WE DID IT! One year. 12 months. 52 weeks. 365 days. It’s hard to believe it, little guy, but you’re one year old!!! This past month was just as busy as your previous 11, and it has been during this time that you’ve become a toddler. Soooo excited about this development and all that comes with it, especially the throwing of objects in defiance, the screaming, and the frustration. But we’ll survive like all of those before us.
It has been during this past month that you decided to walk. You like to walk. Everywhere. At first, you were only able to walk a few steps; however, by the end of the month, you were able to walk throughout the entire house. In fact, when I took you to the store on your birthday, you refused to ride in the cart…you wanted to walk through the store on your own. And you wouldn’t even hold my hand, further exhibiting the independence that you have developed.
One very exciting event this past month was your first Christmas! Santa found out that you were staying at Grandma and Grandpa Fay’s house, and brought your gifts to the farm. Miraculously, Santa found room in his sleigh for a set of tunnels and ball pits, complete with 250 plastic balls! Who knew that Santa’s sleigh could transport such a grand gift?!? You love playing in this new toy, discovering lots of fun, new activities including throwing the balls across the room, picking up the entire ball pit to dump its contents, and playing peak-a-boo while inside the pit. Your dad and I greatly enjoy watching you play, learn, and discover.
Another favorite pastime that you have found is related to your dogs. Simon and Charlie have resigned themselves to your constant presence. They are used to the wails of frustration as you learn how to put yourself to sleep, and they are accustomed to you taking their toys. However, they’re not as impressed with your latest fascination as it greatly inconveniences them…you are completely INFATUATED with their food and water. It is like a magnet to which you are relentlessly attracted (perhaps it has something to do with the magnet in your shunt). We hear you quietly walking toward the food and water bowls. And then we hear the sound of dog food being dumped on the ground or water being splashed. So, we have decided to move the food and water, thus inconveniencing Simon and Charlie. You’ve tried to make it up to them, by purposefully dropping food from your high chair to watch Simon and Charlie eat it. You flash your endless smile as Simon and Charlie wait patiently for you to give them their next treat.
Perhaps one of the sentinel events this month was sleep boot camp. Your dad and I decided we had been patient for too long, and that you were going to sleep boot camp. We considered several options, but decided to go with the loving, caring, nurturing method entitled “extinction.” Yes, we left you alone to figure out how to go to sleep. You were mad. Very mad. But in the end, you have learned how to put yourself to sleep, and now only protest for about 10-15 seconds before lying down to see what dreams will come your way.
Your month ended with your very first birthday party. We had balloons, cake, and most importantly, family and friends. You had a great day and were quite a trooper through all of the festivities. We learned that you are a big fan of cupcakes, and that you like being the center of attention. You were very lucky to have your cousin, Suri, attend as well as your new friend, Marcus, who made his world debut just 2 weeks before your party! The 3 of you formed quite the trio in your party hats! We had a great time celebrating with you, and are so thrilled that you are 1!
It’s been quite a year, Syed Brian, and it is difficult to summarize in a few paragraphs. So, I’ll end it with this: We love you. And we’re looking forward to your next year. Thank you for letting us be your mom and dad.
Until next month…
Love,
Mom
Pretending to be an otter...
Skyping with family...
Simon and Charlie had some friends visit...
Giving S. a helpful push...
Spending time together as a family...
Relaxing...
Loving on the dogs...
