Monday, January 5, 2009

525,600 Minutes

How do you measure a year?

For this family, 2008 can definitely be measured in love. Please pardon my sappiness as I get a little choked up - my little man is one year old on Wednesday.

As I fed him his morning "ba-ba" today, wrapped up in his snuggle blankie, I held him just a little tighter. I thought about the fact that I wouldn't be able to sit in his glider much longer and have tender moments like this. It seems the bigger he gets, the more he wants "da" (down). Little tears formed in my eyes and rolled down onto his sweet head....about 60 seconds later he gave out a giant toot and then laughed so hard I couldn't help but join in. That's motherhood for you, crying one minute, laughing the next.

Here is a look at our 12 months of love.














Noah James learned so many things in his first year. How to sit up, then crawl and now how to walk! How to say a handful of words and to sign a few too. Mommy also learned a few things this year. Here is a list, lest in a moment of weakness (oh the dreaded baby fever!) I forget and start wanting to try for #2 too soon. This year Mommy learned how to:

  1. Read all four novels of the Twilight series while breastfeeding
  2. Prepare dinner with right arm, dangling baby on left hip (avoiding stove)
  3. Shovel in my own meals in under 3 minutes
  4. Drive with one hand while finding dropped toy in backseat with other
  5. Survive on 4-5 hours of sleep
  6. Shower in about 60 seconds while watching monitor and listening for baby crying
  7. Interpret the "I am hungry" cry from the "I am just pissed off" cry
  8. Hold the bathroom drawer closed with left foot, brush teeth with right hand, hold Noah's hand with left pink finger (that was last night)
  9. How to get to all Babies R 'Us within a 50 mile radius.
  10. That the term "mother bear" doesn't even come close.

Somewhere on the list should also be that despite the sarcasm, I learned that I love being a mama . There is nothing like having a little person love you so unconditionally that you just want to stay in that glider chair, cuddled together with a blankie, holding them tight forever.

It was a year of love, indeed.

26 comments:

Rachael Schirano \\ Rachael Schirano Photography said...

what a seriously gorgeous post...it so eloquently tackles all that is being a mommy.

angi_b72 said...

You described mother hood so beautifully!! Happy B-day to your big boy!! Great pics!!

MOMMY-MOMO said...

awww. they seriously grow so fast. It makes me sad. I was excited when my guy turned 1 and now that he's going on two this summer i'm a blubbering mess!

Ash said...

What a great year. What a great Mama!!

I had a similar moment last night, as I was getting all teary about Oldest (6) heading back to kindergarten today. I just hugged and hugged him last night before I tucked him in bed.

Eventually I had to cry uncle, or I'd still be holding him. He's a snuggler.

I do not look forward to the day when he cries "uncle" first.

Call Me Cate said...

Beautiful post. I hope 2009 treats you and your family well.

Lump said...

awwww he seriously is one of the cutest babies EVER! but that is normal because I think you and the hubby are BEAUTIFUL.

here's to 2009! and happy early b'day to the little one! :)

Megan said...

What a sweetie!!

Happy Birthday to your baby boy!!

Megan R. said...

Awww, I love it! We just had our little guy 2 months ago, and I completely know how you feel! Congrats on your first YEAR of motherhood!

SuZ said...

God, he's beautiful. Is he promised to anyone yet? B/C if he likes older women, I've got a 21 month old that would look adorable on his arm!

:0)

I'm glad you had such an amazing year.

Kristin said...

Now you got me crying! Mothering really is the hardest job you will ever love.

Claremont First Ward said...

Oh my goodness.......what a year....and what a wonderful way to view it. Really made my day!

Happy New Year!

Coco said...

Looks like you all had a great year. Happy Birthday to your little guy! I loved your list! Very well-written.

jenn said...

Aww! So sweet. Happy birthday to Noah. It goes by so fast...

Bar-b said...

oh gosh. well sister, I *just* finished writing my post about this exact thing. No, not about your baby ;) but about mine.

Beautiful post about the hardest thing to put into words.

Happy Birthday Noah!! When you and Saylor get married you will have two saps for mother in laws ;)

Jen said...

yup I think that pretty much sums up motherhood, crying one minute and laughing the next. what a journey!

Anonymous said...

Love it!

Elisabeth said...

It really does go by so fast! Happy birthday to Noah!

I especially love "the list" of the things you learned to do--all one handed! So true!

My personal fave memory is getting in the shower, start shaving legs, to have Stink start crying in his swing (which was in the bathroom with me). I'd quickly jump out with one shaved leg and one very hairy one.

Emi said...

aww!!! I will be up in the hood on Wednesday, let me know if I can stop by!

Mammatalk said...

Lovely post and I think all us mommies can relate!

Lesley said...

oh lord...you made me get out the tissues....I want him so much to learn new things...but I want him to stay little....it's hard....but wonderful...oh there i go again...

tiarastantrums said...

In deed - time does pass too quickly!

♥ Braja said...

Hey you should go and see Saundra at Italian Momma and ask her how to make blog books so Noah can see all your stuff when he starts reading :)

Amy McMean said...

I love the photos. I swear you must have the cutest happiest baby ever. Congrats to you and Noah for everything you learned this year.

i tagged you on my blog.

Tabitha Blue said...

Beautiful post. Isn't it amazing what mothers learn to do! Those photos are absolutely gorgeous... one beautiful family!!!!

:)
~Tabitha~

freshmommyblog.com

Lara said...

happy birthday to little noah! i completely understand your post. my little christian will be two in february. check out my blog when you have time, i have a surprise on there for you. i love reading your blog.

take care!

Ali said...

Wow! I am so excited about motherhood now! Also love the Rent reference...tears on my cheeks!