Today I’m taking a break from the Carnival of Maternity Leave to celebrate baby Jacob’s birthday. He was born at 3:11pm on August 13, 2008. I can’t believe it’s already been a year!
I considered a few ways to go here. I could wax poetic about all that’s happened during the past year. I could talk about how this day last year felt to me, when I welcomed my son. (Although, if you want to know more about that you can go back and read all three parts of his birth story.) Or I could talk about the changes Jacob has brought to our family. Instead, I decided to share with you what Jacob is like right now. What it’s like to live with my one-year-old.
Jacob’s little feet on the day he was born
Jacob is very different from Hannah. He’s deliberate and focused on a whole other level. I find his level of concentration surprising for a one-year-old. For example, he will play for 5 minutes straight with a toy and bucket. The toy goes inside the bucket. The toy comes out. They switch hands. The toy goes back in. There is shaking of both objects separately, and together. He wants to know everything he can about the toy and the bucket.
Jacob will do his own thing. Of course he’s only one so he’s not exactly heading to the store to pick up milk, but he will play independently for 10 or 15 minutes at a stretch. Trust me when I say that this is a huge bonus for me. He’ll even do things like wander off in pursuit of adventure. Then he’ll hide and wait for me to find him. When I finally spot him around the corner of the bed he breaks into peals of laughter. He sets the tone of the play and chooses the game.
Jacob’s little foot at 11 1/2 months
The concentration and independence have been a dangerous combination. When Jacob is engaged in independent concentration he discovers all kinds of new ways to put himself at risk. For example, he climbs up and down stairs. He can open the toilet lid and the sliding screen door. He’s figured out that if he shakes the cupboard door enough it defeats the babyproofing latch we have in place. He will crawl into the kitchen while I’m cooking, get up on Hannah’s step stool, and stand at the counter. His abilities far outstrip his ability to understand the risk he’s putting himself in.
Jacob is friendly and easy going. He seems to believe that everyone loves him and he knows how to turn on the charm, too. He hangs out in the baby carrier and he naps on my back. He eats quickly and well, and while he loves me he’s also happy with most any other adoring audience he can track down. I had a lot of fears about having a second baby, but for the most part my little man has made it easy. Part of it is that I am more relaxed, but I have to give Jacob his due. He’s content to be along for the ride as long as you throw the occasional smile or piece of banana his way.
Jacob with his favourite stick in the garden
Jacob is starting to assert his will. He’s learned a few sounds (I would hesitate to call them words) that he uses to communicate his desire. If he’s upset or wants me he yells. He points at things that interest him and cries if something is taken away. He will bat your hand away or try to escape if you’re doing something he doesn’t like, such as washing his face. He’s a fledgling toddler and he’s not shy about letting you know if he’s unhappy.
Jacob took his first steps on Sunday, but hasn’t tried walking since. Although he’s been cruising around holding onto furniture for 4 months he’s hesitant to walk unless he’s holding on to something. It surprises me given his complete lack of caution on every other front. He waves and he claps. He has 6 teeth and crazy hair. And he is totally amazing. This past year has gone way, way, way too fast. Happy birthday to my boy! 
Happy Birthday, big boy!
happy birthday jacob!!! and great work on his first year amber =)
happy birthday:) they grow to fast
A year already! Happy Birthday!
Awww, so sweet! Happy birthday little one!
Happy birthday Jacob! This is a beautiful tribute, and I don’t just say that because I’ve got a soft spot for 1 year olds AND cute baby feetsies pictures!!
Exciting
Somehow time does fly by. Happy 1st birthday Jacob!
Jacob sounds exactly right! What a cutie patootie, and I am charmed by him even just by reading your description. Happy Birthday Jacob!
(Your tribute has me all mushy with fond baby memories…. sniff….)
Happy Birthday Jacob! (we’re still waiting for our little guy,
but I’m surrendering myself to the baby . . . what else can I do?)
Anyway, my good friend’s second baby reminds me of your Jacob; she’s focused, able to occupy herself, and is just so at peace . . . my friend wonders whether her second daughter’s temperament has to do with her own relaxed approached to parenting the second time around as well as with her easy pregnancy. I’m not sure . . . though both of your kids make me wonder whether this could influence our babes,
Anyway, happy birthday again. He’s so beautiful and a real charmer too.
Looks like you have a future gardener on your hands! Happy b-day, Jacob!
Awww! Happy Birthday!
My son is not as patient or content but he too learned how to un-child-proof something, such as the door locks! He figured if you hit the childproof door knob cover hard enough or found a butter knife or something similar you could bust if off the door knob and escape into the road.
Enjoy his second year!!
Happy Birthday, Jacob!
Happy Birthday Jacob!
It’s amazing how different your second can be from your first. Amelia is doing many things similar to her sister at that age but she also has her own unique personality traits coming through
Happy one-year to both (well, all four) of you. He looks eminently squishable.
Happy birthday Jacob! I wish you and your mommy could have a playdate with my one-year-old and me
A very happy birthday! August 13th kids are awesome. My girl was born today too.
Happy Birthday Little Guy!
Happy Birthday Jacob!
Doesn’t look like Little Miss is going to share they day but they’ll be so close and its so cool being in early labour and seeing what 1 year old looks like!
Happy birthday!
What a gorgeous boy! How quickly a year passes by. Happy Birthday!
I’m sure he’s right, and everyone in fact loves him: he looks so very lovable! This is such a sweet description of your little boy and what he’s like, made me smile. But where’s the crazy hair? I see beautiful blond angelic hair! Happy birthday, and happy weekend.
That’s so cool that Jacob shares the same birthday as me. I’ll never forget his birthday now.
Great post and a wonderful description of your little baby. Time goes by so fast doesn’t it?
Noah says “Happy Birthday Jacob…and can you give me some pointers on that walking thing? …oh, and I saved you some of my banana from lunch.”
Noah’s mom says, “awwww, how sweet is that!! I love your detailed description of your little boy. Happy birthday Jacob, and happy anniversary of being mama to two monkeys, Amber!”
.-= Michelle´s last post ..A Surprise Vacation =-.
Happy birthday to your son!