Letters To Logan ~ A year in Review 2011

Picture taken Dec. 31, 2010

This year has been one of the most amazing years of my life.  It was not without struggle or pain, yet the year was filled with so many incredible experiences that even given the struggles it was a fantastic year.  You accomplished so much this year.  You went from being a little tiny baby that couldn't even hold his head up to a strong boy who is now walking!

There were many highlights throughout the year.  You managed to travel quite a bit in 2011.  You flew on a plane (in first class) to visit New Hampshire in March and to visit New York in August.  In addition to these trips, you visited a cabin in Big Bear Lake in the winter, a resort in Indio in the spring, you made three trips to Santa Cruz (and Monterey) to see your great grandparents, and even went camping in Joshua Tree National Park! You are a trooper and have earned your badge to become a true member of team rugged! We took many day trips with you as this was the first year that we had our 'adventure vehicle' so we went on off roading excursions, as well as what your father calls 'drive miss daisy' trips because mama likes to take rides!

You met all of your living great grandparents in 2011.  You met Granny and Grandad  in January. You were introduced to Meme' in March and she then passed away in May.  In this same March trip you were introduced to your Great Grandpa on my mom's side.  You met Pa and his wife in August.  I am very pleased that they were all able to meet you and that we have pictures to show you when you are older.

Your papa and I became so excited as you achieved milestones throughout the year.  I remember getting really excited when you first learned how to roll over.  You would roll over onto your belly and then get upset because you were stuck.  The same excitement came over me when you learned to sit up, crawl, stand and most recently walk! I remember the first time you ate cereal.  It was April.  You seemed to like it and would eat up whatever I gave you.  We had to play around with the solid foods we fed you until we found a diet that your stomach approved of.  Luckily you are now able to eat just about anything.  Those five teeth you have help a little!  You have two more coming in right now. You seem to be slightly allergic to strawberries (your mama is too).  You used bottles every now and then throughout the year but moved quickly to a sippy cup.  We had to try several types of cups in order to find the perfect cup for you (which has changed over time).  Currently you are digging the straw cups.   You also drink out of mama's or papa's cup whenever you get the chance.

You used to be a good sleeper, or what I considered to be a good sleeper.  You have always been a bit of a night owl.  From the time you were very young, you didn't really go to sleep (and stay asleep) until about 10pm.  I would put you to bed earlier, but you never stayed in bed.  For quite a while, however, you would sleep for six or seven hours which I thought was heavenly.  Then around eight or nine months you started waking more frequently and for the past few months you have been waking a lot during the night.  When I say a lot, I mean every two to three hours.  I will say that it seems you are beginning to sleep for longer periods again.  Recently you have been getting a four to five hour stretch in there which is nice.  Lets work on getting more sleep in 2012!

You are not saying any words yet, but you understand so much.  You basically communicate by pointed and making noises.  I understand exactly what you are saying! You are so much fun.  We play together a lot.  You have some buddies that you play with, but the dog is your favorite playmate! You really enjoy being outside exploring and playing in the dirt.  Luckily you love bath time just as much!

This evening we will be ringing in the new year.  Your papa and I will be at home with you and while you will most likely be sleeping, we will be having champagne and chocolate cake!  So happy new year my baby boy!  Here's to a spectacular 2012! When I say cheers, lift your sippy cup so it touches mine!

Here are a few pictures from how we spent New Years Eve last year.  After this outing we spent a cozy evening at home listening to music and enjoying time together as a family.