FOREST TURNS ONE

I cannot believe that Forest has turned one! I can't believe how time has flown and still has managed to pack an endless amount of memories full of beauty, laughter and grief. Forest has been through so much in his first little year of his life, including having his world turned upside down when I had my stroke and we were separated at 9 months old ( I will be sharing my stroke story later) And still through all his trauma he has managed to remain and flourish into a bright, hilarious, beautiful, intelligent, determined, sensitive, absolutely wonderful little boy. I also want to share that we successfully made it to a year of breastfeeding despite all the obstacles presented with the stroke <3)

 I may be biased, but he is truly a treasure on earth, and brings joy and healing energy everywhere he goes. His smile shines brighter than anything I have ever beheld and every day I am still blown away by his existence. He loves nature (a child after my own heart), loves playing in the kitchen and is obsessed with balloons. He loves to be silly and make people laugh, will dance immediately upon hearing music (especially rap, go dad) and is super loving and cuddly. He is also stubborn, shy when he doesn't recognize somebody, and so determined and proud of himself when he accomplishes something new to him. His party basically turned out nothing like I had originally planned (I just didn't have it in me to do all that work at this stage in my recovery) BUT it was lovely nonetheless. Forest didn't nap well that day so he mostly stayed glued to me but he loved having everyone sing to him and especially loves playing with his cousins. I think his favorite part of the day though, was definitely cake! He didn't have much but devoured every bit that made it into his mouth! It was a great day and I'm happy that a lot of our family was able to make it down to celebrate with us. Now I get to look forward to the many years that are coming with my little boy :)