Okay, sorry. It has been forever. And so busy. I have a lot of projects going on at the moment, including getting into some freelance article writing, getting my first children's book published, and going back to work at least part time. And of course all the while I am focused on my darling son and keeping his ever-growing imagination entertained and sense of mischief within safe limits.
My son turned one recently and this was an exciting and tricky milestone. There was of course a party, a big noisy stampede of kids and grownups through a freshly painted house - and a course of happy birthday from 80 or so people that may or may not have scared the bejeezus out of my little birthday boy. He did really well with it all - the chaos, the new faces. In fact he entertained like a pro, using his newly polished walking skills to bound from one packed room to another introducing himself like a gentleman and offering to freshen drinks. Okay maybe not quite, but he did seem to understand that it was all for him, and was rather pleased with himself for it. There was also some sadness and tearful reminiscing - on my part mostly, I'll admit.
After the party ended and all our family waved goodbye from the bottom of our sloped driveway, I realized he would never turn one again; never be swaddled or fall asleep next to me on an activity mat looking up at the bottom of a stuffed elephant. I must have replayed every single memory of his first year in my head over the next few days. I like to keep them from gathering dust in the cluttered attic that is my brain. I thought about his first cry and the moment he was placed in my arms for the first time. I thought about our naps together and night time feedings, and those first nervous car rides; the first time he rolled over, crawled, and took his first steps. I will miss those days.
But I have so much to look forward to. Every day a new facet of his personality glimmers. Being with him is like eating ice cream in a sunshine-warmed car, or the first swim of Summer. And watching him grow and helping him thrive in every way is the project of a lifetime.
