Boys Will Be Boys

Isn't it amazing how fast children grow?

Our Acey started out his life as a teeny-tiny 6lb. 12 oz. helpless newborn that needed Ace and I for everything.

As the months passed, he got bigger, and began accomplishing each and every milestone that first parents anticipate. As I was catching up in filling out Acey's memory book, I reminisce about some of his "firsts":

First time sleeping through the night: 4 months old

First time he rolled over: 5 months old

First time he sat up: 6 months

First time he crawled: 8 months

First word: "dada"

First steps: 13 months

We've now hit the 1 year mark, and looking back at his first year of life, he's been a busy guy!

Now, Ace and I just laugh at all the new things he does each day. Just a couple weeks ago, we were noticing just how much this little guy understands. He may not be very verbal just yet, but boy, does he know what we're talking about! Ace and I were amazed at all the simple directions he can follow, like "Bring mommy your cup," or "take off your socks," and even finding something we tell him to find. He's long been identifying objects in books (thanks to mommy being a teacher--he's got an early love of them!), but its just neat to be able to say, "Where is your milk?" and he will go get his cup. Heck, he even knows some baby signs! He'll put his fingers together for "more" and hold his hands up and turn them for "all gone". He's such a smart guy!

Aside from all the "mental" achievements, the physical tasks Acey accomplishes each day make Ace and I look at each other in disbelief! After just a moment of watching either me or daddy do something, he immediately copies us. One morning (shortly after mastering walking) he just started walking backwards!! We were astounded! He still doesn't get that you have to look where you're going (thus-lots of falls). Besides walking backwards, Acey likes to spin around in circles (he thinks it's hilarious!), stand up on his tippy-toes, do what we call the "crazy dance" (which looks like jogging in place!). While at the park, he likes to climb up the slide and attempt to walk down the steps on the jungle gym.

When people say little boys are dirty, they aren't kidding! I really don't know how Acey gets as dirty as he does, to the point of changing clothes twice, three times a day, and a mandatory bath before bed! He'll put any rock, crumb, random piece of something he finds on the floor or ground in his mouth. Acey rubs jelly from his breakfast toast in his hair. He fingerpaints with ketchup during lunch. He enjoys trying to eat the soap bubbles in the bath! Ah, boys!

The best things are all of the above and then some. He is one of the most loving 1 year olds I know. He'll grab your face and give you a big, wet, movie star kiss, or he'll gently pat your back during a hug. He'll share his milk or binky with his "mono" (his favorite stuffed monkey) and "give him a bath" with a dry washcloth. He'll feed you a soggy Cheerio right out of his bowl and touch your face lovingly when you put him to sleep.

He's going to have a lot of things to teach baby boy #2 and he'll be such a great big brother!!