Miles Anderson

Miles was born at home exactly one year ago today, after several days of fetal-trickery that nearly drove me crazy wondering when he would actually decide to make an appearance. We were delighted to have another boy, mostly because if he had been a girl, Chris and I might still be arguing over a name!

He has spent the last year demonstrating that he is up to the task of being the youngest child with two siblings so close in age. He doesn't let Declan and Eleanor get in the way of his receiving all the attention that he wants from me; he protests loudly if I walk away or leave him with someone else, and he wakes up all night long to make up for any lack of daytime attention. He's very cuddly and affectionate with me always, and even occasionally with others. He loves Declan and Eleanor and wants to be involved with whatever they're doing: riding bikes, painting, playing at the playground, etc. He's pretty fearless and very tough. He has to be, since Declan tries to wrestle with him, and Eleanor constantly wants to rock him and hold him (usually against his will).

He loves animals, and calls all of them "dog!" or "ruff ruff!" He also can say mama, dada, Eleanor, Declan, Nini, Niki, Grammy, cat, night-night, look, more, thank you, that, hi, and bye. He's the closest to walking that any of our kids have been at one year, though Declan walked at 17 months, and Eleanor walked at 14.5 months, so he doesn't have fierce competition. He's pretty little (about 18 pounds), but he's very fast and agile, just like Declan was at that age. He is an absolute delight, and we look forward to really seeing his personality emerge over the next year!