A letter to Graham.

Sweet little boy, you are one year old today! I remember that day in its entirety.  Being anxious for delivery, nervous how we would be as a family of four but mostly emotional about seeing your face for the first time.  I knew you so intimately as you grew inside me.  Your kicks, your hiccups, your turns...but I was desperate to know your face, the spaces between your toes and your tiny earlobes.  I wanted to touch and love every part of you.

Our wish came true quickly as my labor pains started at 8:30am, although inconsistent and mild they came in full force at 10:45am and you arrived just a few short hours later at 5:36pm.  And you arrived in style...a full 9lbs 3oz!

Since that day you grew from a grumpy little guy to literally the happiest baby anyone has seen. Can I tell you how proud I am when I get asked (and I get asked this almost every day), "Is he always this happy?" or "You really have the happiest children I have ever seen".  I'd like to think we played a small part in all this happiness but I'm pretty sure God sent you both to us for a reason...to make us happier people.  And by God, we are.

So many things await you during this upcoming year.  You will become a walking, talking, independent little boy with so much to explore.  Every day you amaze us and every day we fall deeper in love with you.

Never stop exploring, questioning, loving, smiling and laughing.  I said in a post to Anna on her 2nd birthday that when she was born "I became a new person.  I became your mom.  And I became me."   Anna made me a mother first but you filled my heart beyond capacity.

we love you Graham!

Mom & Dad.