The Hapa's

My mommy mantra is "this too shall pass". I repeat it to myself whenever things get tough around here with Kekoa. But I realized something today while reading Parenting magazine. This mom was talking about how everything is "just a phase" but it means the good stuff too. I never repeat "this too shall pass" for all the things I love about what Kekoa is doing because I don't want them to pass!

Looking back, 11 months was my most challenging month as a mommy and I know there will be many, many more challenges to come. The screaming during this time was really hard to cope with. We couldn't get mad at him because he was trying to communicate with us! Thank goodness now that Kekoa is mellowed out a bit with the screaming!

I am loving this phase that Kekoa is in now. This is what I love about 12 months...
I love that we play stuffed animals every morning when you wake up and after your nap.
I love that you are back to reading books. You definitely have your favorites that you go and find on the shelf. You also love to read whenever you wake up from your nap. You sit up so straight on the bed and point to your books. Your favorite right now is Moo Ba La La La.
I love that you love me so much right now, your kisses and hugs make my heart melt all the time. You crawl all over me and then give me the shoulder hug as you hang on. You are totally momtastic!
I love it that you have a machine gun laugh and your whole face lights up when I ask you if you wants to nurse. I'm taking it to mean yes!
I love that you have a preference as to which side you want to nurse on and will switch it up when you are ready. This is very different from before when I would switch you from side to side.
I love that you try to stand while you are nursing and end up in a downward dog position.
I love how you wave to everyone you see, including big trucks and cars that are passing by.
I love how you laugh when you see Bella.
I love how you want to visit Ava next door anytime we go outside.
I love how you gesture to the door every morning when it is time to get outside!
I love how you eat, how you push food into your mouth with the back of your hand and you'll stick your fingers in your mouth all the way to make sure the food is in there. You also make this really cute face with your lips as you eat.
I love how you are obsessed with your blue snack trap containing Cheerios and your sippy cup with water.
I love how you say good-bye to your bath toys and then snuggles in close.
I love it when you dance, you shake your little booty and it is the cutest thing.
I love that you are so affectionate, your hugs are the best and the way you rest your head on daddy and me just turn us both into butter.
I love to watch you and Kaiwei play. You guys are buddies.
I love that you are obsessed with Trader Joe's. You absolutely love going. You sit in the cart and point to all the murals on the wall, as you make your howling sound. You also wave to all the people in the store. Your favorite things are the balloons and the monkey that drops down into the bananas. We have spent many afternoons walking around Trader Joe's for entertainment! :)
I love how you chuck your toys out of the way when you are crawling for something.
I love the look of pride on your face when you have done something amazing.
I love how you and daddy make silly faces at each other.
I love your face when you are swinging so high in the sky and when you are sitting at the top of the slide, ready to go down on your own. You are fearless.
I love how much you love the water. We can't wait to take you to Hawaii, you are going to go nuts!
I love how right now you are taking 1 nap a day. Please don't curse me sleep goddess, but right now I am also loving that it isn't too hard to put you to sleep (most days).
I love that you are really communicating with us and that you understand a lot of what we are telling you! It is amazing.
I love how when you wake up from your nap, you sit up on the bed and look toward the door for us to come in.
I love your double chin and your soft thighs and feet.
I love your tan hands, from riding the bike with mama, and the crease on your wrist that is still white.
I love how you scream in frustration when a toy is only inches away, wanting us to get it for you ( we encourage you do get it on your own and you do)
I love how silly and goofy you are. You try to make us laugh!
I love your flirty face, your eyes get small and get a sweet smile on your face.
I love how much you want to eat tomatoes. You LOVE them, point to the tomatoes on the counter whenever you are in your highchair. You eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
I love how inquisitive you are. You have the cutest face when you are concentrating and figuring something out.
I love how you walk, well now you run too, when you push your wagon. Your little legs are too cute, the waddle you have makes me laugh, and the look of excitement on your face is priceless. You are super excited every time.

I can't think of one thing that I don't love about you Kekoa, even the screams because I know it is "just a phase" and "this too shall pass".

Kekoa is officially a toddler (he is still my little baby though), he took his first steps today! We were next door visiting Auntie Cassie and Ava. Kekoa always wants to go over and say hello. Anytime we go outside, he gestures to their door or window and waves frantically. Then when we walk downstairs, he looks up at their apartment and waves. It is really sweet.
Anyways, back to the first steps. Kekoa was pushing Ava while she sat on her school bus. She got a little ahead of him and Kekoa walked toward the bus! Cassie and I were talking and I looked at her and said, "Wait, did he just walk?" I ran to get my camera and we had Kekoa do it again. We both had tears in our eyes, tears of joy and excitement. Daddy is so bummed he missed it, but good thing I got it on video!

We are sooooo proud of you little man. I feel like now you have "graduated" from your first year by reaching this milestone. As Papa Beezy says, " It is a biggie!"