Hello? Anyone still out there? Things have been pretty quiet around here lately. I'm working on catching up so stay tuned...
One year ago (erm....and some months) this little nugget dropped into our lives and from day one he has kept us on our toes.
Looking back on the highs and lows of this year I find myself feeling nothing but overwhelming gratefulness for the richness Benjamin has added to our lives. The amazing thing about a second child is that while everything is new again you're not quite so scared. You have more confidence and are more mentally prepared for the marathon ahead. This time I was healthier and in less pain and knew that I needed to grab on to every moment and appreciate it as this child would most likely be the last baby for us.
The day we left the hospital to head home...
Benjamin has always been a cuddler and I loved that I was strong enough to wear him, at least until he became too much of a chunk!
I think for the first 11 months of this kids life I was probably averaging 4-5 hours of sleep per night. So we took a lot of mommy/baby selfies where I look half asleep...and probably was!
We were so excited to watch Benjamin grow, He didn't have any of the nursing issues that we dealt with Alexander and it felt like he doubled in size every day.
Although no one would argue that B was pretty attached to me for the first year he sure did have a sweet spot for his daddy. Arthur could get the most amazing giggles out of him.
Benjamin loved to cuddle with daddy too...just as long as he knew I was close by :)
As he grew we started to see glimpses of his personality emerging...his silly side...
And his determination to master things...maybe even before he was physically or developmentally ready...
Benjamin and I kind of became mobile together. As he started to crawl I was healing to the point that I could walk. We spent our days playing or going for walks out of the house.
In his first year he did quite a bit of traveling...Copenhagen at 3 months, the US at 4 months, Italy at 6 months, Prague at 9 months and back to the US around his first birthday.
Mr. Personality in Rome
About to enjoy some Prague pub grub!
It took me some time to adjust to Benjamin's demanding personality. It was so exhausting being the only person that could meet his needs for months. But he reminds me a lot of myself...he knows what he wants, hes particular about it, and impatient. But he is also very determined, stubborn, and independent. I know these traits will serve him well in life...as they have for me :)
Benjamin began pulling up and cruising around 9 months. I remember feeling a little concerned because he was slow to crawl and slow to start pulling up. Little did I know 1 month after pulling up he would start walking at just 10 months!!
In his favorite spot...Momma's lap :)
Benjamin and I enjoyed swimming class together. I was so impressed with his instinct to hold his breath and how much he enjoyed the water.
Last minute Christmas shopping with Mom and Dad.
Every mom thinks their kid is beautiful...but come on...this kid is adorable!
My sweet B...you might have surprised us with your timing but I hope you always know how desperately you were wanted. How I was mourning the possibility of never being able to have another child while you were already growing inside me. What a beautiful and incredible gift you are.
You're spunky, unpredictable, mischievous, stubborn, silly, loving and sometimes too clever for your own good!
Our birthday eve picture has become tradition now. Here we are...our last night with an 11 month old. Two tired but happy parents! Benjamin, we love you more than I can ever express. Happy Birthday sweet boy.
