It's So Much Fun to be ONE!

This I've found to be true-- each stage is better than the last. And each time we enter a new stage with Gavin we think "this is so much fun. I can't imagine it any better."

Needless to say, this stage of being one is lots of fun. For us and for Gavin. He has so many new ways of experiencing his parents, his food, and the many things in the world around him.

1. Eating Like a Big Boy
They made me do it. By "they" I mean the experts-- the books I was reading told me that at this age Gavin should be able to feed himself and learn to use the spoon.

I wanted to resist but figured they probably knew what they were talking about. Gavin thinks it's pretty fun and it's cool to watch him figure things out. Soon enough he'll figure out which side of the spoon is the right side, but for now meals are long, messy and sometimes a good practice in patience. It's good for both of us.

2. Getting Dirty-- Playtime outside is so much fun! And I finally started letting Gavin get dirty-- on purpose. He loves exploring the sand, grass or whatever earth or surface is below him.
He's really enjoying investigating our deck these days too. This is a good activity for Papa and Gavin to share because Papa's heart doesn't go into his stomach every time Gavin gets close to the edge. Instead, Papa is teaching him to stop at the edge and how to go down the stairs backwards. Thank you Tony! (not a job that comes easily to mama)


3. My Very Own Play Corner
Toys. They get bigger and more plentiful as time goes on. As they threatened to take over Tony and I decided that it was time to have a "system" to help contain the spread of toys. After some planning and a fantastic trip to IKEA, we now have a play corner in our living room for Gavin.
I love it! And I know that he'll have lots of fun with it over time. Soon enough he'll be driving his cars on the play mat and helping me put away toys. I LOVE IKEA!!!

4. Bath Time-- This has always been a favorite, but there are new joys in this stage. Each evening, we announce bath time and Tony starts down the hallway to the bathroom. Now Gavin crawls behind him with speed and narration, excited for (and very aware of) what's to come.
He loves to stand on the bath stool and watch the tub fill up. He tugs on his clothes and diapers, saying very clearly "It's time."
5. Teeth!-- Since his first birthday, Gavin has gotten 3 more teeth. And finally, teeth 5 and 6 to come in are his first top teeth. For two weeks he had only one top tooth and had such a funny grin. I tried to capture it below, but pictures didn't quite do it justice.

Now that he has two on top and four on bottom, we can practice biting into apples and other exciting foods.

6. Standing, dancing and almost walking-- Gavin is cruising along the furniture and standing up in the kitchen trying to open cabinets (thank goodness for those locks!). He doesn't sit still too much these days because he wants to test his growing skills.

I count myself fortunate that Gavin has not started walking yet. Sure, I love to see him advance, but I'm in no hurry. I know that there are some new and exciting challenges ahead for us when he actually walks.

For now, he's content to practice. And this last weekend we were in a house with stairs. He crawled across the room, approached the stairs, and without a moment's hestiation he crawled six stairs before stopping. Who knew he could even do it? He was very proud of himself.

7. Play Dates-- These last two weeks we have had our first official play dates. We've found that play dates with other toddlers that are walking aren't nearly as satisfying as those are still crawling and exploring the idea of walking.

Gavin is such a social person that when the walking toddler appears and then disappears he can hardly contain himself. He gets excited/frustrated and squeals/grunts as if to say "where did he go? I wanted to greet him and poke him in the eye. Where is he?"

Below are Gavin and William (5 weeks younger) at our park. They are at almost the same stage in their crawling/walking and do pretty well to play together. When playing at Will's house last week Gavin was sure to show he was older and bigger and comandeered a few toys. Guess it's time to really start teaching sharing.

8. Making Connections-- It's such a thrill to see how much Gavin can understand these days. A few weeks ago we were reading a book and I said "Gavin do you see the fish?" In response he raised his head and looked up at the fish tank. I was amazed and so proud! (Of course, the fish tank has since been replaced with the play corner.)

About two weeks after his birthday, Gavin finally mastered being able to raise his pointer finger in response to "how old is Gavin?" These and other connections are so much fun. We are especially fond of balls and Gavin will find one when we mention "ball" or point one out in a book without prompting.

I'm not sure what's better-- watching him make the connection or the joy and satisfaction on his face when he figures it out and listens to our praise. Words just can't express how my heart swells.

God is good and the miracle of a child is such a gift. Tony and I are continually thankful and often reminded of what a responsibility we have in loving and caring for our precious son.