All mothers with a young one in their shopping cart at the grocery store hears the phrase, "He is adorable, how old is he?" The other day when asked this I smiled and quickly said "almost one". I kept walking and thought while continuing my Thanksgiving shopping... I can not believe my baby is almost one!
The last year was definately not what new parents expect, but in all of the craziness we sure had some amazing moments and could not be happier and prouder parents.
It is hard to look back and imagine how we made it through and how our little man was strong enough to amaze us at every obsticle. He has completely blown us away as well as most of the medical professionals involved with his care.
To be writting about my son and all the normal one year old activities and struggles he is having is not something I thought I would be doing. Many things have changed over the past 6 weeks since he made a huge step to recovery by getting his trach out. Here are a few of my favorite.
Freedom: Bennett didnt get to see much of the outside world with his trach, Since being trach free we have been to Seattle countless times visiting his many friends including Charli Miltenberger and Hadley Block. He has spent time with his Grandma & Grandpa Olsen and a been able to hang out with his cousins and Grandparents a lot down in Chehalis. Taking my son to the grocery store was something I thought would be magical at first but soon got difficult as I now have to make sure I drive far enough away from the shelves so he doesnt pull stuff into the cart.... something Bennett thinks is really funny...
Eating: Most of my waking time while he had his trach was trying to get Bennett to eat. Although he doesnt look like he ever missed a meal, it was very important to the Drs and nurses that we kept up his intake. Since then he eats fabulous, we have actually enjoy 3 meals a day of all sorts of fruits and veggies! He even enjoyed some mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving.
He likes to move it: Bennett is definately keeping us on our toes lately, He cruises along the couch and has learned how to pull himself up on everything including the dog (which actually thinks Bennett climbing on her is fun)
Giggles and sounds: He still has a lot to learn with his new voice and loves to yell really loud. But all the giggles definately make up for any crying or yelling that might have been a tiny bit more tollerable when he was more quiet :)
We are so happy that we are looking back at the last year with thankful hearts and excitement for all the years to come as a family!
All the Olsen Grandkids on Thanksgiving day!
Bennett at the Thanksgiving table at Grandma and Grandpa Jones'
Playing with Daddy and Uncle Kippy on Grandma & Grandpa Jones' new fun kid mat.
Bennett loves his Christmas hat... it will go great with his red reindeer sweater... I am blaming it all on Grandmama Jones
