A letter to my baby boy...

My sweet Judebug,

Today you are one. I can’t help but think back to exactly a year ago when I anxiously awaited your arrival. Then the moment was there. I hear you before I see you. That perfect little scream will forever be etched into my brain. After I first heard you, I finally saw you. You were the most beautiful sight I had ever laid eyes on. I was immediately in love with you and my heart nearly exploded with joy.

Your dad and I navigated those early weeks with the best of intentions. We worked as a team and felt victorious with certain moments; you sleeping for hours at night, or getting you to smile at us for the first time. Some days seemed almost too easy. We tried to make time stand still, but the clock continued to tick anyway. You have grown so fast. I have cheered and celebrated every milestone you have made and kissed every boo-boo you had. I have laughed at your silliness and cried with you when you felt bad and I couldn’t fix it. I have witnessed all of your firsts; smiling, rolling over, sitting, belly laughing, scooting (you never truly crawled), pulling up, and most recently, standing on your own for about 5 seconds.

I was also mostly the one to soothe you through your teething. You and I spent many hours rocking and cuddling in the middle of the night. Those nights became very precious to me (and still are). There is something so wonderful about the quiet and still of the night that made our bonding time so much more special. The rest of the world was asleep, and here we were just hanging out together. Just mommy and baby.

Jude, you have taught me so many things this past year. I’ve learned to be more patient, to not rush time. I have also learned to love with all of my heart. I never knew what unconditional love was until I met you. You have grabbed on to my heart and I hope you never let go.  I know I never will.

Your dad was out of town with work a lot this past year and you and I spent many of our days together. We have become pals. I have started thinking in terms of “us” instead of “I”.  What I do, you do. Where I go, you go.

You have one of the best personalities of anyone I know. You think some of the silliest things are funny and you crack up laughing. What a social butterfly you are! You have so many friends and playtime is your favorite time of day. Daddy taught you to high-five and I taught you to kiss. Your smile is infectious and I adore laughing and playing with you. I have so many wonderful memories from this past year.

Jude, you have enriched my life more than you will ever know. Every day you amaze me and make me smile. I have been blessed more this year than I have my whole life. I will cherish every moment we’ve had this past year together, but I am also excited to watch you grow.

Thank you for helping me laugh more, learn more, and love more.  You my baby, made me a mommy.  And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Happy Birthday, my sweet Judebug.

I love you more than anything and everything in this world,
Mommy

The most perfect day of my life...