1-Year-Old

Hello Casey!  1-Year-Old And a happy birthday to your baby! Can you believe a whole year has gone by since you gave birth? A lot has happened, in his life and yours. If only you had a dollar for every dirty nappy, every pumpkin-stained shirt, and every precious baby smile, you'd be able to buy yourself the great big bunch of flowers that every parent deserves! Your little one is probably toddling around now, or on the verge of that crucial physical milestone. The next step is independent walking, talking, and curious toddlerhood. You'll love seeing his growing sociability and vocabulary — but prepare yourself, those first temper tantrums go hand-in-hand with his budding independence.

Every week for the past year I've received these emails from babycenter full of developmental milestones, fun games to play with baby, and encouraging words for moms and dads. And now 52 emails later, Elliot's a year old and I just can't believe that a whole year has passed since our eventful first meeting with our beautiful bright-eyed mini-Paul.

And what a year it has been! Let's hope that year number two sees lots more smiles and giggles and proud moments and fewer trips to the hospital and endless showdowns between Elliot and us in the battle to get him to just go to sleep!

Let's also hope that my newly budding mommy skills continue to grow over the coming years. I've been overwhelmed at how I've suddenly discovered my patience and self-acceptance and assertiveness and willingness to drop everything and change plans last minute.

And I guess, Elliot, I ought to thank you because you haven't only brought out some wonderful sides of me I hardly knew existed, you also have brought me more joy and love and wonderfulness than I knew existed in the world. You've helped me to appreciate the goodness in things and want to give back so that these things stay good for you to enjoy your whole life ahead.