A letter to my son on his first birthday
Dearest Reece,
I can hardly believe that a year has passed since you came rushing into this world. When I think of our family, I can hardly remember a time without you in it and yet I still marvel at your newness. Each day with you is a new adventure as you grow and change before our eyes…you have brought so much light to our world.
From birth you have been an easy child with an observant temperament. You enjoy watching the world around you with eyes that look much older than your one year of experience. You take everything in. Your eyebrows are extremely expressive and work independently from one another. They are the most complimented part of you from strangers. You, like your brother, seem to be an old soul.
Everett is, by far, your favorite person to interact with. You adore him! It was for him that you laughed the first time and it is him that continues to make you laugh the most. Hearing the two of you giggle together might be the best sound in the whole world. You are obsessed with Everett’s toys and have absolutely no interest in your own. This posses a problem as everything goes straight into you mouth. We encourage Everett to leave his bedroom door closed as you’ve taken to destroying his toys while he’s at school. The two of you already play like brothers…giggling one minute and screaming at each other the next. But Everett has learned to be patient with you and often, when you steal his toys or hit him, he excuses your actions by saying, “It’s okay Brother Reece, you’re just a baby and don’t know better.” We tell Everett how much you already look up to him. I hope you grow up to have an unbreakable love.
You can be feisty, often demanding your own way, especially with me. With Daddy, you are more content and less prone to crying. You are not easily distracted when you are focused on something you want. You are a good sleeper who seems to thrive on a set schedule. Your development has been typical, which we have found so joyously refreshing. Your skills just seem to suddenly appear without us encouraging you to develop them. You sat at five months, rolled at six months, crawled at nine months, and walking is on the horizon. When new skills are emerging, you become fussier and more easily frustrated. You are developing separation anxiety. Your first word was “Mama.”
You are the definition of cute...with dimpled cheeks, rolls on your legs and a toothy smile. Daddy and I could not have ever imagined how much we would love you. You have brought so much joy and happiness and laughter to our family. We have found so much calm in being your parents. Daddy and I often talk about the dreams we have for you….but above all we desire you to know just how fiercely you are loved. Happy 1st Birthday, my sweet prince!
Love,
Mama and Daddy
