To Our Baby

I'm all about traditions and starting them in our family.  One I came up with that I thought we'd start this year with Rudy was to write our children a letter on their birthdays.  So here they are...

Dear Rudy,

     Today you are one-year old.  When I think back to one year ago, I can't believe how much you have changed and how much our lives have changed right along with you.  I will never forget the day we welcomed you into the world and every special moment since.  This has been the happiest year of my life.  I didn't know it was possible for my heart to swell so much, somedays I think it might explode.

  

     You bring me more joy than I could have ever imagined.  You are such a happy little man.  Every morning you wake up with a smile on your face and a "let's party" attitude.  It's infectious.  Staying mad or in a bad mood is near impossible when I see your little face light up (or even when I see it in tears)  Being with you makes me happy.  Your energy is nonstop, even down to the last minutes before bed or a nap.  Ever since the day you were born, you never seemed to want to miss anything.  For being one, you sure are busy.  It is difficult to keep up some days!

     You are smart, happy, independent, determined, funny, lovable, ticklish, a picky eater, active, brave, and definitely a people-person.  You love your family, books, dancing (hip hop music especially), the outdoors, playing ball, cell phones, remotes, being surrounded by people, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and macaroni and cheese (and your dad is working on you loving the Patriots).  You don't like naps, being confined or restricted, vegetables (which your mom is trying very hard to change), not being the center of attention, or being told "no."

     Your dad and you are like two peas in a pod.  So much about your personality, expressions, and overall demeanor remind me of your dad (and I'm not going to lie, it makes me very nervous for the years to come -- and also incredibly excited).  You two have a very special bond.  Your dad takes care of you effortlessly.  He just seems to "get you" and always knows just what you need.  He loves you so much and I love seeing the two of you together.

     Rufus will come around.  As soon as you stop pulling his hair, he'll learn that you will be his best friend because you absolutely can't get enough of him.  He stays close when you are eating meals -- you are confined to your high chair and you drop him food often -- pretty great place for him to be.  And he looks after you.  He always has to know where you are and make sure you're ok.

     You also have the best grandparents and family around.  They will spoil you rotten and if you're smart, you'll take full advantage of it.  I hope you realize how much you are loved.  

     Every night I rock you to sleep I pray to God to protect you through the night (and your daddy and mommy, too).  I thank Him for bringing you into our lives, and not just any baby, but specifically you.  You compliment our lives so perfectly and you make us complete.  I thank Him for your health and happiness and ask for another day of health and happiness for you and everyone in your family.  And as of lately, I also pray that He protect your sister from harm and bring to her your same happy spirit and health.  You are one very special little boy. 

   

     When I think about whats to come and what has been, I find myself reciting this to myself (and quite often lately):

I'll love you forever, 

I'll like you for always, 

As long as I'm living 

my baby you'll be.

-Robert Munsch

     I first read this story right after you were born.  I was in tears and could hardly finish the book.  It's such a simple story, but it couldn't be more true.  Today you may be one, and next year you'll be two, and the year after that you'll be three, and one day you'll be all grown up and taller than me...but you'll always be my baby.  No matter what.

I love you beyond words and I'm so proud to be your mom.  Thank you for being you. 

Happy birthday, Rudy.

Love, Mom

Rudy,

Happy Birthday!  I'm writing you this letter because you just turned one today (and your mom told me to).  Can't believe you are one already.  Your first year has been crazy.  Your were born into the greatest family ever.  You are surrounded by so much love!  You have the greatest mom in the whole wide world and just for that you should be thankful.  

You have grown to love many things: balloons, mac n cheese, Rufus, baseball bats, golf balls, actually any sort of ball, dancing, running around like a crazy man, and pretty much doing anything but sleep and staying still.  Hopefully when you are older and understand you will grow to love New England Patriots and Iowa Hawkeye football, but if you end up liking other teams better I will still love you just as much.  

I want to wish you a Happy Birthday and many more happy ones to come.  Also, I want to tell you thanks.  Thanks for bringing us so much joy.  Thanks for being the greatest kid in the world.  Thanks for making me a better man.  You mean the world to me and I would do anything for you and always will.  I couldn't imagine a life without you.  Thanks Rudy and I love you!

Love, Your Dad

PS you got a little sister on the way, be good to her.