Dear Jude,
I woke up this morning so excited that it was your birthday! Your FIRST birthday! What an amazing year this has been and I can't wait to celebrate you all day long and into the weekend!
My mommy heart can't believe how fast this year has gone.... the joy of it all has been too much to take in and I am so thankful that I already have a year's worth of amazing memories with you in my life.
I had no idea how much I could and would love you. Being my second child, you would think I would know the love I could have for a child, but it just takes my breathe away again and again! When I look at you, I can't help, but smile.... even when you are doing something irritating (no, you are not perfect! Ha, ha!), I usually just think how blessed I am that it is YOU pushing my buttons. You are MINE and every time I look into your eyes, I am in awe of our perfect Savior's plan to give YOU to ME.
I look forward to going into your room every morning. Seeing you stand up and bounce excitedly for me to pick you up. You bless me over and over. You aren't quite the Mommy's Boy I had hoped you to be, but I'm not surprised... You truly do have the best Daddy in the world. I have a lot of competition!!!!!
Of course, there are days when Mommy and Daddy can't even compare with your big sister. Finley can make you laugh harder and longer than anyone else. Of course, she can also make you cry harder and longer than anyone else as well! You two love each other though and I can't really remember life without BOTH of you. I am so thankful that you have each other and am honored to watch the two of you figure out what it means to be a "brother" and a "sister."
So far, you continue to look like me and continue to have your Daddy's laid back personality. You hardly ever cry and if you do, you settle down quickly. We still have friends who have never heard you cry! You totally go with the flow and rarely care if your routine is disrupted. You do show your opinions from time-to-time which gives me confidence that you aren't going to be a push-over.
I love you so much, my little boy! There are no words to express it. I wish I could capture every emotion I have for you, but it just isn't possible. You are my Little J. My Buddy. My LoveBug. My Pumpkin Bottom. My Little Chubs. My Sunshine.
Thank you for being my son. Thank you for letting me love you. Thank you for making me a mother another time over and letting me perfect my mistakes while making new ones along the way. We have another crazy year ahead of us, but I know you will continue to be my reward over and over again. (Psalm 127:3)
Happy 1st Birthday!
Love,
Mommy
Your sister INSISTED on your Happy Birthday crown! =)
