Mommy Moments: First Milestone

By the time Cj learned his first steps, I was back in Bangkok after leaving him with my mother to sort out my divorce. I did not see my son's very first, unaided step. I did personally witness his initial steps, the practice steps with those wobbly, chubby legs navigating the floor.

What makes Cj's first official walk extra special is the fact that he walked on my mother's birthday! He was 1 year and 3 weeks old on June 15th. I recall my mother's cheer, "my best birthday gift ever!"

The entire first year is what I would consider Cj's first milestone. Up came his first word, first christmas, meeting his maternal grandparents for the first time, albeit online; well, almost all firsts, just like any other kid. Alas, I wasn't very keen on taking pictures then. I did manage to keep this photo on his first birthday. The rest are in those old-fashioned albums.

A few hours after birth Cj flashed me his very first smile:

Twenty-two weeks later I and his Dad came home from an evening out. It was the first time Cj and I were apart for hours. I had to attend a wedding party of his Dad's staff member's son. You know that sort of expectation from a business executive wife to look beautiful, behave graciously and maintain poise all night at social functions? I learned that stuff quickly but that particular night my mind was far from business decorum. I was a case of motherly nerves underneath make-up and jewelry.

First 'reunion' after being apart for five hours:

That was my first socialization after becoming a mom. And it was also the first time I felt happy and excited and really hurrying to go back home. It's uncharacteristic of me to hurry home from a social event unless I'm tired or bored. And I rarely get tired or bored at parties. So I was surprised at myself for wanting to go back home as early as possible eventhough that wedding party was going well.

Motherhood has domesticated a party-loving chick. And I didn't mind a hoot!

View more kids' first step or first milestone at the Mommy Journey.