Happy 1st Birthday to our Little Man!

My how the time has flown. It feels like only yesterday when we were so anxiously awaiting your arrival- and yet here you are a year later. Bigger than ever! I still remember the day; how nervous and excited I was to meet you. And when I saw you for the first time how my eyes swelled up with tears I wasn't anticipating.

Everything I had been waiting for these past 9 months had finally arrived. You were tinier than I had imagined and more beautiful too. I never knew I could love something so fragile and little so so much! It was then that I realized my life would never be the same.

When I look at you now all grown-up with your silly smiles and silly faces-

-I can hardly believe its been a whole year.

Your little baby chicken legs look more like little tree stumps. Your face has filled out. You've never been a chubby boy, but for now your feet are an exception. Your dark hair is all gone and new blonde hair takes its place. You look more grown-up too with your little boy styled hair cut. 4 teeth have taken over your cute baby gums (I sometimes miss that gummy smile). You have loads of personality. Sometimes you're stubborn. Actually a lot of times you're stubborn. Makes me remember how easy it was for me to make you do the things I wanted you to do. The only things babies were suppose to do... eat, sleep, and cry right? Not throw temper tantrums or spit food out of their mouth because it tastes icky. Because you think you know better. Crazy right?

Well then an even funnier thing happened to this scrawny little boy whom I love so much.. You started doing crazy things like rolling over... crawling... standing... walking... RUNNING even!

You started growing up. I guess you weren't going to stay this tiny little boy forever. I didn't want to believe it. I knew if you grew up things would happen to you that I might not be ready for. Like that time you acted like a love-struck teenager going around kissing girls. Or that time you fell down and bumped your head on the wall. Made me realize I won't be able to protect you from everything. But it also made me realize how special you are. How much personality you've developed.

How much you fun you are! Sadly, I can't predict most of the things that will happen to you or what you'll experience in life... Except for maybe a few things. I can predict you will probably grow up loving sports just like your daddy. Or that you'll most likely grow up wishing I had never gotten those naked pictures of you in the bath tub with your "future girl friends."

(*wink wink*)

You'll grow up. I know that much is for sure.

And even though you won't let me hold you like this anymore...

Or like this...

At least I have pictures to remind me what once was. You'll always be my lil peanut. I'd like to think someday you'll come find me and tell me "mommy, I wuv you" and sit yourself down in my lap to cuddle and snuggle with me all over again. That way I can at least feel like for some small moment in time with my arms wrapped around you, that I'm protecting you. Keeping you safe.

My little Easton bug. I love you so much. Mommy and Daddy will always be there for you. You've grown into such a fun-loving, happy little boy. A little sarcastic at times I think too. I love seeing you enjoy life and explore new things. Happy happy birthday buddy! I wuv you!