1 Year.

Dear Van,

Seriously.  Did I just type "1 Year" at the top of this post?  I'm not going to lie to you Bub, there have been more than a couple meltdowns as we approached this day.  I can't believe my little baby is a whole year old.  Like literally.  I. CAN'T. BELIEVE. IT.  You are getting so big.  But no matter how big you get, you'll always be my baby.

The past year has been absolutely indescribable.  If someone would have told me all the ways my life would change in a single year, I would have never believed them.  Never.  You have changed me.  And I'll never be able to thank you enough for it.  

I now know that it's possible to have someone want to snuggle with you all day...even when you haven't showered.  I've learned that I'll use absolutely anything as a toy when I need to.  Take keys for instance.  Jagged metal Mom, really?  You've taught me that all of the things I used to worry and stress over really aren't the things that matter.  And I've realized the importance of keeping all of my promises with my Heavenly Father.  Because when I look at how perfect and special you are, I'm not taking any chances of something standing in the way of being with you in Heaven forever.

You have been quite the busy little bee this month.  Here's what been going on:

You talk like crazy.

You say hi, dog, no no, Mama, Dada, ball, and a few others.  I love the sound of your voice.  Especially when you say "no no".  Your voice goes as deep as you can get it, and you get the most serious look on your face.  (Wonder where you got that from...)

You WALKED!

Oh my word.  I was the proudest little Mama Bear on the planet.  We were at Uncle Keith and Aunt Joy's house, and you walked across the entire living room.  You laughed the whole time.  I cried.

You give pats.

This is probably one of my faves.  When I pick you up, you give me a big bear hug and pat my back.  I absolutely love it.  

You got your 6th tooth.

I have to say, your teeth are probably one of my favorite things about you.  You've got the biggest gap between your front two, and I just think it makes you look adorable.

You got your big boy car seat.

Oh man, talk about a whole new world.  I switched you to forward facing a little before I was supposed to, but you had met the weight requirement over a month ago (surprise, surprise).  The look on your face was priceless like, "Holy cow!  Look what I've been missing this whole time staring at the back of the seat!!"

You found out you're going to be a BIG BROTHER!

What?!?  You took so long to get here and your little brother/sister just couldn't wait!  I think you are going to be the best big brother any kid could ask for.  

Van, you make me proud every day.  I feel blessed to have you as my son.  The past year has been the best of my life.  You are the most precious gift I have ever been given.  I love you all the way around the world and touching.

Love,

Mama

This was the "wild man".  I had such a hard time admitting to myself that it was time to cut it because I didn't want to cut off those curls in the back that I love so much.  I finally toughened up and did it.  Then I cried. 

Van's first experience with his pool in the backyard.  Don't worry, within 2 minutes he was splashing around and loving life. 

Well, if there was any doubt left that Van would turn out just like Clayton and I (into everything), he has certainly laid them to rest.  Here is my answer.  (But look at the smile.)

I'm a big kid now! 

One of my favorite pictures ever.  Van LOVES to hear Clayton play the guitar and the piano.  I hope he inherits that talent from him, because he won't get it from me.

 My little Bug-a-boo

This was while I was singing "Happy Birthday" to him.  At first, he didn't know what to make of it. 

These blues get me every time. 

My big boy. 

Happy Birthday Bub.  I love you!