Our New Jag turns one!

I can barely think about how happy Joaquin makes me without it bringing tears to my eyes.  I’ve learned a whole new kind of love this past year since he’s been in my life.  It’s a feeling I can’t even describe and I can’t believe that every parent in the world feels this same overwhelming happineess for their children because it feels so unique to me. But I know that every parent really does.  I mean, even my parents!  They feel the same love for me that I feel for Joaquin?  That’s so weird and something I’ve taken for granted too long.  Joaquin is the reason this lovely blog got started.  I ventured into motherhood with “Our New JAG” and I had to write about it. So why a tribute to my son?  Because he’s one today of course!  A whole year has gone by and in spite of every challenge and change I’ve faced, I’m pretty sure it’s been the best year of my life because of him!

Joaquin’s my son, he is my joy.

His giant brown eyes I’ll forever adore.

I love to hear his little giggle

While daddy tosses him, plays and tickles.

My favorite’s when his eyes lock mine,

And then he smiles every time.

Or when he comes to me for a quick hug,

But I don’t let go as much as he tugs.

It’s true I wish my boy liked to be held

But instead he likes running and walking all by himself.

Except for when daddy takes me in his arms,

Then comes the jealous one from no matter how far.

While he may be independent he still needs his mom

He finally cries when I leave, a bittersweet sound.

He may be one wearing clothes for age two

But he’s our “Little Beast” and you’d love him too.

When we say “un besito” and he gives us a kiss

to the memories I’ll begin to list:

From the day he was born and wanted skin on skin

But the second I held him, my anesthetics kicked in.

For the next 24 hours a barf bag sat by my side

And I couldn’t hold my baby and couldn’t even cry.

That was the moment my husband showed me who he was

When he took off his shirt and gave Joaquin that needed love.

I’ll never forget the day daddy and baby were about to shower

When Joaquin began to pee and I heard my name being hollered.

I ran to the the rescue and held Joaquin while dad prepared

And the next thing I knew, was projectile poop from my toes to my hair.

Four months later came a great change

We acceoted a job in a far away place.

I travelled with Joaquin to meet my husband there

And I remember so much that feeling of fear.

Crying in the terminal just wanting the nerves to end

But Joaquin flew like a champ and cried for a total minutes of ten.

Or the memory only my husband has

While I was out, thank goodness for that.

A safety pin caught our baby’s mouth

Stuck in his upper roof, and wouldn’t come out.

But dad held him down,  and wiggled and pulled

The pin finaly came out and this story I was told!

I hope to never forget all his cute faces

Like the one where he sniffles and is called “Viejita.”

This is the term for little old lady

Because he scrunches his face until no more a baby.

Joaquin is my angel, a blessing from God

I thank all of you who have helped him along.

Today is his day, the day he turns One!

I couldn’t be more excited for the memories to come.

I love you bebe lindo!  Happy Birthday!

If you look closely you will see that the cake fell while we were trying to get a photo of Joaquin because his cake matched his shirt...but we fixed it up and it was still delicious!