My sweet, smiley boy. I can't imagine a better first year than this one we've had together. Your laughter is so contagious and you make me smile at least 100 times a day. You are so expressive, so enthusiastic about life, so opinionated and so easily entertained. You have taught me so much in your first year of life... I can't imagine how much more I will learn when you start talking to me! I have learned to be more patient, kind, gentle, joyful, thoughtful, selfless, service-oriented and loving all from knowing you just one year of my life. Just by being you, you have opened my heart to experience so much more than I was capable of before I met you.
I am amazed by how much you think and feel already, even when you can't fully communicate. You laugh at and with me when I'm silly, you can respond with thankfulness and excitement to let us know what you like, you can express frustration and sadness, loneliness and even sympathy. I remember coming home the first day I heard about Nonna's cancer and I cried on the couch and you just stopped what you were doing and looked deep in my eyes with concern and leaned your head in to cuddle with me and you have done that several times. I didn't think babies could possibly understand how to be sensitive and compassionate until I met you. Your heart is so full of love and life that I can't possibly have a bad day with you around.
I wish I could preserve you in these days forever because I enjoy each minute with you so much, just playing and enjoying life together. But I know it is best (and inevitable) for you to grow up and that one day I need to start sharing you with others so that you can bless others as much as you bless me by loving and caring for them, by using your contagious laugh to cheer them up, by serving them. I hope that you will grow up to be a man of God and that you will influence many people around you. I am confident that the Lord has given you a very optimistic spirit so that you might motivate others and encourage them. I can't wait to see how He will continue to use you.
Thank you for all that you've taught me, for all the wonderful memories this year and for breaking me in easy as a mom. I can't imagine a more wonderful little boy than you, sweety. I'll love you forever and for always and I look forward to all the joy that year two will bring!!
Mom
Some Birthday Pics:
First time in the car seat facing forward!
Playing in the cooler (a new favorite activity) - was with Lane and Cullen, but I forgot to get a picture of them all together.
Lunch with some cousins
The Birthday Boy!
Smiley Face Pizza for dinner
Cake! (or a morning glory muffin with sweet potato frosting...)
