And how many of us wondered if he (or us, for that matter) would make it to that first year? But here we are and this BLOG is testament to just how much our little one has changed over that year. Starting out a race five weeks behind everyone else to the point where he’s walking (and for a few words) talking is nothing short of an absolute miracle. And miracles are a really nice thing in this day and age which could really use a few of them.
What a big boy he’s become. I remember the first four months being a living hell because he was so small that I honestly wondered if I’d break him. Hy huge hands and his small body…diaper changes were an exercise in clumsiness at best. Just holding him was nerve-wracking, he seemed so lost in my arms.
And yet he was so utterly trusting and would cuddle and snuggle for a nap and that made all of it worth it. Of course, as I write this entry, I rather miss those days where he was smaller and much less mobile as I’ve been up and down several times trying to keep him in the living room playing with his toys rather than Taz’s food and water. This would be the prelude to a bottle of milk and the subsequent laying down for a nap…
(OK, I’m back again…I can’t get enough of the snuggle/cuddle routine!)
Anyway, it seems like yesterday he was just laying there smiling at us (and occasionally crying!). But now, you can hardly hold him back…he’s crawling and walking with a vengeance. He’s also developed a lot more personality of late…in fact, he’s loaded with it. We’re starting to see a lot more of him coming through and I think it’s safe to say he’s going to be a formidable intellect. He’s already figuring things out (except what the word NO! means when coming from us…though our theory is that it’s a willful ignoring thing). He eats normal food (also with a vengeance, wonder where he gets that appetite from) and has no problem making his intentions and your dinner his own! But in spite of constantly chasing him hither and yon, the feedings, the changing of the diapers…the one thing you just can’t ignore is that he loves pretty much everyone and really knows how to turn on the charm, especially with those of the feminine persuasion and/or a camera present.
But for me, it’s the snuggle and cuddle times that really make it worth it. That peaceful time where your little angel is sleeping in your arms, secure in the knowledge you’re looking out for them (and you’re pretty warm which doesn’t hurt!) and is raising that odd eyebrow or making the sucking motion with his lips or smiles at you…you just can’t help but love him. And so, may we have many more of those moments…and may you have a happy birthday with many happy returns of the day. Both Mommy and Daddy love you very much…even when we’re chasing you all over the place and frustrating your attempts at mischief. And all those round you love you too…grandparents, friends, family. We appreciate everyone who has contributed to a great first year for our little one who is now not so little.
We had a bit of a celebration today…just the four of us: Mommy, Daddy, Grammy, and of course, Nicholas. First stop was (of course), Chuck E. Cheese out on Capital Boulevard. Games, rides, and crawly places were the order of the day here. There were a few that he really enjoyed and a couple that were a little too scary for our little one (but just wait, he’ll be over that before we know it!). Yes, there were tons of pictures taken (a big surprise with Daddy’s new toy!).
Then it was off to Marble Slab Creamery in Cary for his first real taste of ice cream (OK, it was sherbet but he did a whale of a job making a mess of it).
We finally ended up at On The Border where Nicholas chowed down a child’s enchilada plate. Yes, he’s gotten very good at cleaning up a plate of Mexican food…and sometimes the plate belongs to him!
So happy birthday, little one and many happy returns of the day. We love you more than you’ll know…
