I Survived the First 15 Months!
A few days back little Ricky reached the 15 month mark. The has been both the fastest and longest 15 months of my life! Everyone tells you how rewarding it is to raise a baby, but honestly it is very difficult to see it while it is happening; but it becomes clearer in hindsight.
One interesting thing that came out of the Covid-19 pandemic is that the babies are a little bit different. This is presumably because of the lack of socialization that most children have during their first year in normal times. For one, they are learning words a bit later and are much more prone to separation anxiety.
We were a bit concerned to start with because he seemed to be late saying is first words. We started talking to other parents around the neighborhood who had kids about Ricky's age, and they were all saying the same thing. Their kids were also not saying a single clear word. It made us feel a bit better, but we finally got even more convinced that everything was to be expected after talking to the doctor.
One Year Visit to Doctor
Amanda went to see her doc that delivered the baby and voiced her concerns. Immediately, the doctor told her that every single child that she had delivered around the middle of last year is not speaking yet - or less than expected. It was a relief to hear that it was super common!
To be fair, he is saying a whole lot, just no complete words like mommy or daddy. He says something that sounds like 'gan-ad' when grand dad gets on Skype from England. He is also sings 'pup pup pup' when the Puppy Dog Pals cartoon comes on. It's his favorite.
The most difficult part of this whole thing has been the fact that I cannot leave the room or do pretty much anything other than play with him or he screams. This includes posting on Hive or doing any kind of computer work. His little paws never leave the keyboard! I am basically a full time dad these days which is why you haven't seen me around here much.
It is true what they say about being a full time parent. It is a 24 hour a day job. Well, except for about 1/2 an hour before I go to bed, and after he has gone to sleep - which happens to be right now as I type this!
On the up side, it has been nice to see that the crypto market and Hive have been doing well. Fingers crossed we can keep up the momentum! I would love to see Hive get over a dollar and actually stay there for a while.
Me and my girlfriend have discussed enlarging the family... personally it is a bit scary not because of the responsibilities acquired and how you become the ghost of your past to be the present of your children, but also because of the money side. We're not looking for them, but if it happens, we will welcome him/her with open arms.
As you say, 24 hour job and definitely 15 months of it... wow, you must be thrilled. Great pic that one in the sand by the way :D
It's pretty much what they all say... So rewarding, but exhausting at the same time. I've never felt so tired in my life. It is true that I'm getting older, but it is definitely not just that.
The one thing that I didn't anticipate (but seems obvious now) is how you have to be so alert all the time. I swear, this little boy tries to kill himself all day long. I often wonder how children survived back in the hunter gatherer days.
But yes, I am thrilled and wouldn't change it for anything! Perhaps I would add a bit more sleeping time though...
This article was perfect and absolutely adorable your baby's picture. Awe, so sweet.
Thanks for stopping by! He is definitely a cutie (lucky for him) lol...
Great to hear from you again, Rick, after a absence - I've been there a long time ago with my two sons, so I know how it is. But be prepared, I still have to be the dad to my 46 year old, and to my (born a generation later) 23 year old. The funny part of this is, if I compare their pics as children, they look like twins! 2 different mothers, but I guess my genes .... and yes, my attitude, so they were both very hard to handle.
Cheers and enjoy it while you can. Before long he is going to be bigger than you and beat you arm-wrestling, like, my older one became a martial arts expert and beat me in the basement gym, so that was the end of challenges.
I am in the same boat, Otto! My oldest son is 25 and my youngest is 15 months. I am pretty much of the realization that I'm going to be doing this for the rest of my life! As long as I can get in shape and stay healthy I think I'll be fine. This past sleepless year has really taken a toll on my health. I have to do something about it. I am pretty sure he'll be beating me at arm wrestling. haha! I am out of shape.
Your boy is really cute. I can imagine how joyfully it would be to be a daddy. I know someday, sometime, I will be one.
Thanks, buddy. It is a lot of work, but I would not want to have it any other way.
Yeah, it requires a lot of work but on the other hand, it is fun.😊
Oh my word!! How ultra cute is Ricky!! I heard that COVID babies and toddlers are developing a bit slower than usual due to the lock down and lack of interaction with other kids and people, so maybe that explains why he isn't speaking much yet. In fact it's confirmed by your doctor now, so you don't need to worry!
Thanks! He is super cute. I know that it is because he is my son, but when I see other babies I say, "He is not as cute as little Ricky".. haha!
Yeah, I think it's just a matter of time before he is talking and catching up. It has been a rough year for sure.
Well-done you are a great dad
Thanks! It's hard but I am hanging in there.
You are welcome, you will pull through by God's grace
I can't imagine how busy you must be with all of this new responsibility! I am glad that you were able to carve out a little time for yourself. I won't pretend to know what I am talking about, so I am going to refrain from giving you any advice. Hopefully the little one can learn to self soothe soon and you will be able to start having a moderate amount of more freedom!
haha, @bozz it is a learn as you go sort of thing. You basically question every move that you make. I can't help but think of things that my parents said to me that stuck with me for my entire life. Some good, some bad. It makes you really think before saying something. On the other hand, if you are in a bad mood and blurt out something you didn't mean, it makes you worry about the long term effects.
The biggest thing is patience. I am doing my best to cultivate it. But it's hard when he is throwing his wet food across the room. ahha!
Haha, I can only imagine! Patience something that I am definitely lacking. I bet my dog could write a book about all of the things that I say to or around her. It sounds like you are navigating this chapter of your life really well. That's something to be really proud of!
So cute😍😍
Thank you!!