Additionally, I am so thankful for the father and husband that Trevor is. I would have never imagined he would be such an amazing Dad. He surprises me every day and it makes me fall in love with him in a whole new way. If there's anything more sexy than a husband who is a helpful dad, I don't know what it is! :) I have been back to work for three weeks now and I am reminded again of how great he is at being a dad. His patience with Jack and willing to get down on the floor and play with Jack for hours is so endearing. The handles a to-do list with Jack with more calm and grace than I ever can muster. He's always willing to help with putting Jack down or changing a diaper. I even think he handles the day time responsibilities better than I at times!
And I certainly couldn't have gotten through all of my nursing struggles without his support. It makes me emotional just thinking about it because I absolutely can not believe I made it to a year nursing and I know it wouldn't have happened without Trev's understanding, patience, encouragement and support while never being judgmental and letting me make my choices. Nursing for this past year has been hands down the hardest thing I've ever done. From 5 months of pain, oversupply, reflux with Jack, latch issues, using a shield then to tanking supply, pumping at school twice a day and then reaching a year with a baby who loves to comfort nurse all night long has been emotionally and physically challenging. It's probably my most proud accomplishment, to be honest. But I certainly didn't get here on my own. I owe a lot of it to Trevor and his support. I feel a huge sigh of relief and accomplishment rush over me as we are nursing at his one year birthday. For those curious, I still plan to nurse at night and in the morning and on weekends hopefully until he is two (if he shows interest and my supply stays up). I am no longer pumping at work (thank Jesus) but we have enough of a stash for Jack to get an afternoon bottle once a day when I'm at work until about the end of October/beginning of November. I plan to continue for many reasons. One, the immune system benefits are amazing. Two, he comfort nurses so much that I can't imagine taking that from him. Three, with him toddling and being adventurous he takes many spills; a quick nursing session immediately fixes any boo-boos and stops all tears. Four, we plan to raise him vegan and am not interested in starting him on cow's milk. Eventually we will give him coconut milk or hemp milk which both are high in fat, along with avocados, but he hates sippy cups and prefers adult cups and I don't feel like dealing with that mess. But in the end, I am definitely giving myself a much deserved pat on the back for making it this far. Not for any judgement or superiority to formula feeders but for me working so damn hard on this and actually making it this far. Literally the blood, sweat and tears (oh, the tears!) were so worth it.
OK, onto Jack!:
-after his doctor's appointment we will find out weight and height but he's a peanut still (even though he eats like a football player). He's in 12 month clothes but still fits into many 9 month items and 12-18 is too big still. He's been this size since about February!
-he's down to two naps and takes those in the crib. He starts the night out in the crib then moves into bed with us at some point. Waiting it out, not crying it out, another huge accomplishment. He's yet to sleep through the night once. Ugh. The longest stretch we've had is 4-5 hours recently. I know there's no medal for this type of self sacrifice but I'm not willing to jeopardize his sunny disposition and independence with crying it out. This isn't to say I'm enjoying this period and anxious to move on...I am. Slowly we are working into non-CIO sleep methods.
-he eats three meals a day. Usually cantaloupe or blueberries and other fruits for breakfast and then whatever vegan yumminess dad makes for lunch and I make for dinner (Trev and I are back I opposite schedules during the week but are off together on the weekends-we are so lucky to have this arrangement). He loves food and will try anything. He adores Olive Garden, lol. He tried beets and liked them this month. His favorite foods right now are tomatoes, cantaloupe, berries, pasta, peas, vegetarian baked beans and beans in general. Acorn squash and quinoa were new and not loved as of now.
-he loves making silly faces at us, random people and the camera while taking selfies. He loves looking at tires moving, standing in strollers and carts, taking floor vents off and throwing toys down them (ugh, we've lost so many, he's so fast), playing in water (including the toilet and dog water-have I mentioned how fast he is?), an has taking to laughing at the noise he makes when gagging himself (gross). His favorite books are Pat the Bunny, Chicka Chicka ABC, and Tails.
-he started toddling/walking on 8.14 and hasn't stopped! His favorite way to get around though is butt scootching like a monkey.
-loves to ask "what's that?" To EVERY THING. Half the time I don't even know what he's asking about. He talks a lot, says "Dadadada" so much after hanging out with him all day, will wave hi and bye and greets us when we come home (he can hear the garage door open and knows) or says goodbye when we leave (he pretty much knows who leaves when), points to things and where he wants you to carry him to and is just so smiley!
Well that is my ONE year old in a nutshell! Can you believe it? And just so no one is offended, we wanted to keep his first birthday small and personal (every one we know has a baby-it would have been a huge party), so we are just having our families come over for (vegan, hehe) cake and presents. :)
