Dear son, it is your first birthday! As I sit here thinking about the past year I find myself mystified and so proud of how far you have come. From the moment you were born, you have been the greatest blessing in my life. As difficult as it was to bring you into this world, I wouldn't change any of it for the world. I stepped into the hospital at 8:00 PM on May 16th 2013, praying for a quick and easy delivery. You, however, had other plans. I didn't see your precious face until nearly 42 hours later. The first moment I laid my eyes on you was the most beautiful moment of my life. All I could say was how beautiful you were with tears of pure joy and love running down my cheeks. The first moment they let me hold you, the rest of the world faded away. All I could do was look into those big beautiful eyes and stroke your hair. That was the happiest moment of my life.
As you grew you continuously surprised us. Hitting milestone after milestone early, surprising even your doctors. From lifting your head and turning it at two weeks, to crawling at four and a half months, to pulling yourself up and cruising the walls and furniture at six months. You always kept us on our toes. You always did things on your own time, and never when we expected you to do them.
Your personality is already so prominent, and teaching you isn't always easy. You are so strong willed and like to do things for yourself. It is hard sometimes to let go and just let you learn. You are a happy baby. Especially around people other than your father and me. You smile at strangers, and most times they even smile back. Your friendly personality seems to make people's day, and I hope that is something you never lose. You are so funny and outgoing, the complete opposite of myself. You are teaching me to laugh at myself and situations that would otherwise stress me out. I am discovering patience I never knew I had, because let's face it, with your father and I being your parents, how could you not be as stubborn as you are? I hope that later in life, that stubbornness will help you stand strong in the face of peer pressure. I hope that you will be a leader amongst your friends, and that you will always choose to do what you know is right.
We love you so much! The joy you bring to our lives is immeasurable and we can't imagine our lives without you in it. Always remember how special you are to those that love you! Happy birthday!
Love, Mommy and Daddy
