Is it possible? Can it be true? Are you really 1 year old today?!?!?! They said time would fly. And they weren't lying. It truly has flown by. I can't believe that this time, one year ago, you were being placed in my arms, as a fresh, new babe. I love you, son. More today than I did in that beautiful moment.
This has been quite the month (and past 2 months) for you. We've been busy, or more truthfully, you've been busy! You aren't walking yet, but have been cruising around furniture for quite some time. You like being "walked" but after a few minutes, your little legs tire out and you start whining to crawl. You have this adorable cart that you also try pushing. But again, you tire quickly. Even though I can't wait for you to walk, I'm also not too sad that you aren't there yet. :)
You own this house, or so you think. You crawl EVERYWHERE and have loved the freedom of exploring your surroundings. One of your favorite places to crawl and play are the window sills. We have nice, big windows in our house and you love to stand at the sills and play. You jabber at everything outside and it's simply precious. You also love "your" drawer. I've allowed you to have a drawer in the kitchen, and you know it's yours to play in. You put your blocks and car keys and anything else you take a fancy to in your drawer. You aren't afraid to be away from me and will just crawl to whatever or wherever your little heart desires and will just play with your toys.
All things wooden are a favorite right now. You have these little pegs that you will carry all over the house. Your favorite block is the yellow block. Actually, you'll find anything yellow and carry it around the house. But, the pegs are your favorite. Don't ask me why. Maybe because your pudgy little hand fits so nicely around it.
Around your 11 month mark, we started you on whole milk. I needed to stop nursing you, and even though I was sad for a couple of days, you took to the change like a champ! We tried formula for a couple of days but then decided to just go straight to milk. You sign "milk" all the time, but it doesn't always mean something to drink. It also means "food" or "anything I want that I don't have"! You've also been sitting in your big boy carseat and you look SO OLD in it! I think you are enjoying being able to see out the window better and feeling more a part of the family.
Right after Christmas, when you were so sick, you went on a sleeping strike. You refused to sleep. For several weeks. You were exhausted and so were Daddy and I. It was miserable. We finally found the trick to get you to sleep - a bath and an early bed time. You've been going to bed (after Daddy gives you a bath) around 6:30 and usually sleeping until 7 the next morning. Some mornings you think that 5:30 am is the perfect time to wake up. Daddy and I disagree, so we let you play with your train on the floor of our room until Daddy's alarm goes off an hour later. You don't mind.
We had a wonderful event occur this past month. We were quite excited about the changes in our family; however, our loving Father had something else in mind and that which we were anticipating was no longer. Daddy and I have been sad and this week especially, you've been so affectionate and loving towards us. Somehow, you know ... and I've been so grateful for the kisses on my face and kisses on my legs and kisses on my toes. I love you, my sweet Bennett.
You are weighing around 21/22 lbs, but we'll get the real weight next week after your 1 year doctor's visit. You are in 12 month clothing and with your cloth diapers, they fit just fine. You are a tall, lean machine.
There's hardly anything you won't eat now. We are giving you everything -- lots of food that we eat! Fruit is a total favorite. You'll drop whatever you are eating if we offer you some type of fruit. You love hotdogs and sandwich meat and mac n cheese and bread and applesauce and yogurt and well, you just like food!
You are waving hello and goodbye. You've got a cute way of saying it and we love it because we can finally start communicating with you! You point at everything and say, "Dat." Do you think you are saying, "What's that?" I don't know, but it's precious. We are on the cusp of your understanding more and more of what we say. When I tell you an item is "no, no", you are doing so well at just crawling away from it. Books have suddenly become an activity you enjoy. You'll even bring them to me to read to you! You clap for joy and that usually happens when your dad walks through the door.
I just feel like overnight you've turned into a toddler. You are so expressive and are such a joy in our lives! God directed us beautifully when we gave you the name of a blessing -- you are a blessing to me, to Daddy, and to all that you meet. You are loved, Bennett Christian. I'm so lucky to get to be your mom.
I love you. Happy Birthday, little man.
- Momma
You are such a goof ball! You've totally started in on the cheesy grins and smiles.
Pointing at everything. Gosh, you are just beautiful!
You love to stick out your tongue. At nothing and anything.
More pointing.
Your first trip to the zoo while Daddy was on Spring Break last week
The penguins were your favorite.
You adore your daddy. Absolutely adore him!!