Happy Birthday, my Sweet Baby B.

Dear B,
   On May 2, 2008 my life completely changed.  I spontaneously took a pregnancy test (because I had plans for margaritas that night & I AM your mom!) & it was positive.  Of course, I had tossed the instructions out so I wasn't actually sure that it was positive, but after your dad & I picked up a new test, we were sure.  I think we were both in shock & we were giddy about it.  I spent the next 9 months getting ready for you... I devoured all the information I could find & I couldn't wait for you to arrive.

  We planned for you to arrive on January 2, 2009 - exactly 8 months after I found out you were coming.  After a very hectic & stressful month of December, both because of holiday & because of test results regarding you, we were scared & excited to welcome you into our world.  We arrived at the hospital at 7:30 am & 8 hours & 20 minutes later, Daddy caught you & we met for the first time.  It was by far the most amazing experience of my life... of our lives.

  We've spent the past year making decisions based on you, we've moved multiple times, & we've tried to teach you & learn from you.  You make everyday worth getting up for & you make everything we do brighter & more fun.

   Right now, you're walking all over the place.  You have one little bitty tooth that just came in.  You just recently discovered Elmo & you adore him!  You had your first Christmas just last week & were so precious, meticulously unwrapping gifts one tiny piece of paper at a time.  You've slept through the night only a handful of times, but you're getting better (especially when you get to stay home & not travel so much).  You spent 6 weeks in disposable diapers & have been in cloth ever since.  You've breastfed on demand & are still going strong.  You thoroughly enjoy your carbs, shoving Organic Puffs & crackers in your mouth until they're falling out.  You climb the stairs & have (accidentally!) fallen down them once. You've become slightly destructive lately, throwing toys & food on the floor with a vengence! You know where your head is, where Mommy's nose is, & are learning where your belly is.  You clap & point & show that you're 1 year old.  You sign to tell us what you want.  You laugh & give these great open mouth kisses.   You never cease to amaze me & you make me laugh each & every day.

Your friends & family are arriving soon to celebrate with us.  You'll eat (or at least throw pieces of) your very first bite of cake & you'll receive more new toys.  You'll laugh & so will we.

You weigh around 18 pounds, 6.5 ounces.  You're around 28 inches tall.  You wear size 3 shoes, but most of yours are actually bigger than that.

You're the most beautiful, precious baby boy I've ever seen & I cannot imagine my life without you.  I am thankful each & every day for you.