost always announce that you are awake by saying, "up!" through the monitor.
Happy Birthday, sweet baby! May you have many, many more happy birthdays that we can all celebrate with you!
We love you!
Mommy and Daddy
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