One Year

It doesn't seem like an entire year could have passed. But here we are. One year ago, at 3:33 (or 3:34--depending on who you ask) a.m., Miles made his way into the world. Labor really only lasted about eight hours, start to finish. I had no idea what to do with the 6 pound 9 ounce creature. But we figured it out.

And he's quite amazing.

He embraces life. Rarely meets a stranger (though some bouts of coyness have ensued recently). Loves to be outside. Will often head straight for the window and pull himself up to look outside. Gets the concept of "soft" with the critters though often becomes too excited to employ it. Loves blueberry-flavored food but still prefers food with less texture. Giggles and squeals freely. Throws his toys out of playpen when he's "encarcerated", then he often takes off his pants...maybe it's another form of protest...

He had his first naked in the garden time this week and had a fine time climbing around in the dirt, eating handfuls, chasing the cat and feeling the earth on his skin. He seemed delighted as he braced himself on a tree and then peed on it.

He's cruising, not quite walking, clapping his hands, dancing, loving music, pointing, sometimes saying what sounds like, "Dog", displaying displeasure when we say "no" or take something away, playing peek-a-boo, trying to put everything in his mouth, loving simple things like sticks, pieces of paper, ice cubes and straws.

We are so very, very lucky...

Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy.

Fireflies

Last night, as I pushed Miles around the fields in his stroller, the fireflies began their dance. First a few, then a few more, then lots...everywhere little, blinking lights beckoning to one another and beckoning to my son. Eyes sparkling, he watched the on/off flashes. As one flew overhead, he craned his neck and reached out to touch it.

Pure magic.

We trekked around the perimeter of the property, through the cedar trees in the back corner, across the grassy field, past bushes and trees and flowers beds, up and down the garden beds...all the while, his eyes, his mind, his heart registering the world around him.

Every day he makes the journey over the paths and through the gardens with his father. Every day he smells earth and flowers and life ebbing and flowing. He feels the seasons moving through him.

What a blessed child.