Almost a Year

When Stephen was first born, he was, well, not the most social of newborns. He didn't gaze into my face while feeding like I was used to and he could avoid eye contact like a pro. Jon and I worried, fretted, and even had his hearing tested when we couldn't get him to respond to our voices. When he was about 3 months, we realized he was quite uncomfortable from silent reflux. Once that was under control, he became more social. But he still didn't babble or say much until right before Thanksgiving which led to nervous conversations about apraxia and speech delays. Thankfully, in the last few months, he has exploded into a fiesty little boy. He wants to play cars and trains with Gregory and wishes we would STOP being so condescending with those stupid baby toys. As soon as he finishes dinner, he waits at the bottom of the stairs (occasionally saying "up-pup-pup") so he can get his beloved bath. When he gets to the bathroom, he might squeal "aba". He says "ack-ack" fairly regularly when he plays with toy ducks, though he says "ack-ack" randomly and often. And yesterday when he was fighting my efforts to put him to bed, he wacked me several times saying "hi' hi'", with a delighted grin. He emulates the goofy humor so prevalent in this household -- sticking spoons and toys out of his mouth to show everyone, putting silly things on his head so he can show us his "ha", and laughing at any crazy antic Gregory shows him.

Stephen can quietly blend into the background; I'll forget I'm holding him while I battle Emmie and Gregory. He watches all the household drama -- Emelia and Gregory fighting, me yapping at the older kids, Emmie throwing one of her monster fits -- with nary a sound. But one sharp word directed his way will bring forth heartfelt tears. He can also climb right into the epicenter of the action, be it Gregory's train tracks or dancing to Beastie Boys. He loves hugs and kisses, loves sitting on my lap to read a book, and he loves fitting in with the older kids. I am thankful for each day with him -- and every member of my beautiful family. And I am thankful and relieved that his social and speech development are on track.

"Hey Ma, Guess what's more fun than learning to walk?"


"Learning to walk while I carry big, clunky objects!! And if you want to see this beautiful smile, you best not take this away from me."

"I'm so cute you should just kiss me, right here, right now."



Gregory's verdict on holding Stephen is that it was a lot easier when Stephen wasn't so big.


Princess Emelia is getting pushed by Stephen while riding his toy. But I think her days are numbered because Stephen is perhaps even a bigger fighter than Emelia.