Fletcher 12 Months

Man, what a roller coaster of emotions that hit me on March 28, 2017. Our baby is now a toddler. That just doesn't seem real [the unwarranted tantrums are certainly real]. My mind can't quite wrap itself around the fact that a year went by in what seems like the blink of an eye. All those clichés are oh so true. I am steadfast trying to hold on to every.single.moment. But, here we are, with a ONE YEAR OLD, our one year old, and I just can't believe it.

TWELVE MONTHS

Similar to the emotions I felt on his birthday, this age is a lot like a roller coaster. One minute we are happily playing and the next, the world is ending because the toy fell out of his hand incorrectly. The tantrums can be intense. We know they are happening out of shear frustration because he can't fully communicate his needs. That fact doesn't make them any easier to deal with. We just think he gets his expressiveness from his mom. Since the time he took his first steps, he has been on the move, and goes non-stop until he falls or passes out. He is truly a mamas boy but lights up the second dad comes into a room or he sees him pulling into the driveway after work.

MONTH HIGHLIGHTS

walking everywhere, mom and dads first weekend away, blowing kisses, visit to mama's work, second snow, mama's 28th  birthday, Saint Patrick's Day, brushing hair, solo weekend with mom, tantrums for no apparent reason, trip to Wilmington, first haircut and FIRST BIRTHDAY!

second time in the snow. which promptly melted about an hour later.

birthday boy! standing with the sign I wrote a few days after he was born.

FAVORITES

Activity: walking [especially outside], playing "hide and seek" and mini chase. He loves when we gasp and say "I'm gonna get you." He squeals and "runs" away. Enjoys taking sunglasses and hats off and putting them back on [over and over].

Food: carbs, any fruit, and cheese

Toy: he got a ton for his birthday but probably likes the magnets on the fridge the best, thanks to his Great Aunts.

DISLIKES

upset because he put pasta on his own head.

Activity: being frustrated, not getting his way, not being held the second he gestures to be picked up, being strapped in, laying down for diaper changes and getting dressed, and being left at daycare by mom. yes, we are going through a little attachment issue phase right now.

Food: meat

TYPICAL DAY

Eating: we slowly transitioned to whole milk one week prior to turning 12 months. We mixed whole milk with breast milk until he was only drinking cold whole milk. We chose to use FairLife milk. Won't bore you with the details of why we chose this but we plan on sticking with either the ultra-filtered milk or organic milk. In addition to starting whole milk we dropped the bottle. All milk is now consumed from a sippy cup, four times per day. The transition to both were much easier than I thought they were going to be. Praise.

Sleeping: at daycare he is napping on a cot now! Like a little boy. Be still my heart. He only naps once there, 12pm-2:00ish. On the weekends we are still getting two naps, one morning (9-10:30) and one afternoon (1:30-3). Night sleep is still the best. Since switching to sippy cup a night he doesn't drift off while drinking his night milk so he is wide awake when we put him down. He will roll around for a few minutes but puts himself to sleep pretty quickly. He sleeps in the craziest positions.

PICTURES FROM THE MONTH

our first weekend away

one happy boy

mamas boy

hanging out at work with mom

welcoming dad home from work

visiting downtown Wilmington

with his two favorite ladies

first time trying ice cream at Kilwins

celebrating Vance's birthday (sans Fletcher)

its all good baby baby

With the number of times I mention the word tantrum in this post it probably seems like all he does is freak out. But the truth is that we are just so used to having a very calm child so to see him fall out on the floor for no apparent reason can be a little shocking. Just like everything else we know this is just a phase.

Sweet Fletcher James, this has been the best, craziest, fastest, funniest, hardest, and most loving year of our lives. You have changed so much since you were born. I never thought I could love you more than the first time I met you, but my heart grows for you everyday. You fill our lives with your constant joy. You have such an infectious smile and wonder for life. Thank you for giving our lives purpose. Having you here just makes sense. You are our greatest accomplishment. We love you more than you will eve know sweet boy.