To My Son On His First Birthday

Dear Miles,

Today you are ONE. Can you tell me — how did this year go by so fast? Seems like yesterday I was in labor and pacing the grounds at the hospital awaiting your arrival. It was such a wonderful experience being able to hold you in my arms for the first time!

Fast forward to now and I see this happy, healthy and hilarious little man before me. I couldn’t possibly feel more blessed.

You have been the exact puzzle piece we were missing to complete our family. From the moment you arrived, you fit in like you were here all along. There’s no doubt in my mind your sisters have loved watching you hit every milestone, just like daddy and I. They are crazy for you and always telling me when you’re doing cute things {“He’s standing! He’s walking! He’s in the toilet again!”} – you are lucky to have two big sisters to watch over you.

Watching you grow this past year has been beautiful. I have thoroughly enjoyed each baby cuddle, the smell of your hair basking in the sunshine, watching your little wrist chunks grow and flying through food faster than I could’ve ever imagined. You are my final baby, so each passing moment has been bittersweet, but also full of more joy than I could’ve ever anticipated.

Your nickname has been “sMiles” since day one, and for good reason. You smiled extremely early on and haven’t stopped. You have been the easiest of my babies in many ways, but I guess that could be because you are my third and you just know you *have* to be easy. THANK YOU for holding up your end of the bargain.

Our house is a lot louder and more chaotic with you here, but also full of amazing love. I often get the “your hands are full” comment when I’m in public with you and your sisters, and I am happy to reply “you should see my heart!”

I’ve always heard that there is an incredible bond between a mother and son, and you have proven that true. I love all three of you kids the same amount, but for different reasons. I feel this overwhelming need to protect you and shape you into the kind of man I’d want my daughters to marry. Get ready for some hardcore manners and lectures in your future…and my apologies in advance 😉

You absolutely adore your daddy, too. When he comes home, you reach for him and kiss him. It seriously makes me weepy…So stinkin’ sweet. I hope you two continue to bond and have a great relationship in the future because I am sure you will need to get away from us crazy girls at times.

You are very much like your sisters in many ways, but you do have a bit of a crazy streak. You’ve hit every milestone well before them and already are my little climber; climbing on chairs {and standing}, the couch, and picnic table, and giving me minor heart attacks in the process. You have no fear, which has been a reality check since I’m a hands-off type parent, but you also are the SWEETEST baby ever and call out “mama!” often when you need me.

During this year, your personality has formed, and we know of a few things so far:

• You LOVE food. Seriously. Our grocery bill has gone up a ton since you already eat just as much as your sisters, if not more. You love it all too, but meat and cheeses are your favorites.
• You are very independent. You feed yourself and get around really great…and that’s great because you hate sitting still.
• With that said, you are a mama’s boy through and through and take some time to warm up to people who want to hold you. If we’re out, you don’t like it when I go out of your sight.
• Your smile is contagious. You get so much attention grocery shopping because you flirt with everyone. The old ladies just eat you up! You wave and play peek-a-boo, making everyone’s day.
• You *do* have a temper and throw yourself and scream an ear-piercing scream when things don’t go your way. Whew. Your scream is intense. Let’s not let this go beyond toddlerhood, mmmK?
• You love reading. You only will sit through short books now, but touch-and-feel books and ones that make noise {or mama does voices} are your current favorites.
• You laugh at a lot of things, but dogs {and any animal, really}, balloons and tickles are your favorite reasons.

Since the first time we learned you were a little man, you have brought great joy to our lives. Thank you for helping me to learn about boys and deepen my adoration for daddy in the process.

Cheers on your first birthday my little love. I have no doubt the year ahead will be one filled with continued learning, joy, and sMiles. We can’t wait to witness the miracle that is watching you grow into a little boy.

Love you to the moon and back, times infinity.

Kisses,

Mama