My baby is one

Henry turns one today. As I sit here watching him feed his toast to the dog, I am amazed all over again at how much a person changes over the course of their first year. From a little squishy ball of yummy to a giggling, stepping, wiggling monkey that can talk (sort of). And while some milestones are nice, like sleeping more at night, some make you long for the little squishy again...oh, how I miss him snuggling in for a nap.

Henry is such a blessing to our family, as all of our kids have been. Each child brings something to the family dynamics that you didn't even know was missing, like a little more spice or some rowdiness in case things were a little too quiet. I think Henry was our balance...and while he runs me ragged most days going from one hazard or no-no to the next, he brings us all joy.

Last night as I rocked Henry, I thought about the night before one year ago-the anticipation, nervousness, fears, & elation the next day had in store, all the emotions that were running through me. I remember really trying to savor the last day I would be pregnant & not letting the amazing privilege of participating in the creation of a new little person give way to the next miracle. That's how we have tried to see this past year, as well as all the years with our kids-savoring the "now" instead of anticipating the "next".

Happy Birthday little H. Big Blue. Jett. Little monster. Bubby.

"Give me patience when little hands
Tug at me with ceaseless, small demands.
Give me gentle words and smiling eyes
To keep my lips from hasty, sharp replies.
Let not fatigue, confusion or noise
Obscure my vision of life's fleeting joys.
So when in years to come my house is still
Beautiful memories is rooms might fill."
-unknown