HAPPY BIRTHDAY RORY!

And just like that, Rory is ONE!!! I actually can’t believe it. While in many ways, this past year was long, it was also the quickest year ever. It feels like just yesterday that I was getting checked into the hospital to deliver him. I thought Jack’s first year went fast but, wow, it goes even faster with the second!

Rory is totally his own person and fits into our family like a perfect puzzle piece snapping just so into place. I couldn’t quite grasp how I could possibly have room in my heart for more love after having Jack and then the most miraculous thing happens and your heart doesn’t find space for more, it simply grows. Rory is so sweet and so silly and so smiley. He’s affectionate and maybe a little more introspective? It’s hard to believe he has only been here for a year– it’s like he was always a part of our family. I feel like I’ve known him my whole life.

Rory feels BIG! He LIGHTS up when he sees someone he recognizes– us, Jack, Teddy, his cousins, his grandparents, his aunts/uncles, his teachers. He communicates very well what he wants and when he wants it! He has a silliness that perfectly complements his sweetness. No one is more content to be included and to go along for the ride.

As a mom, there was something really wonderful about being able to do all the stages again with a little more perspective. I came out of the gate with a lot more confidence and knowledge and way fewer things to figure out. And then I knew just how fleeting it would all be. In the hard moments, I knew that they wouldn’t (couldn’t!) last forever. Which also made me appreciate all the wonderful parts. I could relish the newborn bubble schedule-less days knowing I wouldn’t always have the freedom of a sleepy newborn. I stressed way less about tracking wake windows and nap schedules (which was a huge stressor for me the first go ’round). One thing I found myself constantly repeating was that what makes a stage hard is also what makes it easy– so I try to keep my focus on the easiness of each stage while recognizing the hard parts will eventually end.

Where I felt like Jack and I were teammates figuring this whole thing out together, I got to slow down (as much as you can with a baby and toddler!) and enjoy everything so much more deeply with Rory. It’s been such a special year loving our little guy.

Some of Rory’s favorite things: Watching Jack, Teddy (really all dogs), “nanas,” peek-a-boo, “Row Row Row Your Boat” (which we have probably sung about 6,293 times since he was born), climbing, any toy that rattles when you shake it, and sticking his tongue out!