Happy Birthday, Baby Boy!

Dearest Conqueror,

Today, we celebrate your first birthday. While a very happy occasion, I am filled with some sadness at what we have left behind. These days you are rarely content to sit quietly in my arms, as you have things to explore and discover. Walking, while such a milestone, has you constantly leaving me instead of coming towards me. I understand that this is all a part of the growth process but, today, I am slightly sad at all that has come and gone so quickly.

I am so in love with your adventurous personality; you are always looking for something new to get into. (Just yesterday, you and the cat shared a yummy snack of Iams cat food.) I appreciate the seemingly innate differences in you and your sister. She was content to sit alone quietly playing at your age, while you are far from quiet or content for long. You are a little boy with much to do and sitting quietly isn't on your agenda. I have few breaks during your wakeful hours as quiet means trouble where you are concerned.

You and I are so close; closer than I have ever been with another, I think. I attribute this to breastfeeding, which did not come easy for us. But, we were diligent, you and I, and succeeded. So successful, in fact, that you refused bottles after 5 months. You are definitely a boy who knows what he wants.

I am astounded at your zeal for food, as your sister was an apathetic eater at best. You love breakfast of scrambled egg and toast. You gobble down almost anything offered, except meat. You have an easy, ready smile that melts my heart and anger in a moment. I delight in your silly laughter and love seeing your sister's eyes when I look into yours.

I look at you today, so big and looking so much like Daddy and I hope that you will become a great man someday. I don't wish for you fame or power, necessarily, but greatness at being a citizen of the world; a conscientious husband and loving, engaged father. These are my hopes for you above all. I want happiness and a less bumpy road of life.

I thank God for sending you to me. You and your sister have given me the greatest joy and challenges that I have ever imagined and you are by far the best things your father and I have ever done. I never thought I had the capacity to love you and your sister with the ferocity that I do. What a lesson in patience and humility parenting has been for me.

Thank you for being my baby.