He's a Toddler

Fair warning: The following may be a jumbled bit of words thrown together. I can't seem to gather all of my thoughts about Collin's first year. My brain is all over the place with sadness & excitement, both at the same time, for him. Apologies. I'm normally a very witty, organized blogger.

It's official. I am the mother of a toddler. Collin turned one on Wednesday, November 3rd. I have been a nostalgic mess for the past week. I've been pulling out his old baby clothes, pausing during a chore to stare at Collin while he played & exclaiming, "This time last year.." & going on about how I was a huge, swollen, pregnant beast, but still so excited to meet my baby boy to anyone who'd listen.

I hate to sound like the typical, "I can't believe how much my bitty baby has grown," Mom, but I've quickly discovered that all of that cheesy Mom talk that you swear you'll never do when you have your baby, quickly goes out the window once you have your own. It all happens entirely too fast. Appreciate every day. Even the poop-splosion, projectile vomiting filled ones.

Collin has accomplished so much in one, short year. His torticollis is nearly defeated, he's walking, "talking," learning & growing. It's completely surreal watching a baby grow & learn & discover, becoming a little person, with their own personality traits, likes & dislikes.

Collin hates peas, just like his Dad. He scrunches his nose when he's excited, like his Mama. His feet are ginormous, also like his Dad & his adorable dimples...those are aaallllllll Mama. His first words were, "cheeessseeeeee," (I know, how completely cool!) &, "uh-oh," which I hope isn't a foreshadowing of what's to come.

I finished Collin's one year video just in time for his birthday. I tried so hard to limit myself to one song, but I couldn't bring myself to remove any more photos, so I extended it to two songs. You've been warned.

This little man has yet to learn how much he was wanted; how much love he's filled his Mama's heart with; how much joy his little face has brought into this world. I thank the Lord every single day for this blessing; that he's granted me this unfathomable gift: to be Collin's Mama. This first year has been a crazy struggle. I've learned, I've laughed, I've sobbed & it's all helped form me into a Mom.

Happy birthday, Monkey!