Bink’s First Year–Did Do’s
Bink’s first birthday is tomorrow. Emotionally I swing back and forth between being so excited for my handsome, wonderful, glorious little trouble-maker (who, by the way, it totally walking now. So. Much. Trouble.) and being overwhelmed at how quickly this first year went. I wish that I had focused more on him. I wish I’d slowed down and just enjoyed being with him when he was so small. I wish I hadn’t fantasized about sleep so much and savored our middle of the night cuddles (I’m still working on this one). It’s amazing the sources of guilt being a Mommy opens up for you.
Instead of wallowing in regret about all things I coulda-woulda-shoulda done this past year, I decided to focus on all the great things we did this year with Bink. For those of you not familiar with the Rookie Moms, their website and book
So, looking back on my first year of Mommyhood, here’s a list of ten of my favorite Did Do’s…
1. Took a Walk
I know it doesn’t sound like much, but I was a brand new Mommy. Just getting that tiny boy out the door and into the stroller was nerve racking. Bink was only about a week and half old at this point.
2. Went to the “Beach”
We live near the Chesapeake Bay and our neighborhood backs up to one of the tributaries. There’s a little beach about a block from out back yard. We took Bink and K a few times last summer and spent Memorial Day down there this year. It’s very quiet, the water is shallow, and both of my beautiful children love being in the water.
3. Took lots of pictures
(If you are reading this through a Reader, you may need to come visit the site to see the two videos below.)
Bink’s first photo shoot
Bink’s photo shoot at Grandma’s
I have THOUSANDS (and I mean probably like 25,000) pictures of Bink’s first year. Once I learned that my camera had a constant shooting mode, it was all over. I heart pictures.
4. Went to Washington, D.C. on the Metro
It never occurred to me that this was a weird idea, or that Bink was “too little” until people commented afterward. Looking back now, he does look like a tiny thing there doesn’t here. He just seemed like a baby to me. What did I know, I’d been a Mommy for five minutes? I still think have baby, will travel!
5. Went hiking
Hubby and I took her engagement/Save the Date card photos here and I just love it. K loved getting to swim under a waterfall. Bink did not love the freeze water (I dipped one of his toes in), but loved being outside. He still does. Nothing like a little fresh air to soothe the savage beast…er, baby.
6. Went to the Baltimore Ravens training camp
Hubby was thrilled to see the Ravens practicing. He’s slightly obsessed. We have a purple basement. And a gold fireplace. And a black bulkhead. Now we also have an Ravens baby bottle autographed by Todd Heap (HEEEEEEEEEEEEAP!) It’s the closest I’ve ever seen Hubby to starstruck.
7. Went to a college and a professional football game
My alma mater, Coastal Carolina University, was playing a near-by college. We put on our Coastal finest and I made Bink that crazy hat (our mascot is a Chanticleer, the roster from the Canterbury Tales). He loved the game, but was mostly interested in the jumbo-tron.
After such a successful college football experience, we tried taking Bink to a Ravens game. FAIL. He hated everything and he and I spent the first half in the ladies room (ie. the only place quiet enough to suit him). He rallied for half time and then slept the rest of the game. Maybe we’ll try again this fall.
8. Celebrated Halloween
All month long! Decorating the lawn, going “Trunk or Treating” with friends, picking out the perfect pumpkin, and Trick or Treating on the big day. He actually hated the Trick or Treating part, but it may have been that it was unusually warm (in the 70′s) in October and he was wearing the warmest dragon costume on earth.
9. Went shopping on Black Friday
Bink was a trooper! Up at 5 a.m. (not that he isn’t always) and on the way to Target. Christmas gifts all around!
10. Played in the snow
Snow-pocolyse hit the East Coast. We snuggled inside mostly, but did venture out to let Bink and K play in the snow from time to time.
What’s on your Did Do List?
*Also, just a reminder. Any links marked with * are affiliate links. If you purchase anything through the link, I make a couple of cents.
RookieMom Heather
June 1st, 2010 @ 5:31 pm
Super adorable. I like to say that the days drag on but the years fly by. So true! The first year is a huge milestone FOR YOU. Congratulations on making it there in style.
Emily
June 1st, 2010 @ 8:16 pm
What a great idea! Those pictures are too cute – especially the Halloween one. Your little boy is adorable!
@Maybelline_V
June 1st, 2010 @ 9:21 pm
I love pictures! you get to re-live the good moments all over again! wonderful!! In our list don’t have that many sports involved!! Hubby is no a big fan of sports, he understands them, has played them once or twice, but that’s it and so do I. We did lots of things (including a weeding and the beach) For the list I have an out of the country trip.. first time flying, halloween of course, Thanksgiving, my birthday, christmas and new year’s eve (since the first time he was in the NICU) and first 4th of july (I already got the shirt from Kohl’s)
Caitlin
June 3rd, 2010 @ 12:52 pm
Aww, that’s quite the list! Those first holidays with the cute little outfits/shirts are so much fun!
Caitlin
June 3rd, 2010 @ 12:53 pm
Thank you! That’s so true, those days did seem so long (and the nights), but I can’t believe it’s been a year already.