Gavin's First Year

We did it. Our handsome young man made it to 1 year old! It wasn’t always a walk in the park, but it was by far the most adventurous and joy-filled year of my life. Never before have I spent an entire year being so exhausted & exasperated, frazzled & maniacal, and yet with such a full heart. I feel like I’ve been put through the ringer, but just as every parent says, it was completely worth it.

Gavin, though you cannot use your words quite yet, I already know so much about your personality. You are one spirited young man and as tenacious as can be. You do your own thing, but you never hesitate to let me know when you want or need something, even if I don’t always know what it is. Your persistence usually pays off, as it will continue to do so for the rest of your life. You’ll never be one to sit back and let life pass you by…you’ll be a go-getter, and this will probably continue to drive me crazy as you grow older but will also make me very proud.

You are one big boy. Everyone always asks me how old you are, and they guess that you’re 2 before I can answer. Your size is certainly a reflection of your appetite. When I pick you up at daycare, you plow through all the toys, blocks, and children to get to me like a little bulldozer.

Your energy level is through the roof. You love crawling in laps around the whole house, which makes it difficult for me to keep an eye on you, but I’m happy for your sense of adventure and curiosity about every little thing. I love when you find something tiny and then slowly touch it with your pointer finger. I don’t love it when you then put the random object in your mouth. Your grandparents bought you a trampoline for your birthday because you love to move and bounce and roughhouse. Anything wild and crazy is your cup of tea.

Like your daddy, you are very LOUD. Squeals of delight and cries of displeasure the same…your voice demands attention. Your favorite toys right now are anything you can push around while you crawl. You love feeding the dogs from your high chair, and you shriek at me with anger when I discipline you for wasting food. The dogs love you…mostly because of the free handouts, I’m sure. Nobody’s every accused you of being the most smiley guy, but when we can coax a smile or giggle out of you, it’s my favorite part of the day. You are so hilarious and we laugh at the things you do and the noises you make all the time.

Gavin James, you didn’t always make things easy for me, but I’m so glad you are who you are. When I look at you, I see the most precious thing I’ve ever known. When you are sick or hurt, it is agonizing to me because I just want you to always be happy. I cannot wait to see your personality blossom even more. You are the light of my life, and I’m so excited for all the fun times ahead.