Happy Birthday, Joel!
One year ago today, you entered this world kicking and screaming. You were plucked from my womb and you weren't sure how you felt about this new world. You started moving immediately...arms and legs kicking and waving...and you haven't stopped moving since then.
Joel, you are curious and active. You are an explorer who knows no fear. You love to eat and as long as we keep you fed, you are pretty much just happy to be alive. You like to look at books and you love your baby Belle stuffed dog. You love being outside and you love the beach. You like dogs and you love watching other kids playing. Someday, buddy, you can run and play with all the other kids. You are a rough and tumble boy who knows how to give the best hugs and the sweetest kisses.
You have learned so much in your first year. You learned how to roll-over, how to sit all by yourself, how to scoot around, and how to push up on all fours. Then you learned how to crawl, how to pull yourself up, how to walk, and now, you are running! You learned how to nurse, how to drink from a bottle, how to eat from a spoon, how to drink from a cup, and now, how to eat with your hands. You learned how to smile, how to laugh, how to wave good-bye, how to clap your hands, and how to blow kisses.
Joel, you are the joy and light of my life. You have shown me how to love so much more deeply than I ever knew possible. To see you laugh and grow and learn is the most beautiful thing I have ever experienced. Thank you for letting me be your Mommy. I'm so excited to see what God has in store for the rest of your life.
Always and forever,
Mommy
