As Tucker turns one

Tucker turns one year old tomorrow. It has been quite the journey, but I am not sad. I would much rather have the years fly by than experience the alternative of never getting to celebrate his birthdays and milestones.

 It has been a very busy year. Tucker began teething at 15 weeks and subsequently has 14 teeth cut 1 day shy of his first birthday. Tucker has not been the healthiest child. He contracted RSV which then developed into pneumonia. After a couple weeks of 3-hour interval breathing treatments and a round of antibiotics he was finally starting to feel better; then came dual ear infections. He recovered then spiked a 105 fever upon returning from a trip home to visit my Mama. After an Easter Sunday trip to the emergency room and a half dozen tests we were sent home with "inconclusive results" about a week later he broke out in a rash and it was confirmed that he had Roseola. He kept the pattern going by developing another set of ear infections. We had a week or two of no sickness only to break out in a rash again. I took him to the doctor and was told he had symptoms of both Fifth Disease and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Nearly 4 weeks later he still has the cheek rash. The poor kid can't catch a break and is currently suffering from hay fever. Additionally, he is still undergoing helmet therapy. His soft spot has stopped closing. There are potential issues associated with this, but as long as we continue to get positive head growth I am okay  with the prolonged therapy and frequent appointments.

Often times I wonder why Tucker has so many issues and is frequently sick, but then I remind myself that Nick and I are able to care for him and deal with the emotional toll where others may not. I know the situation could be much worse, so I tend to just feel very blessed and enjoy each new days as it arrives.

Tucker's birthday party was supposed to be held yesterday, however due to my Great-Great's passing Tucker and I traveled to Idaho to attend the funeral, and are presently spending time with some family in Nevada before returning home. I have rescheduled Tucker's birthday party for the end of June. It's okay to have a 13 month birthday party, right? Of course it is!

 Motherhood has been filled with challenges and rewards. I don't think it is something you can prepare yourself for, it is a learn as you go process. Tucker is such a wonderful baby. He is extremely well behaved and very social. He has started walking (quite unsteadily) and is trying to talk. Each day I am amazed at all he has learned. I feel so honored to be his "Ma!"

I am looking forward to all his birthdays yet to come and all the milestones in between.