I'll be the first to admit that I was not excited about Jack's 1st birthday party. He is my baby, and my heart was aching at the thought of him turning one.
January 30, 2011
January 22, 2011
Jack is ONE!!!
Happy Birthday to our sweet, baby boy! Jack is one, and I can hardly believe it. He has grown and changed so much this year. Right now, he seems much more like a toddler considering he has been walking for seven weeks. He runs everywhere, and is so happy now that he can hang with the big dogs (Charlie and Samson). Jack has discovered a love for shaking his booty to the music and dances in circles with Charlie. It is hilarious watching him try to keep up with his big brother, and Charlie is taking very well to Jack being so mobile. Sure they have their rough moments, but I have to say they are really starting to get along very nicely and play together. Jack adores Charlie and laughs at him all the time. I love watching them together, and I know that it is only going to get better.
Jack is growing up so quickly. He weighed 21 lbs, 14 oz (25-50th percentile) and was 29.75 inches long (50th percentile) at his one year check up. The doctor said he looked perfect, and it was the first time I have not had any questions prepared for a well check up. It was such a welcome change from the first few months of Jack's life when it seemed like we lived at the pediatrician and all I had was questions. The happiest news I have to report is that Jack is completely off of his reflux meds. He was weaned off of the Prevacid by his GI specialist, and it is been about three weeks since his last dose. So far, there has not been one sign of reflux, and I can't tell you what a huge relief it is to be done worrying about Jack's belly.
This month, we have seen a big jump in Jack's cognitive ability. He is copying gestures and movements, pointing to what he wants or where he wants to go, and just getting so smart. I think he says "bye-bye" and "Dada", but it is not consistent enough for me to consider them his first words yet. Charlie did not say his first word until 15 months, so I am curious to see when Jack will start to talk. Jack loves to be read to and likes to flip through books. He reminds me of Charlie when he was one. They both love a good book. Jack is a happy little guy most of the time, but he is quick to let you know how he feels. Recently, he has taken to throwing himself back in protest or going limp in my arms when I try to move him away from something. He is a mama's boy, but he is also very independent. I have to keep my eyes glued on him, and I swear I have lost five pounds just since he started walking. I love watching his little personalty unfold.
In other news, Jack has cut his two bottom molars this month. He now has a grand total of ten teeth. His mouthful of teeth makes it easy to introduce him to all types of foods. He has gotten better about trying new foods but is still picky. He is not a fan of meat and only likes a few veggies (carrots and green beans). He loves fruit and is particularly fond of berries. Specifically, he loves blueberries. He starts to get excited as soon as he sees me take them out of the fridge. He loves his carbs and dairy, too. He'd be happy to live off of cheese and pasta. Both of my boys definitely inherited that from me. Jack is drinking whole milk from a bottle now. He is not taking to the sippy cup and usually tosses it around in protest. He also refuses to hold his own bottle. He is a head strong little bugger, and I can see power struggles in our future. Good thing he is so stinking cute!
This year has gone by faster than I could have ever imagined. Jack has gone from a tiny baby to a little person, and all the while I have fallen more and more in love with him. He stole my heart the second he was born, and I think he knows it. Every morning when I walk into his room and he flashes me a big grin, my heart skips a beat. He is my little love, and I am so blessed to be his mommy. Happy Birthday, Jack! Getting to know and love you this year has been a true gift. Mommy, Daddy, and Charlie love you very much!
January 21, 2011
A Love Letter
Dear Jack,
As I sit here on the eve of your first birthday, I am overwhelmed with emotion. It is so hard to believe that an entire year has gone by, and my baby has grown to be such a big boy.
Your presence in my life has filled a place in my heart that I never knew was empty. That's why it is so hard to believe that a year ago this night, I was terrified that I would not be able to love you enough. I have a confession to make, sweet Jack. It pains me to admit this, but before you were born, I was not sure that my heart could possibly love another baby boy as much as your brother. These feelings of doubt caused me great guilt and anxiety leading up to your birth.
But Jack, the most amazing thing happened the moment you were born. As soon as the nurse placed your tiny body in my arms, I was in love. It was love at first sight - the kind of love that makes you dizzy, takes your breath away, and leaves you longing for more. In that split second I wondered how I could have ever questioned my ability to care for you. I took one look at your beautiful face and knew that I was yours and you were mine for the rest of time. You had my heart and always will.
I was so smitten with you, that I had a hard time letting you out of my sight. You had to be taken to the nursery shortly after you were born for your first bath and in order to take your measurements. My heart ached at the idea of being without you for even a minute. Reluctantly, I passed you over to the nurse. In the hour we were apart, I must have asked about when we would be reunited a dozen times. Once I had you back, I had no intention of letting you go again.
During your first few days, you and I spent hours together just cuddling. I watched you sleep, played with your tiny fingers, listened to your squeaks, touched your delicate skin, kissed your head, and just studied every inch of your perfect little body. All that time, I fell more and more in love with you. Our time together during those first few days will always be among my most cherished memories.
Jack, you have been such a happy addition to our family. I can't imagine life without you in it. Thank you for all of the love you have shown me! Happy Birthday Eve, Little Love!
Love,
Mommy
As I sit here on the eve of your first birthday, I am overwhelmed with emotion. It is so hard to believe that an entire year has gone by, and my baby has grown to be such a big boy.
Your presence in my life has filled a place in my heart that I never knew was empty. That's why it is so hard to believe that a year ago this night, I was terrified that I would not be able to love you enough. I have a confession to make, sweet Jack. It pains me to admit this, but before you were born, I was not sure that my heart could possibly love another baby boy as much as your brother. These feelings of doubt caused me great guilt and anxiety leading up to your birth.
But Jack, the most amazing thing happened the moment you were born. As soon as the nurse placed your tiny body in my arms, I was in love. It was love at first sight - the kind of love that makes you dizzy, takes your breath away, and leaves you longing for more. In that split second I wondered how I could have ever questioned my ability to care for you. I took one look at your beautiful face and knew that I was yours and you were mine for the rest of time. You had my heart and always will.
I was so smitten with you, that I had a hard time letting you out of my sight. You had to be taken to the nursery shortly after you were born for your first bath and in order to take your measurements. My heart ached at the idea of being without you for even a minute. Reluctantly, I passed you over to the nurse. In the hour we were apart, I must have asked about when we would be reunited a dozen times. Once I had you back, I had no intention of letting you go again.
During your first few days, you and I spent hours together just cuddling. I watched you sleep, played with your tiny fingers, listened to your squeaks, touched your delicate skin, kissed your head, and just studied every inch of your perfect little body. All that time, I fell more and more in love with you. Our time together during those first few days will always be among my most cherished memories.
Jack, you have been such a happy addition to our family. I can't imagine life without you in it. Thank you for all of the love you have shown me! Happy Birthday Eve, Little Love!
Love,
Mommy
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