I've been wanting to blog about your first birthday for weeks now, as you can tell by the fact that it's now 3/24 and you are almost 13 months old. That's just how life is these days! You are awake so frequently and always on the move. You play well independently (unless you are wanting me to hold you), but still need a watchful eye because you get into things and like to explore from room to room.
We had a special day on your birthday. You had cottage cheese pancakes for breakfast and we facetimed with Aunt Holly, Caroline, and Wesley. We got a number of calls and texts throughout the day. Then after your nap we went to the park for a run. It was a nice day and you enjoyed being in your stroller. You took an afternoon nap, then we took some pictures outside after Daddy got home from work.
We had dinner at Taco Cabana and you apparently had too much ravioli and mixed vegetables. Soon after we left the restaurant, you threw up in your carseat. It was pretty sad and nasty. But you didn't cry at all and immediately afterwards you were cooing, so you didn't seem to mind a bit.
I felt sentimental last week updating our spending in mint and seeing all the transactions related to your birthday party. It was very special to celebrate your first year with so many family and friends. It was kind of a lot of work and I put a lot of thought into your party. I realize I didn't need to do it that way, but it just felt appropriate. This past year was a big deal for us and deserved to be acknowledged! We had perfect weather at your party and you wanted Mommy the whole time. These pictures were taken at the end of your party and they just warm my heart.
So, what are we up to now? Well, you have been showing increasingly stronger signs of separation anxiety. I left a couple times this weekend and you were pretty upset with Daddy for awhile before calming down. Some friends at church told us that they even avoid going to see you in your room during the service now, because you get upset when they leave. You just want to be around people who are familiar to you. Sunday was a full day yesterday with 2 services in the morning and small group in the evening. You handled it so well. The last 2 times we've been at small group, I've spent the discussion time holding you on the porch because you haven't been happy inside with the babysitter. Yesterday, Daddy tried a new approach and just kept you with the guys during the discussion. You just walked round and round the coffee table and barely made a peep during the hour long talk! I'm so impressed!
You are learning what you aren't allowed to do and I feel so proud of you when you obey. You know you're not supposed to touch the carbon monoxide detector, will crawl by, look at it and look at me. I say "no touch" and you crawl past it. You also are learning not to touch the tray on the coffee table. It's right there tempting you, but you often play for a long time and make no attempts to touch it. Before I brag too much, the other day you crawled right up to the carbon monoxide detector with a smile on your face and in spite of my warning, confidently reached out to grab it. You got a serious spanking and were pretty upset. It's major punishment for you when I pick you up, set you down against the wall and walk away. This is your "timeout" and you just dissolve into tears. It only lasts as long as it takes for you to crawl over and beg me to pick you up. I know your currency for now! As long as we are generally moving in the right direction...
You have started to say "uh-oh, which sounds more like "uh-uh." This is your first word besides "mama" and "dada." You also try to say "fish." Honey is the one who noticed this. She was reading your Animals book with you and you made a "sh" sound when she said "fish." It's really more like the "s" sound with a lisp. You've continued to do this when we say "fish." Pretty cute.
A few other things I don't want to forget... You put your arm around my back when I hold you. I think because you don't want me to sit you down... You have no problem drinking whole milk now and can really chug it!
I love you so much and am thankful for each day with you!
Love,
Mommy
