Reid: Month 12

Reid,

You're officially ONE. You're my adorable, sweet, funny wild animal. You're my mover, my shaker, my belly-laugh maker. Sure, you're a curious, crazy (in the best way) toddler  but you're my baby... always will be. =)

I don't think anything has ever broken my heart, warmed it, and made it skip a beat quite like you. The chance to be your mom is an opportunity I am SO incredibly thankful for. That blessing is not lost on me. I get it. I am honored and humbled. I'm grateful I remember, even in the midst of a meltdown, this time flies so fast and every minute I get with you, no matter the activity, is a T-total blessing. (How many commas can I use in a sentence?)

Every phase we come to seems to be that much more fun than the one before. I certainly miss the sleepy snuggles but sharing my time with you is a blast now. You are so full of life. It's hard to be sad about the past when the present is so great. What's better is that while I haven't been a parent for long in the grand scheme of things, I've been at it long enough to know that everything has it's season. The (tantrums/sleepless nights/etc...) will end... even if just for a little bit... and better yet, the good always outweighs the bad. Cliche as it may be, you make everything worth it.

This past week has especially brought about many changes. You made the switch to whole cow's milk and stopped drinking from a bottle. You handled it like a champ. You began to eat breakfast before going to daycare each day. You still sleep well at night (most nights) and you continue to be a pretty laid back, easy going guy. You seem to know your routine so well that when it's broken, you're able to go with the flow then jump right back into it. You do not like to be told no. In fact, you generally respond one of two ways: continuing your activity (usually escaping or getting into something you're not suppose to) with an ornery grin on your face OR stopping in your tracks to have a total broken-feelings-meltdown complete with crocodile tears and the most pitiful pouty face I've ever seen. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. =)

I feel like I have much more to say but more than anything, I want you to know how much I love you. It's unconditional and it's forever. Thank you for making me a mom.

Love, Mama

Highlights:

• You ate table food exclusively from the beginning of the month.

• You continued saying "hi" and added a very cute "daddy" to the end of the phrase. Of course, you waved while saying it. 

• You stood unassisted early on but never for long.

• You got 4 new teeth bringing your total to: 12 (with about 4 more to be making their appearance VERY soon)

• You choked on watermelon.

• You still wore size 4 diapers.

• You wore 12-18, 18, and a couple 18-24 month clothes.

• I started putting steroid cream on your real bad eczema spots. I wish I had used it much earlier.

• You became a little pro with the sippy cup.

• You started saying "yay" and clapping a lot. Oh how you loved to clap.

• You took a a couple quick little steps between your Dad and I.

• You took your first treats to daycare. I made graham cracker sandwiches (with frosting in between).

• You became a lot more mobile and more confident with your steps as you cruised around furniture and walls.

• You started drinking whole cow's milk mixed with your formula and eventually by itself.

• You had your last bottle right before your birthday party (on your birthday) and switched to sippy cups of milk from there on out.

• Speaking of party... you had your very first birthday party!! The theme was the book If You Give a Dog a Donut. We had it at the church and lots of your family was there! You absolutely LOVED the cake and probably would have ate the entire thing if we had let you.

• You tried several new foods, probably too many for me to even remember. 

• You intently watched me take your shoes on and off and learned how to take them off yourself. ;)

• You enjoyed "sharing" your pacifier, toy, sippy cup, etc... with someone only to take it right back. 

• You played more in the bath.

• You celebrated your first Thanksgiving.

• You spent plenty of time with family since your Dad and I had a lot of photo sessions.