Well friends. Isaac and I did it. We kept a little human alive for 12 whole months and I still can’t believe it. What an amazing, crazy, emotional, joyful and laughter-filled year. I have absolutely loved every minute of being James’s mom. Every stage has seriously been my favorite… From the tiny newborn snuggles to the first laugh to his rambunctious stage now, I’ve loved it all. I have truly stopped to enjoy all those little minutes and milestones, and am forever thankful that I get to stay home with my baby and be there for it all.
I was a little scared when I first told my principal that I wasn’t planning on returning to the school in the fall, because I had no idea how being a stay at home mom would work for me. Yes, I liked the idea of it, but it was still so nerve wracking making it official. But let me tell ya – I am so glad I made that decision. I have never felt so fulfilled, at peace and content as I do as a mom. I know this is what I was made to do.
And I have to say – James seriously makes my job so stinkin’ easy. He has been THE best baby, and my heart hurts with how much I love him. I love his cute little smile and high pitched laugh. I love hearing his voice throughout the house as he babbles and makes all kinds of weird noises. I love how he will crawl up to me and plant a big fat kiss on my cheek (and leg and shoulder and chest and really anywhere he can get to me). I love how he waves his arms excitedly when he sees his daddy come home from work. I love seeing him explore his little world and play with all his toys. And I love that the Lord blessed us with such a cool little dude.
I have never taken my role as a mama for granted, but I do wake up every day thankful to and excited to spend it taking care of my baby boy.
Happy (late) birthday and 12 months, Mr. James Richard!
(See more of his birthday pictures here!)
James Richard | Twelve Month Update
This month James suddenly grew up. Within the past four weeks he started to pull up on everything, climb and scoot himself (slowly) around furniture. He has taken his time with his physical development, so seeing him catch on so quickly to all these new skills is so fun!
He has also finally discovered his voice. James has always been pretty quiet, but the past couple of weeks he has really opened up! He talks all the time, and has said “dada” a few times, bringing his word count up to a whopping two: ball and dada. I mean, what else does a boy need, right?
He is rocking the Baby Led Weaning, and I am still so proud! He eats pretty much everything we do, and we introduced peanut butter to him so now homeboy finally gets to see why his mama is obsessed with that stuff. ;)
James still LOVES blueberries (even his birthday cake was blueberry flavored), watermelon, strawberries and anything involving bread or baked goods. I think the poor kid got my sweet tooth. Sorry son.
Speaking of pulling up and discovering the world around him, one day James finally realized that Lillie’s dog bed is in the living room, and there’s a huge window behind it. He now loves climbing all over her bed (to Lillie’s dismay) and looking out the window, especially when mama or dada are watering the plants on the back patio!
Isaac and I quickly realized that James figured out he could stand up in his crib when he’s not in his sleep sack, so he’s in that bad boy every time he sleeps now haha! Lowering the crib is next on our to do list.
We visited my Bar Method studio to say hi to all the pretty ladies there and to play around with Nicole. James loved all the balls (of course) and showing off his mad army crawling skills.
I finally got a little video of him dancing! He loves to dance even when there’s no music playing, and has recently started waving his hands in the air while moving and grooving. SO. CUTE.
On James’s birthday, we celebrated by making pancakes for breakfast, having his very favorite Tommy Tamale lunch, then a picnic in the living room. The day was spent decorating for his birthday party, playing with mama and dada and doing all his favorite things, like drink milkies, nap, crawl, play with his toys and books.
The next day we celebrated our little man with a Texas themed birthday party with our close family and friends. It was perfect, and I had so much fun celebrating James’s 365 days here with us.
It was a quick month, but also one of my favorites. James is such a fun kid, and I can’t wait to see what the next 12 months bring!
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