Sweet Nathan,

Today you are turning one year old! Everyone told me to treasure every second with you because I would not believe how fast it would go – they were SO right. This has been the fastest year of my life. It seems like it was only a few days ago that your daddy and I were walking into the hospital completely scared and nervous and very, very excited!

I can still remember the moment your daddy looked over and saw you for the first time. He had the sweetest expression on his face – I don’t think I’ll ever forget that. And when the doctor said, “It’s a big boy!” And then I heard you cry. The most beautiful sound I’d ever heard! Both Daddy and I burst into tears when we heard you cry. And then Daddy brought you over to see me. I will never ever forget how much I loved you the moment I saw you. I thought I would never be able to love anything more, but I was wrong. Every day since then, I’ve loved you more and more.

I remember holding you for the first time. I was so shaky from the C-section and I was so nervous that I was going to drop you! You snuggled right in and it was like you knew that I was your mom.

I remember when we got to bring you home and show you your new house and introduce you to Kody. You had your first bath and hated it – how much has changed!! I didn’t sleep hardly at all that first night – I was so worried about you and whether or not you were okay.

I have loved every moment of this year. You are the sweetest, most amazing boy I could have ever imagined. And the thing that astounds me is that you’re mine! God has blessed me more than I could ever imagine. I always wondered what it would be like to be a mom, what it would be like when your daddy and I were not just a couple but a family and you have completely surpassed everything I ever dreamed about what it would be.

I have loved every milestone you’ve passed – even if there have been a few times along the way when I’ve been sad that you are growing so fast! From your first smile to your first step, they have each been an adventure. It seems like yesterday we were so excited that you were following us with your eyes and now we’re racing to close drawers and doors before you follow us into a room with an un-baby-proofed mess!

You are so silly and make it your goal everyday to get Daddy and me to laugh. I love that! I love that you are so fun and goofy and smiley. Even from just a few weeks old, you were making silly faces and waiting for our reactions. You love it best when we’re laughing and clapping at something you just did.

You aren’t the biggest cuddler, which just makes the times when you do snuggle in even more precious. While I miss the days when you were content to just be held and snuggled, I LOVE these days of having fun going places with you! I remember our first Mom/Son lunch date at the mall – you were only about 2 months old and I sat and ate my lunch while you stared at me from your stroller. Now, we get to actually go have real lunch dates!

You are the child of our prayers, sweetie. Daddy and I prayed so hard that God would bless us with a baby and YOU are the answer to those prayers! I remember feeling you kicking when I was pregnant and aching to hold you in my arms. It is my favorite thing in the world when you crawl over to me and jump into my lap. It melts my heart every time!

It has been so fun to watch you learn things right before my eyes. You have always been so happy, so full of life! I’m so excited to see how you’re going to change and grow and to see the sweet little boy you will become. I pray for you more than I ever thought possible to pray for someone. You are so loved, sweet boy! Not only from me and Daddy, but your whole extended family loves and prays for you. I hope that you never, ever take that for granted.

I prayed so hard for a happy, healthy baby and God has blessed us more than I could even imagine. Sweetie, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me and your daddy. We cannot even express how much we love you!

Happy first birthday, my precious son!

I love you so much,

Mommy