Happy 1st Birthday Henry... for real.

Yes, here it comes. I can't believe my baby is one! How is that possible? However, if I think back to his birth, or his stint back in the hospital, or his first smile, it seems like forever ago since he entered our lives. Henry is precious and I can't imagine life without him. OK, to be truly honest, I can imagine it... no diapers, no bedtimes, no feedings... ahhh. I could be one of those cool kids who hangs out on South Congress on a random Thursday night (without child no. 1 too, of course). But then I think of what I'd be missing. His sweet breath (if I could bottle it, I would. I love it that much). The way he rests his check against mine now when I sing to him before bed. It's a cute little snuggle game. The way he smiles when I enter the room. The way he smiles even bigger when Aubrey enters the room. Now, I could do without the diaper changing battles and the food throwing. Not to mention the near heart attacks I have when I see him about to fall and smash his head on something. But I'll take the bad. Because the good is so good.

We've had such a busy month, that it's hard to remember all that has happened. The big news is that he is finally crawling on his knees. He still belly crawls some, but it seems to be less every day. That has helped with his spit-up issues, and dirty shirt issues. He's starting to enjoy baths more, especially if his sister is in there with him to help splash. Still no waving or real words, but he reaches for things and hands them back to you. He still only has two teeth, but can use them and his gums pretty well. He eats mostly table foods now, which is so nice since he can feed himself. He is BUSY. He is strong, and fast. He is a great night time sleeper, and decent daytime napper. He's great fun, and a lot of work too.

So, how did he spend his first birthday? 8:30 am one year checkup with Dr. Dan. Mean mommy. What did he get for his birthday? 4 shots. Nice. Mom of the year here. Forgive me Henry. One day I'm sure you'll read this and say "what... no present?" And I'll say "get over it. I carried you in my womb for over 9 months and spent 20 hours in labor so you could be here, isn't that enough? Ha. I've been waiting a long time to use that line. We then played at home and he enjoyed an extra long afternoon nap. Ahhhh. We sang Happy Birthday again and gave the cake (cupcake this time) another try. Still no interest. What a good healthy boy. Speaking of healthy. His check-up went well. He weighs 20 lb 2 oz and is 30 in long. Long and lean.

Having Henry turn one is bitter sweet for me. I am sad that the sweet baby days are coming to an end. The sweet smelling, innocent, snuggly, nursing, cooing baby days. But I embrace the days to come. The days with more freedom, less crying when you don't know why, less watching the clock to maintain a schedule, more sleeping, and more fun! Honestly, the hardest part for me right now is weaning Henry. I never thought much about nursing before I got pregnant with Aubrey. Never thought about whether I would or wouldn't do it. I just did it, and it has been such a joy. I feel fortunate that it was relatively easy for me (relatively) and that I was able to nurse both children for a year. The weaning has begun (sniff, sniff) and so far, so good. Henry seems to be okay with the one missing feeding so far, and is warming up to whole milk. I am relieved he doesn't seem to have an allergy (just the usual eczema). Whew. I plan to drop one more feeding tomorrow (sniff, sniff), which will mean freedom for me from 7am until 6:30 pm!!!!!! Well, not really. But it COULD mean that. That "could" means a lot!

Enough sap and minute details. On with the photos. We love you Henry. Happy Birthday sweet boy.

I'm not so sure about this. He sure doesn't smell like mom, and what's with this cup?

Splash

At my one year check-up

This again?