Happy Birthday, William!

Dear William,

Happy first birthday, sweet baby boy! You will always be my baby, but I guess this is the last year I can technically call you that. Next year you'll be a toddler, then comes pre-schooler, and soon after you'll be taking care of your old mama. Or at least that's what it seems like. Time is flying so fast, and you are growing like a weed.

Today, I asked you where my nose was, and you put your chubby, grubby little finger on my nose with a proud smile. Later you spilled some milk on the floor. I wiped it up for you. When you spilled a little more, you took the paper towel from me and attempted to clean it up yourself. That is two firsts in one day. I guess you are absorbing so much more information than I ever realized (watch your language, Daddy!).

You are such a curious little fella. Right now, you are chewing on/tipping over/examining a box that held birthday presents from your CC, PawPaw and Uncle Michael. And now you're picking up and dropping your shoe just to see what that's like. How does that velcro taste, little buddy?

You have some very clingy moments these days. I'm pretty sure that the only thing that could possibly feel slightly better than having you hold on with all your might to me with your head on my shoulder is hearing your laughter. It is the sweetest sound in the world. Poor Buster gets teased by you and me all the time because your squeals of laughter are irresistible. Thankfully, Buster has a short memory and doesn't hold a grudge. In fact, he adores you too. He would lick your face all day if that didn't gross me out to the max.

Daddy is already your favorite person. You light up like a Christmas tree when I tell you we're going to see dada or that he's coming home. As soon as he picks you up, you start jumping around in his arms and kicking your legs. He's so much fun you can hardly contain yourself!

Happy first birthday, William. Being your mom is far and away the greatest joy I have experienced. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you!

All my love,

Mommy