One year old

I'm still not sure it's possible, but according to the calendar, today is the big day. Jack is ONE year old!

There's a fair amount of satisfaction in the realization that we've kept Jack alive and fairly happy for a year. That he's growing right on track and learning very quickly. However, even with all of that, it's still quite bittersweet. My baby is a year old. He's so much more independent than he was on this day a year ago. He won't ever fit in the crook of my arm again. He'll never need me as much as he has so far. He's just not the tiny guy he once was. I love this stage, as I have loved them all, and I wouldn't turn back time for fear in what I'd be missing in the future.

Before having a baby I always thought moms must look back on their children's birthdays with a feeling of relief. "Thank goodness I don't have to give birth today." And maybe some do. But I'd give birth all over again in a heart beat to relive that most amazing day. Motherhood definitely suits me. Jack, however, might prefer today to that day...



He's not yet walking on his own but gets a little braver every day. He has made it almost all the way up the steps (with someone with him of course) and cruises around quite well while holding on to anything he can find.

He has mastered "uh-oh" and when to use it. He also can say "duck" which sounds more like "duh" but it's close. If asked to pick out the duck amongst other toys, he usually can. He shakes his head or hand at me when I say "no" and most of the time, will move on to something else. He definitely understands a lot of what we say.

He loves watching TV, especially "Jack's Big Music Show" on Noggin which is full of music which he loves to dance and clap to.

He's gotten to be a pickier eater and vegetables usually have to be disguised as something more exciting to have a chance. He's doing much better with the sippy cup though - having finally figured out that you have to tilt your head back to make it work!



Books are still his favorite pastime, though toys in general took a backseat to exploring this month. He just wanted to be into everything more than playing.



He got some great new bath toys for his birthday and has graduated from the smaller baby tub to the big bath tub!





He also loves brushing his teeth after his bath.



He was supposed to go to the doctor for his 12 month check up today and some much needed advice on how to lose the bottle and formula but our winter weather caused their pipes to freeze and burst overnight. They called early this morning to say there was water everywhere so they would have to reschedule. We'll be sure to update you about that visit once we go. Until then...here's a look back at our favorite little guy and how much he's changed in one short year:



Thanks for checking in on us and here's to hoping year 2 is just as much fun as year 1 was!