To Aidan on your 1st birthday

Dear Aidan,

You don't realize it but today is a pretty big moment in your life.  Today you turn a whole year old!  You don't realize how much you've changed in the last year and how much you've become such an integral part of our little family.  You're napping right now which automatically wins you points because unlike your sister it's not in a baby swing or in my arms which has allowed me to get a few things done every once in a while.  Not that I mind holding you much when you let me.  But right now you're not too into being held.  You're what I refer to as "my little crazy man."  You're into everything.

If you can climb it, bang it, throw it, or get into it... you're in!  You have taught me more then anything that there are some major differences between raising boys and girls.  Mainly stamina!  You're into cars, balls, and anything that makes loud somewhat obnoxious noises.  We haven't found much you won't eat still and if I'd find a way for you to get on top of the refrigerator I don't think you'd hesitate to try it out.  We're trying hard to teach you right now to give kisses and not bite.  You're letting up on the head butting thing except to Mr. Kitty.  But that's OK he kind of deserves it.  You're sort of walking.  You consistently take 6-8 steps at a time and then fall down but it's not your only mode of getting around.  You still crawl at lightning speed and thank goodness we figured out a way to get a gate on the stairs!

When I look back to a year ago it's kind of hard to believe you were inside this gigantic belly that just for you I'm posting on the Internet.  I was so unbelievably ready for you to come on and get out of there.  I remember going to the hospital thinking the 2nd time would be a breeze, I'd get the epidural early, and we'd be on our way.  The epidural never really worked, I worried constantly about how fast your heartrate was, and kept the nurses on their toes with my dropping blood pressure.  But when my Dr. held you up at 6:15 p.m. on this day a year ago tears came into my eyes.  You gotta know your Mommy isn't a big crier.  You were finally here.  All the worrying about you, all the discomfort, was washed away.  There you were!  All 9 pounds, 22 inches of you and I was speechless.

So I know I'm not always going to be the perfect Mommy to you.  I know your sister drives you batty sometimes.  I know your Daddy will make mistakes.  But we all love you and we kind of suspect you love us too.  We're so blessed to have you in our lives and we'll always be your biggest fans no matter where your life goes from here.  But for now you're our little monkey and we wish you a very Happy 1st Birthday!