What a Difference (less than) a Year Makes

The 1st shot is from Oct. 2007 & the next one is from July 4th 2008.

I cannot get over how different of a little boy he is in such a short amount of time. I know this basically stems from his birthday approaching & how much time I feel has passed so quickly and, my word, how much time is still left with him to learn & grow & explore and continue to play with water! It really blows my mind this "growing up" business these kids are into these days. I wish I could better express myself but it's a combination of the first year being so quick & full of wonder at every corner and then the second year settling into your life together, with solid routines & schedules and events and fun adventures and yet every day there is something to marvel at. And then, it hits you that this little boy standing in front of you, swiping a spider web away and saying "bye bye bug" is the same little boy who used to laugh himself silly over the puppets on Baby Einstein and that tomorrow and next year I will be remembering the little boy that is now and I have no idea what I will be doing with him then! Although, I'm pretty sure it will involve water, that much I can be sure of.

I've been doing a lot of thinking (read: stressing) about Birthdays, our children's birthdays more specifically & I'm amazed that some parents don't make big deals out of them (and I am not thinking of anyone I know, just in general) and it kind of sort breaks my heart for some strange reason. And this coming from the person who really didn't enjoy her birthday OR being sang to BUT I really enjoy the thought of Celebrating (with a capital C) the year that was and the year that is to be. There so much that they've accomplished & become that how can you not bake them a cake (or get your sister to!) & shower them with love and wishes and icing and toys they don't really need but good lord do you see how much fun he's having with them??? It makes me heart swell in places I didn't even know I existed.

And I just might be a hugely sentimental person who loves to look back over the years & see how far we've come & how far we've gone and who's been there with us year after year after year (...bobbing head..) and I just might be a person who loves to get together to celebrate all of that TOGETHER. Is this really surprising anyone? This feeling manifests itself in my work with Creative Memories (hello!), my Freak Gatherings, my need to Tour & continue to hit certain venues with certain people...it's all a part of Me...

...and the year between my son's 12th month & his 24th month is something to Celebrate people!

...and to think this started out innocently enough with just wanting to post those two pictures side-by-side to show how much he's changed and how much he's stayed the same.

All I know is I cannot wait to watch everyone (but Nana & Mama who are smarter than the average bears) get hosed down from the feet to the sky by a Fellow with a Hose next summer. I think we're going to be in trouble then. I think not only will he be beyond operating the hose properly but he will be able to unlock the door with a key he's stashed away somewhere outside & bring that hose inside with purpose & intention.

I'll be waiting with a towel & a camera. That much I do know.