Dear Henry (One Year)

Dear Henry,

It was a year ago today that sweet you entered our lives and decided to be born. You have grown and changed so much in the past year and learned so many things! Your little personality is starting to show and gives us a glimpse of what kind of child you're going be compared to what kind of baby you were. I can't wait to see as you get older what other isms you gets from me and dad.

You are quite confident when it comes to feeding yourself with a spoon, so much so that if we hover in case you need assistance, you become upset with us for doubting you. 

You can take a few steps and seem to be making steady progress on a daily basis. It seems like everyday you walk a little more than the day before.

You like being carried around in the ergo as it lets you see more of the world around you.

You're a curious little boy who loves to check things out and see how they work even if it means doing something you're not supposed to over and over.

You're a sensitive soul who gets upset even when a gently toned "no" is said to you.

You're caught between wanting independence but not being able to do a whole lot by yourself.

You're definitely developing a taste for what you like and what you don't. It doesn't make mealtime very fun.

You like being read to and even turn the pages for us.

You clearly communicate which parent you prefer in certain situations with "mum mum" or "dad dad".

You don't like juice and prefer to drink water.

 You're not really a morning person (just like your mama).

You've taken a hiatus in the teething department and are happy with the 8 you have so far.

You want to eat everything we eat which has prompted us to have better eating habits (and get better at hiding our junk food!).

I think you might be due for your first hair cut soon. It isn't thick but some pieces are quite long which makes it look funny sometimes.

You've taken to biting as of late but only where Mya is concerned. We'd often hear her say "stop biting me!" and thought she was just being dramatic because we'd never seen the crime and you had never really bitten either of us but the other day you chomped right down on her arm and left a mark through her shirt. There were tears. I felt bad for doubting her.

You have a mischievous smile when you're doing something you know you aren't allowed to do like climb the stairs by yourself or open the cupboard to the kitchen garbage.

You follow your sister around and want to do everything she does, even if it's something you're too little to do yet.

You like going for walks in the buggy but I have a feeling you'll soon want out of the buggy so you can walk by yourself.

You're always so happy and good natured. Everyone comments on what a happy boy you are!

Your little tummy still can't handle dairy so for the time being you don't eat anything that has dairy in it.

You love sitting in the "fun cart" with your sister when we go grocery shopping. You put one hand on the steering wheel and hang the other outside the cart like you know exactly what you're doing.


You like when we rock you to sleep and sing you songs. Right now you like "Highway 20 Ride" and "Daisy Bell".

You're good about sitting and playing quietly. Right now your favorite toys are the wooden train you got for Christmas, the stacking blocks and your drum.


You also like to play with the alphabet magnets on the fridge and with the pots and pans.

You laugh when we tickle your legs and think it's funny when we smell your feet and tell you they're stinky.

You enjoy car rides as long as your back seat companion is there to keep you company.


Even though you bite sometimes and you don't always sleep like a champ, we all love you just the same. We couldn't have asked for a better little boy when we had you. You've taught us a few things and I'm sure you're going to teach us a few more over the years. I love being your mom and watching you grow.
                                                                     

Happy 1st Birthday sweet boy!