One year old
Today was Mr P’s first birthday. One year old.
Over the past few months, he’s transformed from a little blob to a person.
He’s such a happy boy, he waves at people who pass by, with a quiet ‘ha-wa’. He loves pushing his toy car around, and playing peekaboo on the couch (he hides in the cushion).
His favourite food is kimchi pancakes, followed closely by sticky sushi rice, and then mums sweet potato cakes. Also, yoghurt, prawn crackers, and anything else we are eating.
He enjoys outings with me, we go to lunch together, and try new food. He’s very popular with wait staff, he’s even gotten free food because he’s so cute.
We’ll go to the park and he’ll find seeds and leaves on the ground and give them to me. He likes climbing up the slide and then slowly slipping backward down them on his belly. His favourite is the swing, he loves it.
His favourite colour is red. He loves red cans of soft drink and often takes them out of the recycling.
His favourite toy is a small Akai piano. I bought a second set of rechargable batteries so they never run out.
He plays with our dog, B, and gives her toys she shouldn’t have, giggling to himself. He climbs on his A frame, but most of all he loves climbing the stairs.
His best day naps are in the car with dad. So, I’ve done 20,000km since he arrived, and I work from home!
He loves the happy birthday song, and ‘Here comes P’ sung to the tune of ‘Here comes Santa Claus’ while being bounced up and down, as well as ‘The Duke of York’ sung by Nanny. His sleep song is ‘Waltzing Matilda’.
His favourite bath toy is the lid from the soap bottle. He likes to snap it shut over and over.
He’s turned our lives upside down, and we’ve developed new ways of living.
Its been a very challenging, very rewarding 365 days.
Some days feel like they will never end, and sometimes I feel like I cant possibly get up tomorrow and do it all again.
But I do, and there’s sparks of joy in the most unexpected places that make it worth it.
I feel that Mr P and I have developed a strong bond over the past few months, and I’m so proud of him.
Being a Dad has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I feel like I spent years preparing for it, but I’ve still expanded my capabilities far more in the last 12 months.
My wonderful wife T has been amazing, she has such determination and strength of mind and body, I am very fortunate to be on this journey with her, I don’t think I could do it with anyone else.
I’m not a natural Dad, I’ve never been around kids until I had my son. T has encouraged me to Dad in a way that feels right to me, and I’m getting into my stride now.
I’m very grateful to have such a wonderful family.
Happy birthday my little green sheep. I love you very much.