toddler baby boy

23/52

DenaJune 7, 2014

toddler baby boy

The 52 Week Project – A portrait of my son, once a week, every week, for one year.

23/52 — Baby boy playing in the yard. He truly loves being outdoors. When he is outside he shines — fascinated by the vastness of nature, exploring everything.

I am genuinely not sure where this past week went. Having a walking (and running!) one-year-old is like nothing I’ve experienced before. Where there used to be some downtime, now there is none. My days are non-stop. He is wild, into everything, and his temper has reached an all-time high. (The temper is mostly a result of the four teeth coming through at once — so much fussiness.)

I am discovering a whole new world of day-time exhaustion. When my head hits the pillow at night, I fall asleep (rather than thinking for 30-45 minutes as I usually do). It’s an experience I’ve never known before — a tired that outweighs even my night-time anxiety!

Yesterday, for the first time in thirteen months, I wanted to get away from him. I just needed a break. I couldn’t take one more hour of the disobedience, the crying, and the fussing. Gratefully, I got that break when I went to the drive-in movies with a friend. Of course I started missing him after an hour, but I also enjoyed the time apart. I know that it is healthy and necessary, for both our sakes.

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Comments (6)

  • Misty

    June 7, 2014 at 4:20 pm

    ooooohhh girlfriend…welcome! crazy how many phases you enter into as parents..it’s not just them that go through them, right? Mia is starting a daycare/preschool summer fun program in 9 more days and I CAN’T WAIT!!! I’m SO SO SO SO SO ready! I’m absolutely going to miss her, but omg give me a break! It’s only 3 days a week for 3 hours (9am-12pm) and is literally within a mile of my house. AND, she needs it too. We’re both ready. These kids can sense when we get too comfortable and then they turn it up a notch! Wouldn’t trade it in for anything, but I totally get ya. But I have to say, (at least this is what I’ve experienced)…in a few months or maybe closer to age 2 they are able to hold their own a little better…don’t get into as much trouble, are more aware of boundaries (not perfect), and stop putting everything in their mouth (almost everything) and are a bit more independent. You’ll get a little bit more freedom back where you can just sit back and watch rather than follow closely behind. Mia doesn’t take off in the store like she used to, she understands staying by mommy. She follows directions better (not great, but better). One day at a time, right? 🙂

    1. Dena

      June 11, 2014 at 1:14 pm

      One day at a time is right! It really has been challenging recently. And you are soooo right about the phases. Holy moly! It’s one thing after another and there is no braking, no slowing down. I’m just trying to hold on tight and enjoy the ride… easier said than done! 😉

  • Kay

    June 8, 2014 at 12:29 pm

    He is so cute.

    I totally get you about wanting to get a break, it’s so necessary sometimes! It’s always nice having a break, but I swear only a couple minutes pass before you start missing them.

    1. Dena

      June 11, 2014 at 1:14 pm

      Thank you, love. Glad I’m not alone! xo

  • Tina

    June 9, 2014 at 10:10 pm

    Can’t get over how gorgeous your photos are. If you lived near me I’d be requested a photo shoot immediately! Time apart is so healthy. A happy and sane mother is a good mother!

    1. Dena

      June 11, 2014 at 1:15 pm

      Oh, Tina… I would LOVE to do a photo shoot with you guys. <3 Maybe one day. We're not THAT far apart! 😉

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