Twelve Months of Trenton {Eleven}

I am seriously, unforgivably, inexcusably late in writing this update. I only have one more of these to go.. can you believe it? It's a blessing in disguise though, because I don't think we'd be able to continue even if I wanted to.. it has become next to impossible to take a decent picture of you, you are all.over.the.place.
You wiggle and laugh and roll and turn and shoot me this look that says, "Lay still? Mama, you cannot be serious." You don't even look like yourself in these shots!
As hard as it is to take your picture these last few months, I'm so, so happy that we did this little project together.. seeing the changes, watching you grow before my eyes, writing all about your personality and milestones.. it's been a challenge, but one that I can enjoy for the rest of my life.

This month, at the very, very end, you took your first steps. It wasn't even so much that you took the steps that was so emotional, it was how.
Oma and Opa came over for a visit on this day.. but it wasn't the good kind. Oma sat me down on the couch and explained that they wouldn't be joining us for Thanksgiving dinner, as planned.. that she was having surgery on the friday before, and that it was because they were removing a lump from her breast. She was telling me that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
With the blink of an eye our light and airy visit turned heavy, as I harboured and processed the news that the only family we have here is sick. I watched the woman whom I consider to be one of the strongest, break down right there in my living room, telling me that giving me this news is the hardest thing she's ever done.
Soon after, Daddy, Hailey, Kaleb and Opa joined us in the living room, and we went on pretending all was well.. for you and your siblings, of course...
I sat on the floor with you.You stood, using my legs as support, and just like that, took 5 whole steps to Oma. 5 steps that meant the world to us at that moment.

You haven't stopped since. You were cautious at first, as soon as you'd realize there was nobody holding onto you, you'd drop down on your bum. Now, you can stand up, unsupported from sitting, and take brave steps all the time.
You're walking into your second year on this earth, without fear.. because you know that Mama and Daddy and right there behind you, and always will be.

Happy 11 months, baby boy. Thank you for being you.

Twelve Months Of Trenton {Ten}

Baby boy, you are ten months old.

Something about ten months sounds less like infant and more like toddler.. maybe it's the double digits.

Speaking of toddler, you are close to toddling. You take larger and larger strides (while holding furniture and legs and anything else you can grasp) and are gaining balance and confidence with every shaky but strong step your little legs take.
You crawl like the wind, and have recently discovered that it's much easier on your little old man knees if you crawl on your feet, something your dad and I liken to looking like a komodo dragon.. especially when you think we aren't looking and the stairs are unguarded.. you are fast, but we are still faster.

You have no fear. If it weren't for us, you'd crawl right off the edge of the bed or the top of the stairs.. we should really work on teaching you how to go backwards, or it isn't going to end well.

You have more and more words and sounds all the time. You babble all the time, but never on command... we ask you to say "Mama" and you grin and stay silent. Obviously, you are nobody's puppet.
You make this growling sound when the food doesn't come fast enough, it's pretty much the funniest thing ever. You have a crazy funny personality that is much like your big brother.
One time, this past month, Hailey gave you a piece of romaine lettuce while I was making salad. You put it in your mouth and made a face like we were trying to feed you Anthrax.. you threw the lettuce down on your tray and slapped it repeatedly, as to make sure the lettuce would never try to reach your lips again.. OH the horror!!!

You're still an itty bitty thing, you are in size 3 diapers and have barely gained 7 pounds. I guess you decided to gain it all inside me, as to end my child bearing days with a bang.
I don't mind.. as long as you are healthy you can stay little forever as far as I'm concerned, but I know that won't be the case. One day, you'll be bigger and taller and stronger than your mama, and while those days come quicker and quicker, trust me when I say this;


"...as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."

To My Son {the 6 year old}

My dear, dear, Kaleb;

Today you turned 6. We had a great day. You requested "Spaghetti and Meatballs" for dinner and I made a cheesecake with raspberries for dessert. It turned out a little wonky because I couldn't get it out of the pan but you didn't complain.
You woke up with a smile, despite it being your 3rd day of school in a row. As usual, you start the day with a little unintended humour:

"Why do I have to go to school on my birthday? Can't I just take the day off?"
That's you. You make us laugh all.the.time. You are so funny and you don't even realize it. But boy, do you love seeing us laugh.
This year has had it's ups and downs and I hope you know how proud we are of you. You went through therapy like a champ and you've improved so much, because you've worked so hard. Even when you really, really didn't feel like it.. you'd look over at me, and then you'd finish.
Just for me.

This is a big year, you started Grade One, meaning that you now go to school every day, just like your big sister. I know it makes you feel big. And you are..
Sometimes when I go in your room before I go to bed, just to check on you and pull your blanket from around your neck.. (where it always seems to end up.) I stand back in awe and I just stare. Sometimes I even call Daddy in.

ROB. He is SO BIG. He looks like a teenager in his bed.

As bittersweet as it all is, we love you, and we love watching you grow and learn. We are incredibly blessed to have such an amazing son in our lives. I love you, Monkey.

Happy Birthday.

"Mama!"

Baby T has been saying "Mama" (with purpose) for about a month now, but I have yet to capture it on video.

But a few days ago, after just a little persuasion, my charming little babe finally allowed me to film that special little word. And as soon as it began, it ended.

No more camera, Mama!
And without further delay, here is little Mr. T, uttering the best little word, ever.

Twelve Months of Trenton (3)

Weight: aprx 13.5
Length: aprx 25 Inches
25-30th Percentile.
Size: 0-3M onesies & pants & 3M hoodies & sleepers, Size 2 diapers

Milestones:
-Makes a throaty "guuhhh" sound (kind of like Chewbacca)
-Smiles at everything.
-Holds thing that are placed in his hand.
-Learning to squeal.
-Is starting to grab at toys when placed in front of him.
-Initially sleeps a 5-6 hour stretch at night.
-Can awkwardly get his nummy into his mouth.
-Knows his name and turns/smiles when he hears it.
-Can roll from tummy to back

Favourite things:
-Boob juice
-Soother (Still addicted)
-Being naked
-Bathtime
-Music
-Mornings
-Tummy Time

This month, Trent figured out (while sitting in his swing) how to kick off his blanket. Dada was sitting in front of him & kept placing it on his legs. Trenton would then smile, squeal, and promptly kick it back off. Lather, Rinse, Repeat.
No laughs yet, but we can tell they're coming.

13 weeks. {A milestone}

3 Month Ribbon - Rose Quartz

Today marks three months that Mr. T has been exclusively nursing. We have definitely had our share of ups and downs over the past three months when it comes to breastfeeding, but I can tell that the worst is behind us and it only gets easier every day.



Month One

Month Two

Month Three



I wouldn't give this up for anything in the world.