ONE

Dear Lo Lo Man,

One...and boy are you certainly one singular sensation! Today we celebrate your first year of life, and I can't help but reflect how one year ago today, you entered this world and changed me forever. I remember how my labor with you was much quicker than with your brother (18 hours vs 50) but how much more intense the end was. Who knew that you would have my midwife, your daddy, Cici and Grammie gasping as you took your breaths, not only because of your obvious beauty, but because of your size. Your 9 lbs, 2 oz body stunned the room, and surprised all who knew how your brother was a full 3 lbs smaller at birth. And yet when I think about it, it couldn't be more apropos because to this day, you are larger than life. You melt my heart on a daily basis with your smiles, and are universally known as the happiest baby on the planet. Anyone who knows you, can't help but love you because simply put, you exude pure joy. Your smile lights up the world, and you literally can go days without crying. Your happiness is infectious and we learn from you every day to enjoy life as you do, my sweetheart!

At one year old, you are beginning to be a little clingy but in the cutest of ways. When someone looks at you, you will give the largest 3 toothed grin (your tops are on the brink of coming in) and then coyly throw your head onto my shoulder as if you are shy. Yet within about 10 seconds, you pop back up to catch their glance again, and so begins the shy game. It is just precious.

You have been taking a few steps since about 11 months, and in the past week confidently stand and take 6-8 steps at a time. You are determined and even after plopping onto your bottom several times, you will push yourself up to standing with a look of determination, and a sense of confidence. You are curious and physical, and love to explore and that keeps you wanting to move faster and to get to where you want to be - especially if your brother has something that is of interest to you.

You LOVE LOVE LOVE Colin and the two of you can make each other crack up something sweet. You have followed Colin's lead of loving the song, "Seasons of Love" from the Rent Soundtrack, and when it is played, you both laugh and giggle and beam. I love it!!

We celebrated your birthday this past weekend with a wonderful summer bbq/pool party for our summer solstice baby. All the children had a fantastic time swimming and going on the water slide and you thoroughly enjoyed the attention and action. You devoured your vegan, non-sugar cake and dug into the whipped cream something fierce. And just like you, you then decided to play with the cake before tossing it onto the ground and cracking up.

Finny pookah, you have made me love more than I ever thought possible with your beautiful face and beautiful heart... and I thank you for every moment of every day. You bring such joy to our family, and we love you more than you will ever know. Happy Birthday my little punkin head!!

Love, Mama