Happy First Birthday, Little Bear

Dear Baby Boy,

One year ago today your Papa and I held you for the very first time. We heard your first hearty cry and kissed your precious face.

You arrived just before 8pm after a long long LONG labor. Your Papa and I were both exhausted that night but even after days of laboring I was too excited to sleep. I stayed awake and tried to memorize every inch of your sturdy 8 lb body and watched you sleeping swaddled in your blankie. You were perfect—plenty of beautiful black hair, rosy skin, steel-grey eyes, healthy as a horse.

We had been waiting for you for months. We had loved you for months. But the night you were born, we became a family. Since your arrival, ours lives have been so very full.

I love your pink cheeks and your big brown eyes. I love your squeals of delight when Papa tosses you in the air.

I love your red-brown hair when it sticks up in the morning. I love the way you walk with your hands behind your back like you’re trying to keep them from mischief. I love the babbling noises you make when you read your books. I love when you’re sleepy and you rest your head on my shoulder. I love holding your hand. I love when you wrap your blankie around your shoulders like a cape and giggle as you toddle around. I love how you call our sheep “Baa”s and the cows “Moo”s.

I love your laughter when you splash Papa during bathtime. I love snuggling with you during bedtime prayers and kissing you goodnight. I love being your mother.

 Happy First Birthday, Little Bear. We love you so much.

Mama

And now for some birthday party pictures!