Firsts

Peter's birthday was last week. I made carrot cake and banana cupcakes, both with cream cheese frosting. He prefers the banana ones and wasn't sure what to think of the frosting. Mom sent a present we picked up on Thursday. He LOVES it.

He took his first steps on Sunday or Monday night before his birthday in Aaron's room. He was trying to get to the tote to reach for Aaron's triathlon chip. He took two steps in a row. He's done that twice but is still content to get on the floor and crawl.

Peter is an amazing mimic. I've gotten him to say "cock-a-doodle-doo", "cow", "cat" (and actually he said that on his own when he saw Ginger at the Black 's on Thursday), "mama, "dad", and a few other sounds. Sometimes it seems like he is saying Aaron and Jared. He also has a version of "uh-oh". He's been fascinated with the air vents lately and dropping things in them. With the exception of one, thankfully they've been closed so the object isn't actually going down the vent. The other day he was dropping something into the kitchen vent. He turned to me and started going "uh uh". I fished it out for him and a game ensued. He immediately dropped it back in. I didn't get it for him this time. He did the whole "uh uh" again and when I wouldn't get it for him he tried to lift the vent himself. Smartee pants. He is also signing "water" and "more". It isn't precise, but it works.

We also had our first experience with pink eye last week. I think we are done with it, but I am still nervous.

Peter has been experiencing some extreme separation anxiety. We've been doing swim lessons and one of the concepts we've been working on is for him to sit and wait for me. I don't know if there's a connection, but he's started being content on the bed if he wakes up and I'm in the shower. The first time it happened I was really surprised. He'd been crying/screaming, but I talked to him through the closed door and pretty soon he was quiet. When I finally came out, he was laying down facing the door waiting patiently. It was like something had clicked for him and with few exceptions we've not had issues when I'm in the bathroom or after. It's been nice. Around the house is a different story. He is getting picky about going to anyone but me. Although one night he did ask for Jared, which made Jared feel really good. But even Matthew is having issues with him. If I'm holding Peter, he won't even look at Matthew. It's going to be interesting as we get closer to the move and Mom and Dad are around and babysitting.

It's been an interesting first year. It's been quite the adjustment having a little one around again. I feel my age, but I'm grateful he's in our lives and feel life is richer because of it.