Even through the sleep deprivation, the struggles of trying to breastfeed exclusively and the pressure I felt from it, but had no support in, (Hey, we made it 4.5 months) to juggling your demands and a toddler fighting for attention, to your daddy being deployed and the stress that comes along with that.. I wouldn't trade this past year. I wouldn't take a do over. I'd do it just how it happened. Because even through the struggles, it was perfect. It was perfect because of you. So innocent, so small (well, not too small Mr. I was almost 9 pounds!), so adorable, squishy, brand new and cuddly. You were perfect then and you are still perfect now. Even though you torture your sister by pulling her hair, hitting her in the face & crawling on her because you know she's weaker than you. (Oh the joy of little boys!) You are everything I could of ever dreamt of and so much more.
We did it, though. Sometimes, somedays, I'm not sure how we did it, but we did. We all did it. Not just myself, but your sister, and your father. We got through what could be one of the hardest periods of our lives, thus far and strived. Because of you. (And of course your sister, too.) I still cannot believe that in only 9 short days you will be one! How did that happen so fast? How did you not stay a baby just a while longer? Why is that you and your sister have to grow so fast, on me? I'm not ready. I'm not ready to say "I have two toddlers running around my house!" Toddler. Sigh.
I hope you know, that even though you didn't listen to me and you're growing like a weed, that you'll always be my baby. Always. I'll look at you and always see that precious 8 pound 11 ounce squishy baby boy you once were. Reality is though, you didn't stay that way long. And you'll only continue to grow.. I can only hope that you grow to be the man you want to be. & I hope that you continue to love life, as easily as you do now.
Our first picture together.
Sissy meeting you for the first time.
Skyping daddy for the first time since you were born.
Welcome home daddy!
I've waited my whole life to meet you!
That first hug was 5 months past due.
It was like you knew him all along.
In the hospital. Day you were born.
One month.
Two months.
15.4 pounds, 23 3/4 inches.
Three months.
Four months.
19.2 pounds, 26 inches.
Five months.
Six months.
21.5 pounds, 28 3/4 inches.
Seven months.
Eight months.
Nine Months.
24 pounds, 30 inches.
Ten months. Official walker.
Eleven months.
Highlights through the first year:
She loved you then.
She loves you now.
She'll love you always.
Welcome home, brother!
First smile on camera.
1 week.
All dressed up, for company.
1 month old.
Just like daddy!
First time in the pool.
3 months old.
Can you say, "siblings"?
Watching the two of you together,
is the most amazing gift.
I miss you being a thumb sucker.
3 months.
First time at the beach.
4 months.
First outside swing.
4 months.
One of the first times playing with daddy!
5 months old.
Your signature move,
until you started crawling.
Almost 7 months.
First and only ER/doctor visit, so far.
7 months.
Baby Led Weaning!
7 months.
Big boy seat.
& Still very happily RF,
even after we hit 20 pounds!
7 months.
Pulling yourself up.
7 months.
Sippy cup. No juice!
You absolutely hate the sippy cup.
9 months.
Sleeping so peacefully.
10 months.
