Chiang Mai Chronicles: Happy 1st Birthday Dylan Jai

Where do I start in describing the incredible, roller coaster ride that was Dylan's first year of life?

Dylan was conceived in love with so much hope and anticipation...I had no idea how blindsided I would be in my complete, unconditional love for this little man.

But wherever there is light, there is also shadow...the greatest joys and the greatest frustrations...it would be unrealistic to write about Dylan's first year as if everything were perfect. There were many perfect moments, but there were also imperfect ones. The greatest challenge over the last year was Dylan's struggle against sleep. There were even some nights that felt like a strange kind of torture, or punishment...all I wanted for our family to sleep...but it remained elusive.

The second challenge was Fuad's work situation, as he travels to Bangkok once a week for 2 days of work and 1 night away from our family. The second morning he's gone is difficult, as I have to tend to Dylan, and Baxter, and getting myself ready for work, all before 7 am! When Dylan starts walking (which will be any day now) I don't know how I'll manage these mornings. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

I find myself so nostalgic when reflecting back to "last year at this time", the days and moments leading up to his arrival...I think because I was so naive, and I had no idea how much his arrival would change our lives.

Here are a few highlights from Dylan's first year of life:

Dylan took 1 road trip to Sukothai at around 3 months. It's a 5 hour drive from Chiang Mai.

Dylan spent 1 weekend in Bangkok in May

Dylan traveled to America at 4 1/2 months old, enduring 24 hours of flights and airports to get from Chiang Mai to Chicago.

Dylan took a trip to Sydney, Australia at 7 months old, spending another 12 hours in an airplane to get there.

Dylan visited Singapore at 10 months old. Only 2 1/2 hours in a plane!

Dylan flew to America for his 1st birthday...another 24 hours en route to the USA.

Dylan now weighs 18 pounds 2 ounces, and is 29 inches tall.

His eyes are brown and his hair is straight.

His 5th tooth is coming in.

He can clap & wave, play peek-a-boo, and he can wai when you say "sawasdee khap" (the standard Thai greeting). He can lift his arms to the sky, and point using his index finger.

He stands really well and is about to walk ANY DAY NOW!

He loves eating bananas, rice crackers, his grandmother's dhal bhaat (rice & lentils), kiwi, and scrambled eggs.

He loves taking things in & out of containers, and opening & closing doors and drawers. His favorite toys right now are his new Tickle-Me Elmo and his stacking blocks.

Dylan is totally captivated by Youtube videos with puppets, Michael Jackson music videos, Curious George cartoons, Tinga Tinga Tales from Africa, and musical instruments in real life.

I hope that Dylan continues to approach life with his eyes wide open and with a sense of awe and curiosity.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from Dylan's first year of life.