Happy First Birthday, Baby Boy!

Dear Callan George:

Tonight I stared at your little face in wonder as you enjoyed your bottle at bedtime. I rocked you as I always do and felt grateful for those quiet moments that we were able to share together, after the hustle and bustle of a busy day at our house. And it was more than just a busy day--it was a special day, because you turned one year old! I still can't quite believe it. I don't know how on earth a year can possibly go by so fast. If I really look close at your sweet face, I can still see you as a newborn, and sometimes I wish I could turn back the clock and have you that way again. But I'm so very thankful for all the days we've had together and all the little moments that I've experienced with you. You are a gift beyond measure, and I love you with all my heart!

You weren't all that anxious to come out of my belly...that is, until the doctor handed you your eviction notice. Then you came charging out of there so fast I didn't really know what was happening, but I think you just somehow knew that you were going to need to be able to express yourself and make your wishes/needs clear. You are the youngest of three boys, after all! :) I thought you looked exactly like your brothers at first, but I quickly realized that you had your own unique look, too, and I found it even more astonishing as I began to see how much you resemble your Grandaddy, whom you happened to be named after. You were a good little baby, right from the start. We had some issues with feeding and screaming, but other than that, you settled right in and became an immediate part of our family. Your big brothers adored you right from the start, and so did Daddy and I. And even though it has been an absolutely crazy road we're all traveling on together (three boys is exhausting!) you have fit in seamlessly, and now I couldn't imagine life without my "little" in it.

So what did we do today, on your very first birthday? Well, we started the day with blueberry banana pancakes, and you ate more than your two big brothers combined! You were so cute with your toothless blueberry purple grin! Then we played with all the fun toys you got from your friends at your birthday party. This morning, you really liked the turtle ball from Aunt Allyson and Aunt Bethany, and you loved the push cars from Leni and Addie. You took a nice long nap, and in the afternoon we brought out your brand new sand and water table, a gift from Oma and Opa. Needless to say, it was an absolute hit, and you spent a nice long time in the backyard splashing and digging in the sand. After dinner, you took a bath with your big brothers. You were really excited to hold the big duckie that Ellie and Thad gave you, but then Leyton snatched it away. This made you so mad that you actually started waving your hand at him like you wanted to hit him! I guess we'll have to start working on gentle touches. :) Then we rocked and sang songs in the dark, and I loved watching your sweet little smile as I sang Happy Birthday a couple more times. I am happy that we had your party on Saturday. It was a great birthday party, filled with family and friends, and you had such a fun time, but today, on your real birthday, I was happy that it was just us. You only have one first birthday after all, and what a lucky mama I am to have gotten to spend it with you!

Happy Birthday my sweet little man. I hope your life is filled with many many more celebrations and special moments surrounded by those you love.

Love,

Mommy