One

At the risk of sounding more cliche, cheesy and predictable than usual, I am going to start off by saying; Where has the time gone?

This has literally been the fastest year of my life.

Before you were born, I had some major anxiety about how you would fit into our family.  I was scared I wouldn't love you as much as Michael, that I wouldn't be able to care for two kids emotionally or physically (I know I was dramatic, I blame the hormones).

  All those fears and that anxiety melted away the moment you made our little family of three a family of four.  My heart naturally stretched, and caffeine, a village and a good housekeeper helped with the rest.



I cannot believe it has been exactly one year since they pulled your little 8 pound 6 ounce body from mine and you cried and cried for over an our while they stitched me up.  Your dad and I were getting a little nervous about what we had gotten ourselves into, but you stopped crying the moment you nursed.  You took to nursing like it was your job, you still do.  You love it and I love it too.

I remember when you first met your brother.  He was nervous and had tears in his eyes, but he loved you from the moment he saw you.  He protects you, cares for you, and plays with you.  You lucked out in the brother department.

When I was getting ready for work the other day, I glanced over and saw you two playing.  You handed Michael a phone and he answered it and said, "Hello, is this Sponge Bob?"  I realized at that moment, this thing that you two have, this brother thing... It goes way beyond our family of four.
 You guys have your own special relationship that will continue when your dad and I are gone and that is pretty cool.

Like our family and our hearts, you have grown a lot this year too.

Wow. 
You are ONE.

At one, you love to be outside.

You like to ride in your toy car or the stroller. 

Most of the time you just like to be held.

At one, you love to be involved. 

If your brother is playing, you crawl right up to him. 

If we have company, you want to be in the mix.

At one, your favorite food is watermelon.
  You dig strawberries too.
Whatever it is, we cannot feed it to you.
 You like to pick it up and pop it in your mouth yourself.

At one, you like to share. 
You hand anyone and everyone the object you are holding.

At one, you drive your brother crazy by taking his toys.

He takes yours too but you don't mind.
You are very good natured that way.

At one you are pretty cool.
 These past 12 months have been a breeze.
  I have enjoyed every last minute of it.

I never wished a moment away and I am thankful for that.

You have rounded out our family in the most perfect way possible.

You are simply the best.

Happy Birthday Colin.

Love,

Your very proud family