The Best Sound: June 2012

Thanks to the unintended blogging hiatus, I have a few post-worthy topics to cover, however, they'll have to take a backseat to an update on a certain birthday boy.

My baby boy is now ONE. ONE!! How is that possible when I remember cuddling with him at the hospital, snuggling through the wee hours of the night, enjoying his perfect tiny self and newborn softness? His first year has certainly had its share of challenges, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. After all, doing so would mean a life without Hunter, and that's unthinkable!

*HIGHLIGHTS
     -Eight teeth.
     -Cruising everywhere. He particularly enjoys pushing Leah's (dinner) chair around the kitchen, despite the unbearable racket it makes. He gets frustrated (fusses) when he gets stuck.
     -Prefers self-feeding to being spoon-fed. (This is also a lowlight; see below.)
     -Survived and (dare I say it?) enjoyed a very LONG week at Vacation Bible School.
     -Loves all things on wheels. The drawback? Mommy and Daddy's backs can handle bending over (to hold Hunter on the vehicle of choice) only so much. If you see us hunched and hobbling, you'll know why.
     -Cuddly.
     -Adept communicator, even without words. Through pointing and "uhhhhs" he lets us know what he wants, whether it's something from the pantry or a toy from the shelf.
     -All-around happy, playful baby.

*LOWLIGHTS
     -Still not sleeping through the night. Looks like we'll have to bite the bullet on this one and prepare ourselves for a few rough nights (crying it out). I am not looking forward to this because...
     -Quite the temper. When he doesn't get what he wants when he wants it, watch out. The HULK emerges, and it's not a pretty site.
     -Prefers self-feeding. This isn't such a bad thing (see above), but it does make feeding him his vegetables (which are still pureed) a bit challenging. He will actually block the spoon. No, this isn't accidental. He is VERY PURPOSEFUL about thwarting us while sneaking in a piece of food from his tray. Sneaky boy.

As we did with Leah, Hunter's first birthday celebration will take place over several days. The four of us celebrated with gifts and cake on Sunday. Funny how Hunter wasn't interested in his cake initially, but once Scott placed a bit in his mouth, the boy scarfed down the rest of it in two bites. Then, because he couldn't get enough, he promptly started EATING HIS HANDS in an attempt to consume more chocolatey goodness. Too funny. Later this week we'll celebrate with a playdate with friends, and then we'll cap off the celebration with extended family. Perhaps this seems a bit excessive, but I don't care. He's my adorable, loveable, playful baby boy... and he deserves it.