A letter to my little monster on his first birthday

Dear Sol Bol,

Oh Solly-O (Jane's nickname for you), you are ONE!  It has been so incredible to watch you grow and learn new things this year.  I loved each one of your baby stages and milestones, from the littleness of your newborn days to learning to roll over, sit up,crawl and most recently learning a few words.  Some words that describe you are laid back, serious, patient, clever, daring, and curious.  Here are some things that I want to remember about you at age 1:

You are not a snuggler but you are such a lover. You frequently cover our faces with big slobbery kisses.  Of course you planted your first kiss on Jane...that's ok, though because I was your first word!

You are such a little monkey.  You learned to climb around 9 months and haven't stopped!  I'm so glad you are my second child as I am much more relaxed about that sort of risk.

And you are a little dare devil.  The second child thing also applies here. 

 

You are a serious baby but that does not mean that you are unhappy.  You like to watch and figure things out.

We have all sorts of toys in our house.  Too many, probably.   Of all the things we have, you are completely drawn to balls and cars (such "boy" choices).

You like sensory play.

Your relationship with Jane was the most surprising and amazing part of your babyhood.  Jane loved you from the very first second she saw you. When you were first born, she would bring her toys and books to you and play right alongside you. You would look at her the way you looked at nobody else.  You would smile and laugh for Jane more than anyone else. Now that you are a big boy, you two play together so nicely. We put so many of your baby toys away months ago because you wanted to play whatever Jane is playing with. You two love each other so much!  One of my top hopes is that you and Jane will always be great friends.

THOSE CHEEKS! Need I say more!  I kiss those chubby cheeks countless times throughout the day.  One would think that you would get annoyed with all of those kisses but you don't.  You lean right in and let me smooch those chubby cheeks.

Also, you are so squishy and I love it! 

You recently started enjoying books.  I make a consistent effort to read to you before your two naps and bedtime.  Your favorites are Peekawho, Red Truck, Freight Train, Brown Bear, and any lift the flap.  I love snuggle time that we have together, just the two of us.

You take 2 naps a day.  You sleep in your crib all night long.  You like to snuggle your blanket, but only when you are sleeping or tired.

 

You are not walking yet, but you are so close. I am happy to report that you followed our house rule of waiting until you turned 1 to start walking.  Here you are pushing your wagon up the sidewalk after your big sister.

You enjoy gross motor activities.  Here you are riding your new bike that Grammy and Grandpa gave you for your birthday.

You enjoy being outside.

As I was rocking you to sleep tonight, I kept thinking about how your babyhood whizzed by, more so than with Jane.  I attribute that thought to a couple of things--how quickly you grew (both in height and weight), your ability to explore (you do have a big sister to keep up with!), and finally, just the fact that I am busier with two kids than I was with one.  It went so fast!  But I also had a conflicting thought,--has he really only been with us one year?  You fit so well into our family that it feels like you've always been with us.  You are the perfect fourth member and I am so glad that you are here!  We all love you more than you can know.  I cannot wait to see what adventures we will have during your second year.

Love,

MaMaMa