Happy First Birthday, Turtle! - The Technical Stuff

Well, here we are. As of April 29, Turtle has been with us for a full 365 days.

And what a joyful, wonderful 365 days they were.

I never in my life imagined that I would love another living creature as much as I love my little boy. He is such a sweetheart, such an amazing thing. I am in awe of his growth and his development. Watching him learn and absorb and just get through every day is one of the most beautiful things I have had the privilege to witness.

Last Friday, we took him to the cardiologist for his one year follow-up. At six months, the doctor found a 1.9mm nodule on his mitral valve. While it wasn't reason for alarm, it was something to be checked, so we had to return. Turtle did great through all the regular test and then it was time for his echo. They took lots and lots of pictures and readings, all while Turtle ignored Baby Einstein and tried to grab the wand. Such a stinker.

The verdict? The nodule reduced in size to less than 1 mm and is flattened. The cardio showed us that it is in fact a connector for one of Turtle's tendons. It's just in an unusual place. So his diagnosis was "Normal, but unique." I loved the sound of it.

Monday was the pediatrician appointment with Dr. V.

First up, the stats:
Height: 31.75" (95% and huge growth spurt)
Weight: 28.14lbs (97%)
Head Circ: 19.75 (97%)

His words are: dada, baba, cuckoo, buh-bye, uh-oh, duck (or dick or maybe dog), book/booka, mmmm (as in, MMMM, that looks yummy).

He is drinking 12oz of milk a day and down to one bottle at night. We are just using up his last container of formula on that bedtime bottle and then he's done. He has all 8 of his front teeth and his molars are about to start. He's cruising, and almostrightthere with walking. He's in size 24 months, although the pants can be long on him, and he's just perfect.

Dr. V is so happy with him. So are we.

Daddy and I love you sooo much, little man.