You Are My Sunshine, Max!

Many parents say the day their child is born is the greatest day of their lives. I can't say that. One year ago, on Feb. 12, 2010, my baby was born and it was the scariest day of my life. I can say that the moment I heard him cry I did feel a sense of peace and optimism. My child, though 12 and a half weeks premature, had strong lungs and let me know he had arrived ready to fight. And fight he did. Maxwell fought for his life and is now a strong, healthy one year old. It was one year ago today, Feb. 16, that I was able to hold my beautiful son for the first time. Another moment that filled me with peace and optimism. He was so incredibly tiny. Two pounds, 11 ounces. Fourteen inches. Holding him a year later is such a different experience. He is six and a half times his birth weight and nearly double his birth height! Not to mention the change in behavior. A year ago his movements were small and unsteady. Now he knows what he wants and how to get it. What a difference a year makes!

One year ago, our bonding consisted of diaper changes, temperature checks, and one hour of kangaroo care each day. During kangaroo care, we would read books, sing, and rest peacefully. I did not prepare for motherhood by learning an hour's worth of songs though. We repeated many songs, one of which was "You Are My Sunshine." Through all the trials our family endured last year, Max remained our sunshine. Therefore, we found that to be a fitting theme for our little man's first anniversary of his dramatic entrance in this world.

Max's party was limited to close family since his birthday is during the dreaded RSV season. We had a lot of help preparing our house for the big day. We also had help preparing some yummy treats. Check it out.Personalized cupcake toppers

Eek, too dark, but the banner says, "You Are My Sunshine"

B-day Boy and his "loot"

The birthday boy had a special outfit and a special hair style. Max's hair was standing straight up all day. There were no hair products used, nor did his hair respond to brushing. We dubbed it his "party hair." :)

Max was a little overwhelmed with all the people and activity. He began sucking his thumb again that day. I thought it was for comfort, but since the behavior has continued I suspect teething. Max enjoyed all sorts of new books and toys. Thank you to all who celebrated with us as well as those who sent cards, gifts, or facebook greetings.

Josie and Max play with his new speedway

One very special guest on Max's birthday was his baby cousin, Charlotte. Charlotte and her mom, Allyson, win the prize for coming from the furthest away to help celebrate. :) Both Charlotte and Max don't have many opportunities to see other babies so they really enjoyed each other's company.

Baby investigations

Max also chose this day to fly solo with standing up. Poor kid looked so freaked out when he realized I wasn't holding him up. He has also mastered falling gracefully onto his bottom :)
Also, Max has really taken off with pulling up on things. He had been pulling up on our hands really well for months, but just recently learned to transfer that skill to his musical table, couches, etc.
Oh, and the cake! I expected a big mess. However, Mr. Max investigated this mysterious new food by extending one little finger and incrementally scooping tiny samples of icing. I think he actually tasted only a small portion of the cake, but am certain he enjoyed the icing.


Other news from the past month in Maxwell's life:
-Max is an efficient crawler. He started with a clumsy forward motion, pausing on his belly and pushing off with both feet at the same time. Now he zooms around the house on all fours, nimbly alternating arms and legs.
-Since Max was in the NICU so long, he continues to be followed by various doctors. This month we went to Vandy's audiology department and got another great report about my baby's hearing.
-So far Maxwell loves having his teeth brushed. The moment he sees his "toothbrush" he opens his mouth.
-Max is pointing to a lot of things. He can identify several objects including baby, duck, and Josie.
-He continues to experiment with noises. He has made the sounds for several consonants before (d, g, y, w, b, m), but started saying "cccc" lately. Perhaps he will say "car" next?

John and I are just so overjoyed at having this vibrant, amazing son. He lights up our lives and we are just so proud of him. Thank you for continuing to follow us on this amazing journey. What a difference a year makes!!!