2/2/15

Three Years Ago Today, My Life Was Forever Changed...

Three years ago today (2/2/2012), at 8:04am, an eight-pound four-ounce twenty-one inch long, miracle let out a cry that brought tears to my eyes. My son was here. Safely delivered into this world via c-section. Three years later, I still can't express how great the emotions of excitement, gratitude, fear and happiness were.  I was officially a mother.



Oh. My. Goodness. That first year of motherhood was something else. I'm not sure I ever slept more than three hours straight! I know my son sure didn't. Ollie was never one for sleeping. The first few months he'd wake up every couple of hours through the night to nurse. I thought I would die. But no, it's entirely possible to survive with little to no sleep for months straight.

The most amazing thing about my son's first year of life was how much he accomplished.  He went from being a super slug to being the most animated and happy little baby. He went from exclusive breastfeeding to eating whole chicken breasts with half an avocado for dessert. He started cruising at 7-months, walked at 8-months then took off running at 10-months. Yes, running!

Taken on his 1st birthday.

From 12-months to 24-months, my son's WILD and super funny personality emerged. I always said he was an over-achiever, and he proved that when he started the 'terrible-twos' at 18-months!  He tested every limit he encountered, turned into a picky eater, and ran EVERYWHERE! Seriously. The boy had one gate, RUN!  Now that I think about it... he still runs everywhere!

Thankfully, being a mother got easier as the days went on.  I learned to stop second guessing myself about everything. Most of all, I learned to trust my instincts. We all fell into a nice routine and thankfully, SLEPT!

Then, my son turned two... holy crap what difference a year makes!


By the time he turned two he was a running, talking, wild-child force to be reckoned with! Being that Ollie had an extensive vocabulary by two, he was able to voice his wants, concerns and protests. Which, he did ALL DAMN DAY! He also learned to climb, throw, play soccer and went to play school (Mother's day out) at the church twice a week for the first time! (I got a MUCH needed break.)

Two was much easier than one, minus the wild tantrums, of course...

And so here were are, the first day of three... my heart is heavy with sadness that my baby is growing up, but super excited at the same time to see what the year brings. I pray that we continue to be blessed and healthy. I also pray that I have the strength and patience to survive the terrible threes without losing my shit... I've been warned enough times by been-there-done-that parents to know, three will be eventful...





April is an award-winning writer and blogger. Her work has been published in over ten countries and four languages. From books to newspapers, to print/online magazines and everything in between, you can find her work. For more on April, Visit AprilMcCormick.com

5 comments:

Layes Landing said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLLIE!! April this made me reminisce and shed a few tears. We are so lucky but it's passing by so fast. I sure do NOT miss those sleepless nights! The personality I am seeing now is daily entertainment for sure. THREE. Wow!

Nathalie said...

Happy birthday to all of you. You will lose your shit this next yar, I did more than I care to admit! My son turns 4 next month, the past year has been the hardest! Not only did the desire to do everything his way kick in,everything is up for debate in his mind, and he has become a masterful negotiator! He speaks with such clarity that there is NO mistaking what he is saying, which at times is embarassing in public as 3 year olds have no filter. (At other.times it's hilarious as he can get away with saying what grown ups can only think!) There is light as we head to 4, but we're not there yet. I have figured out ways to say yes, a lot, in orde to save my sanity. :) Oh, and this is why they sell wine in a box, not because it is good, because it has an ez pour spout.

Christy G said...

Happy Birthday Ollie.

I hope he had a great birthday.

Sorry kid, your mom doesn't play well with others said...

Aww. Watching little boys grow up is so much fun, exhausting, but fun! 3-4 for a boy is a great age, the cute clever schemes will keep you on your toes and always belly laughing....

Mrs. Loquacious said...

Happy belated bday Ollie! And I'm so excited to read about your adventures and shenanigans as you take on the world this year :)