One Year Ago Today....part 2

Dear E,

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today you made your entrance into this world and changed Mommy and Daddy's lives completely in a totally wonderful way.  One year ago today I held you in my arms and you seemed so fragile and tiny, tonight when I rocked you to sleep (the first time) you seemed so strong and big and I know you will only get bigger and stronger as you continue to grow.

You are amazing, in just one short year you have learned to do so much, most of which is well documented on this blog.  And each day you teach us so much, you teach us joy, patience, sacrifice and love.

One year ago today you had a scary episode in the hospital where you choked on some phlegm, turned purple and stopped breathing for a few seconds and mommy didn't think she would ever sleep again out of fear.  Now, Mommy still checks to make sure you are breathing sometimes, and she is still waiting for you to sleep through the night.  But when I creep into your room to check on you and hear you breathing it soothes my soul.  It is Mommy's lullaby, the sound of your breath - yes, even when you are congested - snores never sounded quite so sweet.  And sometimes you still stop breathing for a few seconds and turn a little purple....usually because you are upset and screaming. Sometimes it's because you've fallen and gotten a little hurt or a lot scared, and sometimes it's because you are just so mad that Mommy or Daddy told you "no" or took away the object you weren't supposed to be playing with.  It still scares Mommy, but not as much as it did one year ago...and not enough to make Mommy change her mind about saying "no" or taking away the toy...you can keep trying though.

One year ago today you met your Auntie April and your Oma.  Today you were surrounded by friends and family all ready to share your special day with you.   And how you loved it!  You loved playing with your friends.  Your inflatable animals and your activity cube were a big hit with the other kids.

This is awesome!

One year ago today you ate your first breast milk  Today you had your first bottle of whole milk and you ate....everything in sight.  You loved being fed by all your aunts and uncles.  Despite just having had a bottle you wandered from person to person, pointing out which morsel of food you wanted from each person's plate and grinning happily when they gave it to you, or protesting indignantly if they didn't.  I'm fairly certain you ate half your weight in hot dogs, grapes, hamburgers, strawberries and watermelon.  You also loved eating,  smashing, and throwing your cake on the floor while everyone watched. Including your Auntie Krista in Baltimore and your Oma in California.  You had all 3 coasts tuning in for your birthday.  And you either didn't notice or didn't care that everyone else's cake looked different from yours. Mommy made you a cake with only fruit to sweeten it and apple juice cream cheese icing...but everyone else got frosted cupcakes and ice cream.  Soon enough you will learn the joys of real sugar but Mommy didn't want to have to peel you off the walls from a sugar high.

spoiled

One year ago today you received your first presents: flowers from the Conaways and from Grandma and Grandaddy.  Today  you were spoiled rotten by your friends and family (with more to come!).  You loved ripping up the paper off the gifts (mommy attributes this to your time spent practicing on any scrap of paper left on the floor).  You were very good about playing with each toy for a few moments before turning to the next present, with only mild coercion from Mommy.  And you seem to love all of your new toys and clothes.

spoiled rotten...but still cute

You especially liked it when your friend G played with your new toys, you chased him all over the house and once he put a toy down you pounced on it like a cat on a mouse.  You also gave both your new stuffed llama and rocking giraffe a very sweet hug as soon as you took them out of their respective bags, which melted everyone's heart.

So much awesome in
one little person...
and yes I'm bias

One year ago today you came into this world and changed Mommy and Daddy's lives forever.  Today we are so thankful for you and all the changes you have brought with you.

Here's to many more years of change, joy, patience, sacrifice and love. We love you E.  Happy 1st Birthday!

Love,

Mommy