January is bitter-sweet for me. One year ago, January 27th, 2013 I welcomed my second son Ryan into this world. In just a few short weeks, he’ll be turning ONE! No longer a baby… but a toddler. Tears are rolling down my cheeks just writing that. For some reason, with my second son, it all went by too fast. When I had my first son, his baby year was one big haze.
I couldn’t wait for him to “grow-up”. I don’t think I enjoyed much of it because I was always looking for him to reach the next stage…the next big milestone. That’s why I devoured every single second of Ryan’s first year, doing my hardest to enjoy the “moment” with him instead of looking forward to the next one. Even still… it went by too fast. Such a cliche, but it’s true.
In fact, Ryan did everything sooner than my older son Kyle. He crawled sooner, stood-up sooner and cruised sooner. It was as if life was playing a cruel joke on me. I was hoping for a slower pace but my son had his own plan. I’m currently busy planning his first year’s party, which will include a music themed dinner with our immediate family and a fun family photo-shoot including smash-the-cake. 
It’s going to be hard thinking of Ryan as a toddler because I want him to remain a baby so badly. However, he is already exhibiting signs of a toddler including grunting, doing things in opposition to what I ask / want, pretend crying when his brother annoys him and throwing little fits when he doesn’t get his way. While they are truly adorable, this is also a sign of things to come.
Luckily, there are a few things that I can still hang-on-to to remind me of his baby year. He still breastfeeds, he still needs a high-chair, he still sleeps in a crib, we still use the monitor to check up on him and we definitely still require the stroller. Of course, playtime doesn’t end with toddlerhood so there are always toys, toys, toys! It’s amazing how much STUFF babies need. Luckily, through January 17 – 30th, Sears is celebrating Baby Days! Sears is offering 15% off almost everything including nursery furniture, strollers, monitors and more! Plus, there will be great deals on infant apparel. Click HERE for more details. I know that some of my friends who are new to parenthood and expecting their second will love this!
Did you find that your child’s first year went by too fast or too slow?
Disclosure: I am part of the Sears Mom Ambassador program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
My second turns one on Feb 8 so I totally understand. It flew by, especially as I spent so much time keeping my preschooler busy and had little time to enjoy the view! I really tried to enjoy the moments too but the pressure to be present all the time was just added stress 😉
I know what you mean. This past year has been about my older son and his needs and activities. Next year he’ll be in full day kindergarten so I’m excito focus on my “baby”
It’s funny how babies can be so different! I thought my first was ‘slow’ at hitting milestones but my 2nd definitely is! He hits them but is slow and doesn’t care! He runs with a walker around the house at 15 months and cruises everywhere…but will NOT walk independently even though we know he could! Happy almost birthday to your little guy!
It went by WAY to fast. He’s going to be two in March and I don’t know how we got here. He was JUST born.
I blinked and it was over. It is very bittersweet. What lovely photos.
GAH! He is sooooooooo sweet! I know, because I met him in person! I want to give him a squeeze…but I won’t 😉 Yes, little ones grow up far too quickly! Don’t blink, in case you miss something! lol xoxoxo
Beautiful photos! It’s over in an instant and the next stages come just as quick. I cried like a baby when my oldest turned one, and then my youngest, and then at two and three 🙂
My “baby” is now a 5’9″ volleyball player. No matter, I still smother her with cuddles whether she wants them or not! Ryan is adorable, and he will always be your baby – just keep reminding him of that 😉
Such a big boy, I think first year goes fast, want to catch those first year moments again.
It does go by quickly. Mine is almost a year and half. I still think he is a baby though. 🙂