Month 12

My sweet Abram,

One year ago you came home from the hospital just a 9 pound wee one who was completely reliant on two wide eyed parents. Look at you today! I am in awe at how much you have grown and changed. Each month I have savored each and every milestone and am blessed to have seen you achieve each one.

With two older brothers I know how quickly the baby phase goes by and it has made the moments special. Lucky for you I am a MUCH more laid back mother. I hope you will someday understand how special you are to be the third child in this family. Having your brothers before you prepared me in ways I didn't even know I needed to grow in. Thank You to our God who knows more than us!

I am not big on first birthday parties. They are more work and stress for the mommy than anyone else and you are too young to understand what the big deal is about. I did make cupcakes on Saturday and let you try one. You were NOT a big fan. I tried to put your hands in the frosting and taste a bite and you were very unhappy! You did like to play in it and crumble it into tiny pieces, but not one piece passed your lips.

You love to be outside and will crawl around everywhere! You will pick up sticks, rocks, bugs or grass and want to show me each and everything you have. It is important for me to give a response to each thing you show and will become impatient if I do not respond quick enough.

You can give and receive "high five's" much to your brothers delight. At life group two weeks ago you showed your talent and went above and beyond and said the word "pive!" Too cute! You will say 'pive' 'pive' and put your little hand out for us to give you FIVE.

My personal favorite is when I ask you to give mommy kisses you will lean in to give me a kiss or will pucker your lips and kiss mine. As if that wasn't enough when I ask you to give mommy a hug you will lay your head on my shoulder and put your arm around my back. Melts my heart.

Suddenly you have become a very picky eater! What is up with that? I will offer a first bite and you will back your head up and just look at it and decide you will NOT try it. You clasp your lips tightly and turn your head while putting your hand up in disgust. Even the foods that use to be your favorite. It is very frustrating but I will continue to offer them to you in hopes you will change your mind. Please?

You are down to only two bottles a day and I know that will soon end. Your first one is when you wake in the morning. As I change your diaper and take off your PJ's you will lay in your bed and drink your bottle. The second one is right after your bath, before bedtime. We no longer hold you while you drink, but will lay down beside you on the floor in the quiet living room. It is one of my favorite parts of the day.

I have enjoyed writing these notes each month since you were born. It is fun to look back and see exactly what you were doing. You have brought more joy to this family than we ever thought possible. Happy First Birthday!