The next couple of days continued to deliver news that would alter the course of our lives.
This year hasn't been easy, in fact, it's been pretty darn difficult. Hospital stays, heart cath, scary "pre-heart attacks", heart surgery, complications, and traveling out of state for care aside, Hunter was the hardest baby I've met! He cried until the day he turned 6 months old and finally became the sweet boy he is today.
He is a strong willed, non stop, bulldozer of a boy. He says many words "Mama, Dada, Papa, Dow, dog, ball, Jinx (sounds more like "ginks" but he says it every time he sees our cat, Jinx), Pip, done, book, pat pat, bye, hi" and also repeats EVERYTHING we say, most of the time it's totally clear, also. He says monkey and dog sounds on command. He isn't walking on his own yet, but I do think he will beat Corben's 14 month milestone. He has been grabbing the dog toy box and standing up with it in his hands. Corben even grabbed the box from him and he stayed standing and giggling for a few more seconds.
He can wave hi and bye, blow kisses, clap his hands, pat his legs, knows all of the toys and can get specific ones if asked, "pat pat"s the cats and dogs-with an open hand, we taught them to do that instead of grabbing at animals, does "touchdown", puts his hands to his ears to "talk" on the phone, and gives kisses on command. He LOVES his pacis and I have no idea how we will ever get rid of them. He only gets them in bed, for the most part, but is VERY attached to them.
He is obsessed with music. His favorite song is "I will wait" by Mumford and Sons. Anytime any music is within earshot he gets a huge smile and starts dancing. He follows his big brother everywhere and even is the instigator of their mischief at times.
He eats like a champ with any meat or carb. He's not a fan of veggies but is finally starting to like some fruits. His 10th month he lived on Nutrigrain bars alone....that was awesome.
His first 6 months he kind of hated Steve (and everyone except my mom and I, for that matter) but now he adores his Daddy. He has such a sense of humor.... I always find him and Corben giggling together.
We had a rough start and the road is not always going to be smooth for him, but we are so grateful for it all. He has bonded our family tighter than we ever imagined. He has taught us about life, faith, fear, determination, resilience, family, and pure joy. He is a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend. We love this little boy to the moon and back!
We love you Hunter McGunter, Chubbles, Chubby, Hunts-man! Happy Happy Happy Birthday!
