Extraordinarily...: Asher Wade at 12 Months

Asher Wade, you are 1 year old! We made it 1 whole year, hooray! I cannot believe I am actually writing this post. It just doesn't seem possible that we are at the one year mark. It has truly flown by and it kind of scares me to think that every year may fly by like this one has. This year has been full of ups and downs, joys and and frustrations, smiles and tears, but not matter what, it has been a complete blessing and I thank God for every second of it. I enjoyed (for the most part) this chapter and I look forward to what life with a toddler will be be like. No doubt it will be full of surprises;)

You have grown so much this past month developmentally. It seems like you learn something new everyday and it seems like we learn something new about you everyday as well. Your personality continues to come out and I see so many of our traits in you. There is no doubt that you came from us. You are very active and you love to play. Sometimes it's like you are in your own little world, talking to your toys and playing little games. It's so sweet to watch you interact with your surroundings. You still love for us to get down on the floor with you, talk to you and sing songs. Your face lights up when you see a familiar face. You are still very social and friendly, but separation anxiety has definitely peaked and you are still quite the mama's boy.

The general fussiness has pretty much subsided and you are such a happy little guy most of the time! Even when you do get upset about something, it's usually just out of frustration. You squint your eyes and stick out your bottom lip and it's all we can do not to laugh. That face kills me and I pretty much always scoop you up for some loving. You do have some little temper tantrums, especially when you get frustrated and can't have your way. I really think it will help when you learn how to talk. I know it has to be frustrating to not be able to communicate what you want. I'm trying to work on some sign language, but I think that by the time we get that down pat, you'll be talking anyways. For now I guess we'll just have to diffuse the tantrums as best as we can. We do need to work on reining in that temper;)

I've reflected on this past year a lot lately. It was no secret that we had our challenges, but I would without a doubt do it all over again. You have taught me so much about unconditional love, patience, generosity, joy and sacrifice. Having a child truly changes you and I know I will never be the same. My heart is so incredibly full, yet it continues to grow even more everyday. We love you so much our precious little boy, and I hope and pray that you always know that.

We just had your 1 year checkup the other day, so here are some official stats...

Age: 12 months

Weight: 24 lbs

Length: 30.5 in

Head circumference: 18 in

Clothing size: Generally 12-18 months or 12 months depending on the brand. Size 4 diapers.

Milestones: First steps earlier in the month and now walking pretty good! He still crawls a lot, but he can pretty much walk to get to where he needs to go as well. Gives high fives. Can makes baskets with his little baketball hoop in the tub. Throws pretty well too. Celebrated his first Easter and participated (sort of) in his first egg hunt. Moved to a cot for nap time at school, and actually sleeps even better on it...go figure. Finished swim lessons and now puts his head underwater. Had to retire the infant swing...sigh. Went to several first birthday parties for his little friends, so he got to try cake and cupcakes...loved it of course. Had his own first birthday party and did great. Saying what we think is "dada", "mama" (really drawn out like "maaaaaammmaaaaa"), "doggie" and "ball."

Sleep: Been sleeping really well. Goes down anywhere from 7-8 depending on what we have going on and gets up around 6:30. Every once and awhile he will sleep past 7 and it is glorious. Down to one nap during the day at daycare, usually from 12-2, but at home he will take a couple of naps.

Eating: Still taking a total of 15 oz of pumped milk at school in a sippy cup, and I've been mixing in a little almond milk. I really want to stop pumping, so hopefully we can make the transition soon. He nurses every few hours when we are home. Still loves the cafeteria food at school and they say he eats everything, but he's a little more picky at home. I guess he's more apt to eat when he's around his friends;) He definitely prefers fruit, cheese and carbs, just like his mama. I swear he'd live off blueberries, strawberries, waffles, string cheese and pasta if we let him. I strive to get him to try something new everyday though.

Likes:

Crawling and walking. He's so proud of himself when he walks well.
Rough housing with daddy. He loves to play hard!
Being tickled, especially his thighs.
Going for walks in his stroller, or pretty much anything outside. Loves to people watch!
Swinging at the park.
His teachers Miss Vicki and Miss Harriet...loves them!
Bath time is still the highlight of his day.
Music. His favorite songs are "Wheels on the Bus," "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Patty Cake" and any of the theme from his favorite shows, especially Little Einsteins and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Other kids. He loves his little friends at school.
Riley and Maddux. He really loves to climb all over Riley, who has been so patient.
Watching his "shows." His favorites are Peek-a-boo, Rainbow Horse, VocabuLarry, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Little Einsteins.
Eating! He loves to go out to eat, especially if we can sit outside.
Riding in his new push car or pushing around his walker
Other favorite toys are his tambourine, stacking cups, and any sort of ball.