Jamie, one year later

Enjoying the low-sugar cake at the Yarwoods' house

Banging on his new xylophone (sp?)--thanks, Grandma & Grandpa Noall!

What?

Looking for his next spot to dive in (sugar-free blueberry birthday muffin)

Just cute.

I can't believe that a year ago about now, I was told that it was nearly time to push, and I was watching the nurse set up a table of rather scary-looking instruments with growing nervousness.

Here are a few facts about the one-year-old Jamie (!!!):

• Is not satisfied with being fed finger foods; will try to grab it from you between his fingers to feed it to himself.
• Has become more cuddly, resting his head against us now and then.
• Loves to wave and smile at people, whether they're looking back at him or not--but especially if they are.
• Hates having his diaper changed or being dressed unless sufficiently distracted.
• Love pushing wheeled things around (stroller, grandma's wheelchair and walker)
• Doesn't much like to be read to--too many other things to do
• Still does the sinister laugh sometimes, and still succeeds in making everyone around him crack up by it.
• Loves to eat. Like, a lot. Hardly turns anything away.
• Height and weight: I dunno, again. And I still need to figure out all the garbage with switching his pediatrician to someone down here...
• Crawling and cruising like a pro, but not interested in walking yet. Fine with us!
• Has about 7 teeth that have broken through, with more white showing all the time.

The transition into motherhood was really difficult for me. My memories of the first month-ish with Jamie actually aren't all that great, for various reasons. (One thing's for sure, the next baby will have to sleep in the bassinet, because taking turns trying to sleep in a recliner while holding a sleeping baby is just horrible. I'm starting to feel upset just remembering it. The closer nighttime came, the more dread I felt. Ugh, ugh. Moving on...)

Anyway, the months following have been some of the hardest and yet happiest of my life. This hasn't been an easy year, but I think Jason and Jamie have made it bearable. I never realized what a true piece of heaven a baby is! Pure, innocent, no social games or hidden motives. His smiles are absolutely impossible not to return. When we get down about our circumstances, being with Jamie, seeing his sweet smiles, makes us happy again. He scatters sunshine all along his way, and I can't express how grateful I am to have that sweet baby in my life, and for his continued good health and sweet disposition.

It's so hard to see him get closer and closer to being a toddler instead of my baby, but I'm looking forward to hearing him say "I love you" immensely.

Oh, and welcome to my cousin's new baby born last night, JulieAnne Belle! (Did I spell it right?) Congrats, Scott and Brianna! I can't wait to meet her! And two more cousins' babies due any day--there is excitement in the extended Cox family, I tell you! (All three had due dates within, like, a week of each other. So fun!)

Here is a short video of Jamie eating cake at the Yarwoods'. I thought I was uploading the really long one with the singing, and I was mistaken. It's probably just as well, because I doubt many people besides immediate family would find him enjoying his cake as fascinating as we do, anyway. :)

(If you would like me to post it, you know that as a proper, proud mommy, I would be delighted. :D Just leave a comment.)