Happy 1st Birthday, My Sweet Little Boy

A year ago today, our lives changed forever. It literally seems like yesterday. How did this year go by in the blink of an eye?? I need time to slow down. I remember the first night in the hospital, wrapped up like a little burrito and I just stared at him for hours. I think I spent my entire maternity staring at him!

Austin has brought so much love and joy into our lives. I cannot put down into words the amount of love I feel for this little human being and it amazes me everyday how that love continues to grow. How does that happen? Well, you don't fully understand it until you become a parent. Now I know.

Austin has been such an amazing and easy-going baby. I was very lucky. He is now growing into a little boy and I am loving every second of it (but missing my baby at the same time). He makes funny noises and wrestles and jumps on things, but loves to cuddle. Ohhhh... cuddling. Cuddling with him is absolutely the BEST part of my day.

It has truly incredible to watch Austin discover the world around him. He is just so smart! Just the other day he picked up a comb that I've never even used an

d started combing his hair! It's little things like this that are happening every day and I want to document all of them because there will never be these "firsts" again. It makes me a bit sad in a way. I am sad that he is no longer a baby. And to be brutally honest, I'm holding out on weaning him completely off the bottle for my own benefit! He is perfectly happy with a sippy cup, but the bottle is the last thing I feel like makes him a baby! Maybe I'll just refer to him in months for the rest of his life... That'll go over really well when we have his 240 month

birthday! ha!

Austin,

We have so many hopes and dreams for you. I pray that your

angels guide you and that you live a life that is fulfilling and meaningful. I wish nothing but happiness for you and I pray that we do everything possible to guide you in the right direction over the years to come so that you can make good decisions for your life, so that you are able to find your true self and your true meaning of joy, peace, happiness and harmony. Your mommy and daddy and the entire family love you more than you will EVER know (that is, until you have a child of your own someday- then you will truly u

nderstand the depth of our love).

I love you Austin. To the moon and back.

Love,

Mommy