Baby's First Year

Today is Jesse's first birthday. I can't believe it's been a year since he was born. At that time all he could do was sleep, cry, nurse, and dirty his diapers. It's amazing to me how much babies change, grow, and learn in their first year of life. Jesse has learned to smile, laugh, and "talk." Although he doesn't say them perfectly, he can say "mama," "ball," "balloon," "bite," "dog," and "woof." He learned to hold up his head, roll over, sit, creep, crawl, stand, walk, and climb up the couch. As he gained more mobility he was able to explore more of his world and explore it faster. He's gotten six teeth (and learned not to bite Mama!), grown from 8 lb, 12 oz, to 20 lb, and from 22.25 inches to 28 inches. He's learned to hold toys, get his hand to his mouth, and get a spoon to his mouth. He can play peek-a-boo and patty-cake, pat his sister, give hugs, and throw balls (and anything else he can pick up).

As Jesse's mother, I'm proud of and impressed with how much he's grown and learned in the last year. I feel blessed to have had him, so I've done my best to keep him healthy and happy. At the same time, I'm a little sad that my baby isn't as much of a baby anymore. I've enjoyed his first year (well, not the sleep deprivation), but now that it's over I'll try to enjoy the next one...and the next one...and the next one...

Here's Jesse the day he was born.

And here he is today. (Still my baby!)