"Firsts"

As a mother, nothing is more exciting than the first time your child does...well, anything! What I don't understand is why companies only make books or journals for a child's first year! I mean, don't get me wrong-I guess it is good to record first taste of food, first smile, first trip and all those first holidays! Since Matthew was born in February I got to experience almost a whole year of first holidays starting with Valentine's Day. Of course I had to have a onesie AND a bib for each holiday-and take a ton of pictures of him in it all. :) But once a year went by I started to slow down significantly with pictures (at the rate I was snapping pics, it would have been WAY to expensive to keep printing them anyway!). But what I have been realizing today is how many "firsts" Matthew is still going through-and how many more "firsts" are yet to come.

To me, the best "firsts" come after the age of one. Yes, first steps are super exciting-it's truly the start of their independence. But now that Matthew has turned into a toddler, there are so many more "firsts" that  have really touched my heart and I'm sure any other mother who has a child this age and on can relate to. Like the first time your child gives you a kiss. Pure heaven! My favorite first for me is the time that Matthew said "I love you" on his very own and put his head on my lap (around 2 years old). I just couldn't believe he seemed to understand the concept of love-that really blew my mind. I also loved the first time I could feel Matthew's arms reach all around my neck to give me a truly good hug-I could even feel his tiny fingers gripping the back of my neck. I never want to forget that moment. I guess I'm kind of selfish (hey, I am an only child) but I love the age where your child gives back and a true bond and relationship begin. He is just my little buddy and parenting just keeps getting better. Isn't that great?! There is always something to look forward too-I love that about life and sometimes when things aren't going well or seem perfect I remind myself of this-there is ALWAYS something to look forward to and plenty of things to be grateful for in the meantime.

So, happy Sunday to anyone who catches this-I hope its a great day with family or friends and lots of rest before the week starts. I am posting of picture of Matthew taking his first nap with Daddy on the couch. It's been great to get this out while the house is nice and quiet. And looking at the two of them sleeping peacefully has really brought about some much needed happiness in my heart. :)