ONE!

One amazing year. One amazing baby boy! I feel so lucky to have Noah in my life. This has truly been the most enjoyable, fulfilling, and exciting year of my life. Watching Noah grow from a tiny, helpless, squirmy little infant to a curious, inquisitive, happy little boy has been simply amazing. Each day I love him just a little bit more, which doesn't seem possible. I think my heart must be about ready to burst!

In the last month, Noah's budding personality has truly blossomed. He is such a happy-go-lucky kid. It's hard not to get a picture with him smiling or laughing. He giggles in response to our giggles, mimics our hand gestures, growls with the dog, and howls and sings when we do the same. He watches our every move so intently, and takes great delight in trying to copy us. In doing so he's picked up on clapping and giving high fives. We're still working on blowing kisses. He thinks it hysterical to shake his head "no," even when the answer is a definite "yes." I'm pretty sure he hasn't actually connected meaning to the shaking, but Mommy and Daddy laugh so hard that it's simply too fun to stop. Another BIG achievement this month: taking his first steps! The night before his first birthday, Noah took two steps towards Daddy! He has repeated his new skill a number of times now. I think his record is around 4 steps before falling to the ground. Like I said, it is just so amazing watching him grow and develop. I can't even imagine how much he'll have changed by this time next year! And I can't wait to find out!

At times, I find myself thinking about the future and what that will look like for our family. I know I definitely want to experience pregnancy again. I loved pretty much every second of being pregnant. Yet I find that I keep having this really odd feeling. One day as I was reading Lauren's blog, I finally realized what this feeling is. She wrote something about her son (who happens to share Noah's name), and she finally put into words what I couldn't. I do want to be pregnant again. But what I really want is to be pregnant with Noah again. When I think about having another baby, I find myself thinking, "No! Noah is my baby! I don't want to have to share his time with anyone else." I don't know if this feeling will fade over time or not. What I do know is that yes, I do want one more child, but I am nowhere near ready yet! For now, I have my baby, and I couldn't feel more content!

Anyway, Noah had his 12 month appointment yesterday. After losing a little weight in March from 2 straight weeks of the rotavirus, Noah packed on 2 full pounds, and finds himself at 19lbs, 3oz (6th %ile). He is 29.5 inches tall (25th %ile). Overall he seems very healthy, and is meeting milestones right on target. I talked with the pediatrician a little about vaccinations and her thoughts on the whole Autism debate. I do believe in vaccinating, but I hate that there has to be so much controversy over it. No one wants to think they could do something to cause their child harm. She is of the opinion that the increase in diagnosis is tied to the increase in awareness and understanding of Autism. And from her observations, she felt that Noah shows no signs. Does anyone else worry needlessly over these things? I just hate the thought of losing the boy that he is, because he's so perfect to me!

So on that happy note... ;)

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY LITTLE BUG! I cannot imagine my life without your happy little face!