One year

Riley,

One year ago today at 12:35 PM, I met you, my son, for the first time. Words can't explain the love that I immediately felt when I heard your sweet first cry, before I even saw you. It's funny how fast a mom goes from highly anticipating their child's first cry to doing anything possible to keep them from crying from that point on. But that first cry was absolutely the sweetest sound to my ears just as every laugh, coo, & jibber-jabberish word that comes out of your mouth is to this day. I have never felt so blessed as to have you as my son. Every single minute of every single day is a gift from God that I cherish. You have brought more joy to me & your Daddy than you will ever know. We are so proud of you & everything you do is nothing short of amazing to us.

You are such a blessing to us. I thank God everyday for you & how perfectly healthy you are. I honestly don't know how I made it from day to day before you. I could not imagine life without you. In some ways it feels like we just brought you home from the hospital, all 6 lbs, 3.5 oz of you & in other ways it feels like you have been a part of the family forever.

I'm not going to lie, there has been some hard & trying times (like waking up 9 times during the night & then having to go to work the next morning exhausted beyond words), but I wouldn't trade one minute of any of it. The good or the bad. You have made your Mommy & Daddy's marriage even stronger because in times like those we really learned what teamwork is all about. Thank you for that.

Things have changed so much around here from this time last year. It's never quiet with you, little man & I can honestly say that I love it that way. I don't know what to do with myself & all the quiet when you are gone to visit your grandparents.

You are a very social little guy. You never meet a stranger & can draw a crowd anywhere. Everywhere we go, you smile & wave at people who pass by. Trips to Wal-Mart are lasting about 30 minutes longer than normal because people love to stop & talk to you. And you love for them to. For some reason you expect it. Maybe it's because you are so used to being the center of attention with us. ;0)

You are my angel baby. You fill my heart with so much joy & love I can't stand it! Yet, somehow I love you more everyday. You are my world & what makes it go round. Sometimes I can't believe that this beautiful, healthy, big-hearted, happy, energetic, silly, sweet as sugar little angel of a boy is mine. How did I get so lucky to be your Mommy? God is great!!

I love you so much. I love to hear you laugh. I love how you wave & smile at everyone when we are out strolling or shopping. I love how much you look like your Daddy. I love taking naps with you right beside me. I love your big, bright smile. I love your hugs & how tight you squeeze my neck. I love how much you enjoy reading your books. I love that you still like to snuggle & lay your head on my chest when you are sleepy. I love your kisses-wide open mouth, drool, & all. I love holding you right before bedtime until you fall asleep. I love how you rub my arm while I'm holding you. I love how you squeal & giggle when we tickle you. I love how silly you are sometimes. I love how excited you get about everything. I love your fingers. I love your toes. I love how you dance any time you hear music & bob your head to the radio in the car. I love to hear you say Mama. I love how sweet you smell. I love to watch you play & learn. I love how anytime you see a lion in a book or on TV, you say "roar" or a dog, you say "woof". I love how you always want to share your food & toys. I love your soft skin. I love that you always make me smile. I love that you are my son.

Happy 1st Birthday baby boy!

Love,

Mommy

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Riley,

I can't believe you are already 1 year old. It just seems like yesterday when me & your mother brought you home from the hospital. You've grown so much. It's been so exciting watching you grow and develop over the past year. Each day brings more new & exciting personality traits and fun milestones. I couldn't ask for a better son.

Our baby pictures are identical. It just makes me smile every time I look at you. We have enjoyed raising you this year. When I look at you I see so much of myself in you. The blond hair, blue eyes, and even your little feet look just like mine. I can't wait to see you continue to grow and develop.

Your mother and I love you so much. When people tell you that you don't really know what that love is until you have a child, they are right. There is nothing me and your mom wouldn't do for you, son. I couldn't ask for more. I am so proud of you. You are a funny little dude right now. I love you, son. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.

Love you,

Daddy