What did you just say?

This story is getting old, but I've got to record it, so that I don't forget...

Last Saturday, while Little Man and I were at Target, we were wandering around the toy section. Whenever we're over in that area of the store, I try to show him the Elmo Live and make Elmo talk to him. Little Man gets such a kick out of it. So I made Elmo do his thing, and Little Man laughed, then Elmo went back on the shelf. We walked away, and I stopped to look at something else. From where Little Man was sitting, he could still see Elmo. Then, as clear as could be, he said, "Elmo." I stared at him, wondering if I really heard him right. He never repeated it, but said "Mm-mo" a couple of times, which is pretty close. I don't know if this really counts as his first word, because he does toddle around the house saying "Ma" and "Da-dee" and every once in awhile it actually seems like he says it at an appropriate time. He also says "Hi" sometimes, too (I think).

My favorite new Little Man trick this week is that when you say "kisses" he opens his mouth, slams it into yours, and makes the "mmm-mah!" noise. I love it! But don't ask for one if you have an aversion to slobber. They're sweet kisses, but messy.

Happenings of the Week

What a crazy couple of weeks we've had. I've been deathly ill, Little Man has cut two teeth (finally!), and we weaned Little Man from his bottle (those were a few particularly rough days!). We are really looking to some R and R around here this weekend!

Little Man went to his 12 month appointment earlier this week. He's 19 lbs. (5th percentile) and 29 inches tall (about 50th percentile). The weird part is that he only grew 0.2 inches since his last appointment. The doctor wasn't concerned about that, but was concerned about the lack of improvement with his droopy eye. He referred him to a pediatric ophthalmologist. We go in about a week!

Little Man has also discovered the outdoors. I let him walk in from the car yesterday, and I think it blew his mind. Ever since, he just stands at the door and cries. He'll even grab a set of keys and try to pry the door open with them. We tried to take him to the park to play this afternoon, but by the time we got there, he had fallen asleep, so we just went home.

Here are a few pictures from the last several weeks. Better late than never, right?

Little Man has been enjoying more and more table food with us lately. Here he is having some mac and cheese for lunch. The picture reminds me of Yankee Doodle.


We have now weaned Little Man from his bottle, but here he is lounging on the couch with it . He looks so comfy.


Eating some spaghetti.



My cute, skinny baby.


Little Man got a big set of blocks for his birthday. He loves them! He'll play with them for minutes on end.





Playing with another birthday present. He loves these so much that I have a hard time getting him out of the tub.



Our attempt of a family photo on Little Man's birthday.



Opening a birthday card.


This is my new favorite photo. We desperately need to do laundry and these were the only jammies we could find tonight. They don't really fit; notice how the top snap can't be done up. Plus, that face is priceless.

Numero Uno

One year ago from this moment, I was lying in a hospital bed downtown, writhing and screaming in pain. I was six days past my due date, and my water had broken that afternoon as I walked in the door from work. I was determined to have a natural, drug-free delivery (hence the writhing and screaming). I did have a moment when I wavered and asked for the epidural. In the time it took the anesthesiologist to get there (a mere 15 minutes or so), I had gone from a 4 to an 8, and I was feeling the urge to push. I sent the anesthesiologist away, figuring I'd done the worst of it. The nurses quickly called my midwife and by the time she got there, I was at a 10 and ready to push. I pushed for less than half an hour, and then my beautiful son was here! He was blue and slippery, but absolutely gorgeous. In the matter of about 5 1/2 hours, I had gone from a miserable pregnant woman to an elated new mother. We had gone from a married couple to a family. It was miraculous.

And today, my baby isn't really a baby anymore. He's a little boy, who toddles around the house, exploring, investigating, and learning. But he's still miraculous. Sometimes I catch myself watching him, my mouth hanging open a little, in awe of all that he has become, and is becoming. I am so proud of him every time he fits two blocks together, or makes a new hand gesture to communicate what he wants. I know every mother must think so, but I'm convinced everyday that my baby is the cutest, the smartest, and best all-around kid that has ever been born. I love you, Little Man. Happy Birthday.