Nathan's 1st birthday

April 2010, 1 day old

Dear Nathan,

As I sit here and try to put down into words what this last year has meant to me, I am realizing that no words could ever fully describe how much you have changed my life. A year ago today, you entered my world and since then I have smiled my biggest smiles, laughed my loudest laughs, hugged my tightest hugs and kissed my sweetest kisses. You are the absolute best baby in the entire world. You are curious, smart, fearless, silly.... you are everything to me.

You started out so tiny and helpless but over this past year, you have accomplished so much. You learned to hold up your head, roll over, sit up, and stand. And in the final weeks leading up to your very first birthday, you have been taking your first steps. Steps that will take you further into this big world and lead you to bigger and better things in your second year. Your daddy and I have loved watching you grow from a tiny little baby that slept all the time into a feisty little boy that never stops moving.

Part of me is sad that you no longer sleep on my chest for hours or grab my finger and hold it tight. But for every "baby" thing you've left behind, there is a wonderful new "big boy" experience for us to share. Now you climb all over me and give me kisses, you clap your hands and dance when I sing to you, and you snuggle back into my lap when I read to you.

You have challenged me and made me a better person, stronger than I ever thought I could be. I will forever be grateful that you are mine. Today, on your birthday, a day that I am meant to give you a gift, I am reminded that you are the greatest gift in my life.

Happy Birthday my beautiful boy. I love you as high as the sky.

Love,
Mama

April 2011, 1 year old