When Anthony first came home I had made a promise to myself that I would bring Anthony anywhere I could as to always get him used to things. His second day home marked his first Target shopping spree! In his first year Anthony has participated in Black Friday shopping, trips to Maine, train rides into Boston and most recently a family trip to Disney. It's amazing where one organized diaper bag and some patience can take you! No matter where we go Anthony wins the hearts of everyone, he has his own friends at Markets Basket that we see every Sunday morning that he loves babbling to and smiling at!
One of my favorite things about Anthony's first year is seeing my parents with him. Now everyone knows I think my parents are the best because let's face it they are, but now they can be deemed greatest grandparenst as well! Most recently, dad and mom took him into dad's work to show him off and mom told me "your father walked around holding the baby with a giant smile on his face showing him off to everyone even the big boss". My parents have been the greatest nana and pops through this first year helping us whenever we were in need and truly embracing the grandparent the role.
Some of my favorite moments of Anthony's first year are seeing that first toothless smile it truly was heart melting. Anthony's first laugh. Watching Anthony has he began to explore new foods and enjoy different textures allowing me to get creative with cooking his baby food. Capturing him pulling himself up to stand on video. Walking into my house after work to a huge smile and clapping from him. Getting to enjoy my favorite magical place with my magical little boy! At the end of the day their are endless favorite moments of this first year and there will be countless more to come. My advice to any new parent is to always have patience, always be open minded, don't get brought down with other parents opinions (believe me everyone has an opinion about the way you're raising your infant even strangers in a mall), always remember an organized and properly stocked diaper bag is one of your best friends, always have your phone handy to snap pictures and just enjoy it. The first year goes by so quickly, take in every minute if it.
Happy Birthday Anthony!!
