Tristan's Story

Yesterday, Nana and I took Tristan on his first-ever trip to McDonald's to celebrate his 16 month birthday. He enjoyed some chicken nuggets and orange soda before tackling the nice, new indoor playground. He even went down the slide on his own, for the very first time!!

Today, we found out that they moved him to the next room at daycare. He's now in with the 18 month olds, even though he's a little younger than them. We will really miss his old teacher, but hopefully things will go well in this new room.

Happy Birthday, sweet baby Tristan!

My little one is officially 16 months old today. And while I don't always celebrate these occasions, I'm feel somewhat nostalgic about this one. I can't believe how big (and my smart) my kiddo is getting!

He says over 30 words: doggy, mama, daddy, nana, nena, annie, go, bye, teeth, eye, zebra, lion, monkey, penguin, elmo, mickey, no, uh-huh, bubbles, balloons, turtle, elephant, gator, juice, eat, fish, ball, car, truck, gunner, apple, banana, cookie, beaver, peacock, and probably a LOT more that I can't remember right now.

He has 9 teeth and is cutting 2 more molars.

And he just amazes us every day with all the new things he learns!

I've been thinking a lot lately, how becoming a mommy has made me a different person, a better person. My sweet baby boy turned 15 months old today. And not a day goes by that he doesn't absolutely amaze me. He already has so much more personality than I will ever have -- he has an amazing sense of humor and can make all the girls smile. He dances like a professional and has this crazy, infectious laugh that will brighten your whole day. He's learning so much these days... he can point to all of his most obvious body parts and calls all of his favorite people by name. He has 9 teeth, and a full head of gorgeous (but thin) curly hair. He loves to cuddle with his "doggy", Gunner. His favorite toys are his Little People farm animals and any book that he can get his hands on. I know that these are the days I need to hold near to my heart, that I need to remember forever. His sweet baby hugs that can make you cry, and his slobbery kisses that make you laugh.

I've been reading this blog: http://www.remembermaddie.com - and it has made me realize, again, just how incredibly blessed I am. I have a happy, healthy, smart, sweet baby boy and I take him for granted all too often. I know that my busy schedule is necessary - I'm trying to give him a better life. But I just hope that I don't forget to live this one, in the meantime.

I know that being a mother can happen to anyone. But being a *mommy* is special. And it changes your life.

I do realize that Tristan's birthday party was over 10 days ago and that I never came back with an update. I'm a horrible mommy. Being a full-time mom and student is getting to be a little harder than I imagined. Though I just spent the better part of 36 hours reading this blog: Matt Logelin and that makes it seem like I have such a simple job.

Tristan is doing great... he had his 12-month check-up and shots, which broke my heart. He's older now so all the emotions just seem more real. Also, as of 1/27, he moved up to the "big kid" (12-18 mos) room at daycare. He now only takes 1 nap a day, goes to recess, does art activities and is just generally growing up right before my eyes.

On all other fronts, he's doing great. He now has seven teeth (for the most part). He can walk, run, climb and a number of other special maneuvers. He LOVES to read his (huge array of) books and now divides his time between reading, riding his 4-wheeler and sweeping/mopping. He's going to make some girl a wonderful husband some day. ;0)

I'm adding some pictures from his birthday and party, to make up for the belated update.

Happy 1st Birthday to my sweet baby boy!

I can't believe how fast this year has gone by! It seems like just yesterday, I was holding my beautiful baby for the very first time.

We had a WIC appointment this morning and he is now at 23 pounds and 28 inches. When he was born, he weighed 8 lbs. 15 oz. and was 21 inches long. What a difference a year makes! He's now walking/running and talking and eating table foods and working on getting rid of his formula/bottles. Before we know it, he'll be off to kindergarten!

A year ago today, I was at the hospital, having contractions. This was right about the time when I got there, too. We stayed there for about four hours, seeing if my labor was going to progress or not. When it didn't, we started home... tired, a little bit disappointed, a lot anxious. I got a few hours of sleep and then at 5am on January 13th, I woke up with really strong contractions. I let Brandon sleep a while longer, then started getting ready and we headed for the hospital. I was admitted at noon and labored throughout that Sunday and then, finally, at 3:57 am on Monday, January 14, 2008, my beautiful, sweet baby boy came into the world.

It's sad, thinking of how fast this year has gone by, and all of the moments I will never have back. But as my sweet angel baby sleeps in the next room, I am so thankful for all of those moments, and for all the moments to come. My baby is handsome and sweet and smart, more than any mom could want. He's growing and learning every day and I can't wait to see the amazing person that he is becoming. :)

Tristan turned 10 months old two days ago and yesterday, he gave me his first 'real' hug.

I was sad, talking about how big he's getting and how he's almost a year old. I was holding him, because we were getting ready to go out. I guess he could tell I was sad because he looked up at me, then put one arm on each side of my neck, laid his head on my shoulder, and gave me a big sweet baby hug. I almost cried it was so sweet!!

I love my handsome boy. :)

Tristan took his first step today! It also happens to be his 9-month birthday.

He tried to take a step this morning - on the bed, of all places - but he fell before he really went anywhere. This afternoon after school, though, he took two steps to get him from his toy box to the coffee table. And then tonight, he took another two steps to get to me. My baby boy is walking! :(

Today, Tristan is four months old.