Happy Birthday, Peanut!

Today you are 1 year old. At this time a year ago, I was fully dilated and getting ready to push. The epidural was so good, I couldn't feel anything, so we had to wait for it to wear off. In another 3 hours, out you popped. And our lives changed for the better.

Daddy and I never knew how much we could love you. As you get bigger and develop more personality, our love grows. You've become a real little person with your own opinion on things, even if you can't always express them in a way that we understand.

You've decided that the butt scoot is way better than crawling, and boy, you've gotten quick. A few nights ago, you made it to the dog's bowl before I realized what was happening. Luckily I got to you just as you were shoving kibble into your mouth. I'm afraid of what would've happened if it made it in. I also removed another 3 or 4 pieces from your greedy little fists. Let's just say you were not happy and made it clear. I guess if it's good enough for the dog, it's good enough for you, and you're not one to pass up on food.

You look like a drunken sailor when trying to walk. (An adorable little drunken sailor.) I think it'll be a while before you have your land legs. And still NO TEETH. Where the heck are they?

We're working on teaching you baby signs, but nothing yet. Last night you did point to the mashed potatoes when Daddy wasn't feeding you fast enough. Way to go. You also clap when we say "Yay". We're working on waving and blowing kisses, but you don't seem interested in either one.

Did I mention how cute you are? You are adorable. Of course, I'm biased, but everyone says what a cutie you are when they see your pictures. Nearly every time we go out, someone comes up and mentions your cuteness. Don't let it go to your head, though.

This morning, when you had your 5 am bottle, I whispered "Happy Birthday" into your sleepy little ear. As much as I'm not a morning person, I love our pre-dawn time together. You are so warm and sleepy and cuddly when you have your bottle. As soon as you're done, you roll over so you're chest-to-chest with me and fall asleep. And usually within about 30 seconds, the cute little snores start. As I hold you smelling your sweet hair, hugging your little body, everything is perfect. I lay you back in bed with Daddy so I can get ready for work, and you snuggle up to him, often putting an arm over his neck. I know we'll miss these days when you're too big and too cool to cuddle with us.

Tomorrow we're having a birthday party with Gramma and a few friends. I can't wait to see your reaction to the cake. We even have a little cake just for you. I wonder if you'll smash it and moosh cake all over yourself. I hope so.

Love,
Mommy xoxo