Dear Noah

All those little features I never want to forget :) 

Dear Noah,

I feel like I blinked and all of the sudden you are turning ONE! I have no idea how (or why?!) time goes by so fast once you have kids, but goodness sakes, it sure does.

It seems like forever ago that we were growing more impatient by the minute as we were waiting and waiting for you to make your arrival. Now I would like nothing more than to go back to that time and do it all over again!

Let me clarify: I wish we could go back in time, but not so I could change things; as I have very few regrets from your first year of life. I wish we took more pictures in the hospital (pictures with everyone who came to visit, that typical picture of us all on the hospital bed, etc), and that we got a name tag from your bassinet. Most of all I wish that we would have figured out your reflux and digestive issues so much sooner as that was truly a turning point for all of us. But other than that, I wouldn't change much. I held you often and savored every snuggle (and I still do!). I love the feeling of you sleeping on my chest, the way you rub your fingers on my arm to feel my skin and the sound of your breathing once you've fallen into a deep sleep, and the heavy sighs that follow. You are such a good snuggle buddy, I hope that never changes!

You have done everything in your own time since the very beginning, and that has been so true for your Dad and Mom on so many parenting things as well. We did things we never thought we would do, like keeping you in our room so long and even letting you sleep in our bed most nights. I nursed in public, with and without a cover. We skipped cereal altogether and fed you more table food than baby food. And so many other things. We did our research and did what we thought was best for you and for our family, rather than what is 'the norm'.

I miss my little baby Noah, but I could not love toddler Noah more. You are so fun and full of character; I've never met a little tyke with quite as much personality as you! You can be as crazy as they come, but you have a sweet, tender spirit, too. This year has been so much fun, watching you learn and witnessing all your firsts. It still boggles my mind that you are becoming a little human being, so much changes in this first year it is crazy. I am so excited to see what is coming next!

This last year has been the best year of our lives. But also the hardest, most challenging and exhausting year! I'm sure the coming years will be full of challenges as well, but the good moments far outweigh the stress of the hard times. There have been countless times where we have felt like we had no clue what we were doing, and I'm sure that will continue to be true as you grow up. But all those moments, and all the sleepless nights and tears, don't change the way we feel about you and how much we love you.

You made me a Mama, and this year has proven a hundred times over that this is the role I was meant to play. I love spending my days with you and I am so grateful that your Daddy works so hard so that I can stay home with you. So many pieces finally fell into place the day we met you; I don't know how we ever made it without you in our lives! You have brought so much joy to us and we are so excited to watch you continue to grow into the spunky personality you were born with.

Noah Dale, you are worth every second that we waited for you, and a million more. Happy birthday little man!!

Love,
Your Mama