Levi at One Year

Our last baby is one! Such a bittersweet moment closing the door on the baby stage! I rocked him extra long on his last night before his birthday, but I was happy to see he was still the same chubby baby in the morning. I think one is such a fun age - they learn so much, are so silly and grow so much during this year. One thing to note about Levi's first year is that he has missed out on many "firsts" most babies experience due to Covid. I'm making a list of "firsts" for him that we'll start marking off once it is safe to do so. Some days I feel sad that he's missed out so far, but he's also experienced some good things unique to his first year, too.

Weight: 21lbs (not much of a gain since 9 months, but he walks from sun up to sun down, so he's definitely working off his calories)

Eating: nursing 4 times per day, eating regular finger foods.

Sleeping: 2 naps (9 and 1) and sleeps through the night. Early riser (around 6am)

Teeth: 6 teeth he has had for months, but he has a few teeth (including molars) breaking through right now

Activity: Levi has been walking since he was about 11 months. He walks all of the time, everywhere. He prefers to walk around carrying things, so our floors our covered in random items he's deposited. His item of choice is a big stick. He claps and points, but doesn't wave. He gets into everything. I wanted to avoid installing baby proof locks on cabinets (we're using rubber bands where possible) but we caved and added a few drawer locks. He enjoys getting into the shower, turning on the hot water in the tub, splashing in toilets, sneaking up the stairs, etc.

Social: Poor Levi doesn't have much exposure to people outside of our house, so he's pretty quiet and stoic when around strangers. He'll need to be in a "Covid baby therapy group" in a few years. He enjoys playing with his siblings and they can crack him up sometimes. Tonight he was brining everyone their shoes before bed. He's perfected the mouth open stare...he has his mouth open 90% of the time. He can mostly say "mama", "dada", "nigh nigh" (he says that when I put him in his crib), and "ba" for ball.

Likes: walking, snacking, being held by Daddy specifically, "milk" (nursing), carrying things, music, books especially flap books (favorites are "Did You Peekaboo?, a lift the flap book, and a search and find book), baths/water/splashing, animals/dogs, snuggling (finally!), playing games, being outside

Dislikes: longer car rides (he hasn't been on many), strangers, not snacking, not walking, Jonas "helping" him, not being allowed to eat dirt and rocks.

Here's hoping for a more normal next year for you, sweet boy! Keep on enjoying life, baby!