Happy First Birthday Baby Boy

1 year.  12 months.  365 days.  That’s how long ago it was that you were in my tummy.  It feels like yesterday that I was holding your tiny body; you still unable to hold your head up on your own.  It feels like no time has passed since they laid you on my stomach, not breathing, not crying.  The memories of those first few moments and days are still so fresh.  But you proved them all wrong and have become the strong, spirited little boy we always knew we’d have.  

Your hugs are infectious.  The way you lay your head on my shoulder when I hold you.  You’re so calm in those moments.  I just want to hold you forever and never let you go.  How happy you get when I pick you up in the morning or after nap.  How excited you are when you see your sister after school.  You just want to snuggle her and give her your version of a high five.  

Last night, as we did our bedtime routine, I held you extra long before I laid you down.  I didn’t want the time to end.  I didn’t want to lay you down as my baby, knowing that when I pick you up in the morning you’ll be different.  Yes, just a day will have passed.  But it’s a milestone day.  It’s the day that you become a toddler, and I’m just not ready.  

You’re so close to walking!  You hold our fingers and you’ve even taken a few steps on your own, but you’d much rather crawl.  I don’t blame you; you are so fast!  You want so badly to be able to climb like your sister.  You have grown fond of climbing on sissy’s rocking chair, much to my dismay.  And you are so damn proud once you get on there; like you’re the king of the room.  And don’t get my started on your affinity for opening doors.  If you can’t climb the stairs, you head straight for the bathroom to open the door and play in the medicine cabinet.  

You sure know how to keep us on our toes, little one.  I say little because really, you’re still my baby.  But you are far from little for a 12 month old.  You’re outgrowing all your 18  month clothes and are wearing mostly 24 month and 2T outfits now.  Who would have thought I’d go from having such a small little girl to a boy who’s size is as big as his personality?  And we can already see that little personality coming through.  You love to tease, you love to play games like rolling balls back and forth, and you love to snuggle.  You aren’t afraid to voice your opinion on things you don’t like, and are sometimes skeptical of people when you first meet them, but you warm up quickly. 

And you eat everything!  I haven’t found a food you don’t like.  You are starting to use your fork and are mastering the sippy cup.  You are still a mama’s boy, and I am not complaining about that. Although it would be nice if you wouldn’t cry the whole time grandma and grandpa watch you, okay?  But that just shows me that we have a strong bond, just like your sister and I did.  I’m so lucky to have two wonderful, amazing babies.    

I love your giggles, the way you hold my arm when you’re nursing and how inquisitive your little mind is already.  You love to explore and would rather play with bowls and measuring cups than your toys.  You love to stack, and take all the things out of buckets and pails and the pantry.  If it’s in something, you enjoy taking it out.    

Emmett John, I am going to miss you being a baby.  I’m going to miss the days where I would sit and watch you sleep.  I’m going to miss chasing after you as you belly laugh and crawl away from me as fast as you can.  And I’m going to miss all those baby moments.  But I cannot wait to see what the next year brings for you.  If you’re anything like your sister, we’re in for an amazing year number two.  And I can’t wait.

Happy birthday my sweet baby boy.