Dear Maverick

Dear Maverick,

Today, you are one. How can that be? I’m pretty sure it was only a few months ago that I was finally sitting down on the couch after getting your sister in bed when I said to your dad: “Uhhh? B? I think my water just broke….” And now suddenly I’m the proud mommy of a one year old big boy. Where did the time go?

We didn’t have the easiest start, Buddy. I mean, we loved each other to pieces of course. But for your first six months, you spent every moment you possibly could with your daddy. He’s the one who you loved to cuddle with, fall asleep on, and he’s the one who held you from 5:10 PM til bedtime. Then at 6 months old, you decided I was pretty okay, and things got much easier for us. You wanted to hang with me, cried when I left the room, and I got to start putting you to bed sometimes. And now? If I don’t look at you the second I walk into the room, you make sure I know how displeased you are 😉

Mav, I don’t think most people call their boys “beautiful,” but you are my beautiful boy. I’m sorry. I promise to stop before your teen years. But there’s no better word to describe you. “Handsome” just doesn’t quite cover it. Your eyes are the most amazing shade of blue, and they light up from within you. Even total strangers notice you and your eyes. And let’s not even talk about your smile…it’s too cute for words.

A year old. We’ve had one year of breastfeeding, bottles, diapers, baby food, first holidays and milestones. We’ve had really hard days and really easy ones. I thought I’d be so ready for this birthday—an excuse to put away the Boppy and breast pump and all the other baby stuff we will no longer need. But now it’s here and I just want a little more time, you know? I know there’s nothing magical about today. But something does feel different. Now, you are not my tiny baby…you are my little boy.

MavBoy, I hope you know how loved you are. I hope you know that I am so excited for all the new things you are learning, the crazy amount you’re growing, and the new parts of your personality that keep on developing. While it’s true that your first birthday is a little sad for me, it also makes me really happy. I can’t wait to see what wonderful things your second year will bring. I’m so blessed to be your mom. Thanks for putting up with me, Buddy.

And just so you know, I won’t write you sappy birthday notes every year (if you want proof, go ask your sister).

All my love,

Mommy