Wow. Today, Ben turns one year old. In some ways it still feels like we are just finding out we are going to have a baby. And in so many others it feels like Ben has always been a part of our lives. I can’t imagine a life without him in it now. This past year has been wonderful and busy. I think it has been the best year yet.
I know we all go through it ourselves, and many people go through it with their children. But the first year of a person’s life is amazing! We come into the world a tiny helpless little thing. All we do is eat, sleep, and poop. Then in one short year we become a whole person. We can move about, communicate (not always in words, but in other ways) laugh, smile, play, eat, hug. So much happens in that first year. A lot of changes take place as a parent too. In this past year I have learned to do many activities one handed. I can use the bathroom lightning fast. I can tell if my baby is hungry, tired, needs a new diaper, or is just looking for attention. I have learned so much from Ben. I have learned how to instantly wake up at the sound of a baby coughing. I’ve learned how to sleep through baby grunts. I’ve learned to swaddle, cuddle, tickle, and calm my boy. Most importantly, I’ve learned to love more than I ever knew I could.
Ben has grown and changed so much this year. He is crawling, babbling up a storm, and eating a ton. He wants to get into everything. He is learning how to climb onto things. (Yes, I hate that one. Not safe!) He plays hard and loves hard.
I have loved being Ben’s mom this past year, and I can’t wait for all that is in store for us in the future. It’s still catch myself thinking I have a new baby. Now I have to be sure to say I have a 1 year old. But he’ll always be my baby.
Newborn sweetness |
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One year old cutie |
–Kim