The Big One

Dear Marcus,

Happy Birthday!  I cannot believe you are one.  This past year has gone by so fast and I just want to stop time.  But I'm glad that I can't, because I would have stopped it a year ago and missed out on the special little boy that you are.  Every stage of this past year has been wonderful.  You were a pretty easy baby, but even when things haven't been easy (the spit-up days, the "don't-leave-me-alone" days)...well, your sweet spirit just makes everything better.

You are the  perfect bend of sweet and wild.  You are patient and kind and gentle.  And yet, you are the first one to start a wrestling match or climb up on the couch and fall on your head.  (Thankfully, you've learned not to fall on your head, so that makes life easier!)  You are smart and silly and love to be with people.

You are not as much of a snuggler as Jordan is in the morning, but you make up for it throughout the day.  If someone is holding you, within a few minutes you will just lay your head on their shoulder.  Even if it is the briefest moment, that little gesture just makes my heart want to explode.  And you are sweet to just about everyone who will hold you.  You love people.

Your two favorite people: Your Dad and your brother.  Both of those guys just make your day.  When Dad comes home, he can't walk  by you without picking you up or you will follow him crying.  You will stay in his arms all day if he would let you.  You can't get enough of him.  And Jordan makes you giggle and laugh and all you want to do all day is follow him around and play with him.  He doesn't always enjoy that part of being a brother, but he loves you.  Your Dad and I get so much joy from seeing you two love each other.  A couple of days ago, while we were on a walk, Jordan reached over and held your hand.  It is such a wonderful thing to see you two grow closer.

You are a precious gift from God and I hope you always realize that.  You are miraculous, not just in how you came into this world, but the way you've made it a better place, even in just one year!  You are loved by so many and most importantly, you are loved by Him.  He created you just the way you are...and I am so thankful to have you as my son.  I wish I could find better words to let you know just how loved you are!

I love you, buddy.  Welcome to year #2!

Mom

 

You love your birthday presents!!

 

Walker

Dear Marcus,

You had been taking a few steps here and there, but it's like a switch has flipped and all of the sudden you are walking more than crawling.  It's funny, though.  First thing in the morning you crawl. It's as if you've forgotten that you can walk.  But pretty soon, there are you are making your way across the room.  It is so cute to watch you.  Every time you do something new, you are so proud of your self!  You're always looking to see who is watching so you can giggle at them.

You've also started squealing when you see someone you know.  On Sunday night, you saw Grammy through the window of the nursery and just started going crazy.  She was so excited to know how much you love her!  And then you were heart-broken when you still had to stay in the nursery.  Although, that didn't last long because you love Miss Beth and Miss Hope and had their full attention when I checked on you a few minutes later.

Your poor big brother...one of the consequences of you walking is that you can keep up with him easier and the poor guy doesn't get a lot of free time when you're up.  You can climb up on the couch with him or stand next to him while he watches tv.  As a big sister, I understand the patience it requires to put up with the little siblings when they get in your business.  So, I sympathize with Jordan.

The other day, you two were in the back of the van just giggling at each other.  I love to see you guys love on each other.  The older you get, the more Jordan enjoys having you around and of course, you adore him!  I can't wait to watch you grow closer to one another.

Your birthday is next week!  It's hard to believe that it's here.  I'm so sad to see you grow up, but excited to celebrate YOU because you are such a special little guy.

I love you,

Mom

 

Taking Steps

Dear Marcus,

I love how babies have an innate sense of pride in accomplishments.  No, you're not winning Olympic medals (yet!) or receive honors for your intellect (yet!), but you are standing on your own and taking steps.  You get this look on your face that is priceless and you always stare at the people around you, like you are saying "Hey, did you see that?  I'm kind of awesome!"

So, yes, you are taking 5-6 steps now.  You toddled from Grandma Nietzie to me yesterday at church to show off for everyone.  I love how at the end of your journey, you throw yourself into the arms of the person you are arriving at.  It's almost like your victory hug!

Speaking of hugs, you are not the morning cuddler that your brother is, but you do enjoy a good hug.  On Wednesday, you saw me at church for the first time all afternoon and just sat in my lap with your head on my should for a long time.  Boy, it makes me feel loved!

You are a sweet little guy and I cannot believe we are getting close to your birthday!  I sent out the invitation to your pool party yesterday and already have so many guests coming just to celebrate YOU!  You are worth the celebration, too!

I love you,

Mom