Our bubbly, cheeky little monkey is one! And what year it has been. Joshua, or “Joshy” as we call him, is our feisty bruiser who is just the sweetest, toughest little guy around. I can honestly say that the first year of his life has absolutely flown by, it’s been an interesting, tumultuous one, with no dull moments, that’s for certain.
Life with two boys is exciting, wondrous and full of precious moments but at the same time; utterly exhausting. Some days I fall asleep after putting the boys to bed before 8pm, and other days I go wild and watch an episode of something of telly with a glass of wine (and probably pass out half way through!) How times have changed from the carefree pre-kid days, but I honestly wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.
So our sweet angel is one, and because of the current global pandemic situation; we obviously couldn’t celebrate the way we would have liked to- but we actually ended up having a marvellous day- just the four of us. The weather was absolutely perfect, especially for April in England! A gloriously sunny spring day- and what better way to celebrate the occasion- a braai of course.
We were actually meant to be in Ireland with Donal’s parents for the Easter break, but all flights cancelled and no one going anywhere, home it was. We were naturally upset that we couldn’t be with family, but accepted that it was most certainly for the best. So Donal took the day off work, and we made the most of it. Joshua enjoyed his first ever bit of refined sugar with a piece of chocolate cake. He was rather indifferent to be honest! Spat most of out! Not like the rest of us who gleefully scoffed it up.
Joshy is such a little man. He’s adorably strong-willed, and now that he’s starting to understand and communicate more, his personality is shining through. He loves to be around his family, and is often seen playing on the kitchen floor at mom’s feet with pots and pans, and a wooden spoon to bang with, while dinner is being prepared. He loves a cuddle and a dance and laughs with his whole being.
Because of the virus, we haven’t had the opportunity to have Joshy’s one year review, but I can estimate that he’s on the big side and he’s doing well! He’s taken his first steps- shortly after his first birthday and is walking with increasing confidence. He still loves a good crawl, because at the moment, it’s way quicker! In fact, he’s a little rocket on all fours. He loves his food and eats like an champion. Some of his favourites include: spaghetti bolognese and other pastas, porridge with all kinds of berries and chia seeds, tomatoes, cucumber, yoghurt, cheese and chicken. He loves his protein and often goes for all the meat first, and then the carbs. He also likes his veggie crisps, broccoli, cauliflower and bananas. He’s not very keen on carrots or pears at the moment, but we’ll keep trying. He much prefers to feed himself, and we let him at it. He uses a spoon and fork, but the mess is something else! When he’s finished eating, he’ll pull his bib off and chuck any food left on his plate as far as he can, and often the plate and cutlery too! (We’re working on this!)
Josh is able to follow simple instructions like putting a toy in a box, or wiping his tray. He points to things he wants and shouts very loudly when he doesn’t get his way! He says, “no, no, no” and shakes his head to disagree and lifts his hands up excitedly when he concurs! He knows our ‘names’ and looks at mom, dad or Matty when prompted. He enjoys reading stories, listening to action nursery rhymes and is beginning to join in too. He loves to play hide and seek and is great at finding his hiding brother- who finds this game highly amusing. It’s very sweet to hear them giggling together. Water is a huge hit, he loves to splash about in the bath, at the kitchen sink or with the water troughs.
He plays alongside his brother, who is ever so patient and kind with him. Allowing him to join in games, often wrecking towers he’s spent meticulously constructing, but rarely loses his cool. In fact, he said just yesterday, he likes it when Joshy is awake so they can play together because it’s so much more fun. Don’t get me wrong, they have their tiffs, where Matty is sometimes a bit heavy handed, or Joshy takes Matt’s favourite ankylosaurus, but on the whole, they’re grand.
Josh is now in his own room, and he’s starting to sleep better. Waking on average once a night. He still enjoys his mama’s milk, which is probably why he’s still waking, but it’s not too bad. He seems to have dropped his second nap already and tends to have one long one around 11am. Both my boys are early risers, so as long as I don’t go to bed too late, we’re ok. Although, we’ve had a couple of pre 5am wake ups, which can be pretty rough.
On the whole, Joshy is a smiley, loving little boy who gives the most heart-melting cuddles. We love him beyond words and I simply can’t believe our baby is a year old already.
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