3 becomes 4: Reflections on 1 Year!

I would say it's hard to believe it's been a year since Oliver Adin has become a part of our lives, but really it isn't. We have experienced and lived everyday with our little man for the past year. There is so much to look back on and try our best to remember. Because if anything it's hard to remember everything that's happened in the past year.

I've said this many times to many people, the one piece of advice/wisdom that has rung true to us is: "It goes by so fast." And for me it really has gone by so fast. As a parent I have lived in a constant state of wanting to see Ollie have more new experiences and wishing that the new experiences lasted just a little bit longer before the next one occurred.

After some reflection on memories, goals and hopes that revolve around Oliver. I think the one thing I want to make sure to hold on to is the magic. The best feeling for me is when I get to be magical for my son. Something as small as disappearing right before his eyes, to showing him his reflection in the magic mirror, or maybe producing the prized blankie out of thin air. I love the amazement in his eyes, the giggles and the anticipation that he shows. Just counting to 3 makes him stop and look in wonder to what magic mommy and/or daddy may do!

And Ollie hasn't been the only one to experience new things. I have had experiences and life changes that I didn't even predict. From the subtle social changes to the hormonal changes. I now cry at commercials and tv shows, prior to pregnancy the only movies I cried at was 'A League of their Own' and 'The Notebook'. And now not only am I going through a ridiculous check list to just leave the house, making plans to go out with out baby has doubled the list. And spontaneity is fading into the past. Dinner options are also shrinking. With Ryan deployed I was fully prepared for dinner at Panera, Chipotle, and other semi-fast food establishments to be a common occurrence. Then I realized I would have to bring a baby bottle, baby food, wipes, and then order my food, set up my baby, pick up my own food and then clean up after myself and my baby and get back in the car. Ok, so maybe just take away, or not. Ok, so mac and cheese and sandwiches at home it is!

The social changes are those you would expect, but actually having to adapt and live through them has posed to be a little more challenging than I thought. There are many times that I feel like a desperate mom just wanting to make any plans with any one! I have even given my e-mail address to a total stranger I met while walking in our neighborhood. Yes, I really did and no, I have not heard from that person. Ha! I am also not use to being referred to first and foremost as 'Ollie's mom'. I had a little prep for this from being 'Piccadilly's mom', but even people who actually do know my name are referring to me in the 'mom' sense. And yes, sometimes it fills me with pride but ultimately it just makes me feel like I'm shrinking even more into oblivion of being defined by those around me versus defining myself. (this could be another whole post, so I'll leave it at that)

I'm sure my reflecting will continue, but ultimately I have been filled with glee and amazement as I look back on what it has meant to bring another person into our world. It is really a miracle that I am so grateful we have experienced and continue to experience.

So to re-cap our year in pictures, I've chosen some of my favorites! Here they are:

I was so happy we had newborn pictures taken!
I love how you can see his hands and cheeks in this one!

The time we had at the hospital was short but so sweet.
Every time I held Ollie I couldn't believe he was ours.

One of my all time favorites!
I love seeing my dad and Ollie together.

This is a fav for 2 reasons.
1. Ollie was happiest when he was being carried high and over the shoulder as an infant.
2. It was fantastic to see my brother getting to know all these tricks with Ollie.