I think am I finally over the shock of receiving an email 1 month ago titled
My Toddler This Week instead of
My Baby This Week. It is official: we have a toddler. I have come to terms with it (I think!) Our walking man makes it hard to call him a baby anymore. He is just growing up before our eyes. If you last saw Ryan at his 1st birthday, you would hardly recognize this little guy. He is on the move and into everything. Some of his new favorites and tricks are pulling out all the Tupperware, hiding toys in cabinets, hoarding mini helmets, dog leashes, safety edges and others in his pack and play, saying "Nana", blowing kisses, patting us on the back and pointing to things he wants. It has been fascinating watching him learn to walk- the progression of skills is amazing. Over the weekend, he has gone from using furniture as an anchor to pull to his feet and stumbling around...to now standing up on his own, walking from room to room, turning 180 degrees, b-lining it to a toy...it's incredible! While it was been an adventure filled month, it has been a sentimental month as well. Ryan transitioned beautifully from nursing to cow's milk. It was tougher on me than him, but we are enjoying our snuggling time before bed. I have also returned to school. I thoroughly enjoyed my summer with Ryan- most of the time I feel so blessed to have had the summer with him, yet at other times it is a sad reminder of what I am missing while I am at school! I believe that God helps me through these tougher times in my life.
When I first dropped Ryan off at daycare when he was 4 months, he smiled at all the kids. Knowing he was happy comforted me as I drove away. Then after my 1st day back-to-school this year, I went to pick up Ryan from daycare...I pulled in the driveway, got out of the car and saw Ryan waving. Then he said "Hi Mama!" It was then that I knew everything was going to be okay! I love this little man so much and pray that God gives me the strength to be the best mom I can possibly be.
