Dominic turns 1 and the World as we know it is no more

Dominic turned one a few weeks ago. Usually a first birthday comes and goes, there is a party, and parents (I mean me) weep because their baby isn't a baby anymore! We had those milestones and a few more. There has definately been some noticeable changes is our house.

Dominic:

1. The morning of his first birthday he woke up and knew he was one. He was no longer a baby. He now has to be a "tough guy." It's almost like he stood up that fateful morning and puffed out his chest declaring "I am man, hear me roar!" He no longer takes attitude from his brother. Ashton used to knock him down and take toys from him, but not so easily anymore. Dominic will attack if he is provoked or if he just feels like it. He will slap with both hands (hard I might add speaking from personal experience), scratch out your eyes (Ashton has battle wounds on his eyelids), push you down, and take what ever he wants. All while screaming at the top of his little lungs.

2. Walking is not good enough. Must climb. Must climb EVERYTHING. The entertainment center, onto Ashton's bed (while falling in the process and getting stuck in between the bed and toy box), any stepstool or anything that remotely resembles a stepstool (such as trying to stand on the back of a little tykes chair - no standing on the chair itself is not good enough, must stand on back of chair, fall, cry, get up and repeat), any stairs that can be found anywhere we go, and the favorite dining room chairs (which he knock over, tries to climb up, often gets some sort of his body stuck, mommy rescues, knocks chair over again - you get the picture).

3. Fruits, veggies, and anything remotely gooey in my hands beware, I will feed you to the dog. Dom has always been picky, but it has gotten out of control lately. Even if he likes what his is eating, it is one bite for Dom, one bite for Monty (the dog), one bite for Dom, one bite for Monty. You get the picture.

4. Let's Mommy and Daddy hold him. This by far is my favorite change. He has never, never, NEVER wanted to be held before. I don't count holding while walking around the room consoling. I mean sitting down and cuddling. I LOVE it! I always thought the kid didn't like Paul or I becuase he wouldn't let us hold him. But now he wants to be held all the time (even if it is only for a minute!).

Ashton:

1. Has reverted back to calling me Mama instead of Mommy. I think he just imitating Dom, but it is kind of funny to hear an almost three year old calling Mama all the time.

2. Is also on a fruit and veggies strike. In fact, if I try to sneak some in and he realizes it, he spits it out. I made Chicken and Dumplings, one of his favorite dishes, and at the bottom of his bowl was every kernal of corn I had given him. This makes cooking extremely difficult.

3. Has finally mastered the concept of hide-and-go-seek. Before he always looked for us while he was counting and never understood how to hide himself. Now he wants to play all the time. He has gotten so good that it can take me a few minutes to find him. That's a pretty good feat for a two yr old!

4. Has learned to cooperate and play with Dom. This may have something to do with Dom's new attitude, but I'll take it any way I can. They used to fight constantly, and now there are periods of time where they sit and play together. The other day Ashton was playing with Dom's Barney computer and Dom wanted it. So Ashton set it up for him and went and got his own Thomas computer and set it up next to Dom. They sat there right next to each other playing so well. It melted my heart.

I have had a very bad week. I am exhausted. I have gotten frustrated with the kids too many times to count, probably because of lack of sleep. Dominic has been sick (which he woke up today acting like the happy Dominic I know and love, but wasn't sure still existed). When Dom is sick the world must cater to him at his every waking second. He cries, cries, and cries some more. Ashton is extremely jealous that Dominic is getting so much attention. It takes a toll on me. But just when I feel overwhelmed Dominic smiles and claps his hands for me, or Ashton sings Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and kisses my forehead. They bring me back to reality and make me realize just how lucky I am. I really am lucky, I have a wonderful family.



Who wouldn't love these munchkins!