Dear Sam,
One year ago today you came into our lives – and our world has never been the same. You arrived early the morning, screaming with indignation, and then sweetly settled into snuggling and eating. In this whirlwind year there has been lots of sweet snuggling, a fair amount of eating and, fortunately, not much screaming. You’ve brought such a joy to our lives and we can’t imagine the past year and the future years without you.
Today we celebrated your first birthday in a way that’s fitting your personality. Rather then a big party with lots of people, we did one of your favorite activities with some of the people you love the most. We went for a hike at Tryon Creek State Park with your grandparents, Grandma T, and our dear friends Robin, Ryan, G, baby M, Adam, Chan and Carrie, and dogs Sadie and Kirby. The sun was shining through golden leaves and it felt like the forest was celebrating your birthday along with us. You didn’t know which smiling face to look at next. We came back home for lunch, singing, cake and presents. You loved it and we loved seeing you so happy.
You are such a sweet little boy with a gentle way about you. You love a good cuddle and can be a bit demanding until you get one. For such a gentle little boy, you aren’t a peaceful one. You are bound and determine to explore the world and experience all it has to offer. With arms and eyes open you touch, taste, rub, throw, and roll everything you can reach. Your appetite for food and excitement are unending and we struggle to keep up with you. I hope to show you the world and watch you wonder in it. I know that you will make it your own.
Before you were born, I felt a nagging feeling that someone was missing. Your presence has completed us in a way that I could never have imagined. It was Sam we were missing, and we thank every day that you’re here now.
You adore your big sister and do your darnest to keep up with her. You giggle together every day, which warms my heart more than you will ever know. Daddy is your favorite jungle gym and no one can tickle you like Daddy can. If you see him laying on the floor you crawl over to him and throw yourself on him with gusto, knowing that he will catch you. As for me, well, you and I have something special. When you are upset you only want Mom, and I only want to make you happy. Somehow, when you grew in my tummy, our hearts also grew together in a special way. They continue to be connected even as you have been out in the world this year.
You are the light to our day my love and I look forward to what the next year brings.
All my love,
Mama