To Our Baby Ben

My sweet Ben,


How has it been a year already? 

I am often teased that you are my favorite, the Chosen One.  You have been the BEST baby.  You made it too easy on me... you had no problems eating at an early age, rarely cried, slept great, had no qualms about being left to play on the floor or in your bouncer... overall, you were (are) a happy, content little man.  And I'm so thankful. 

Your first year has been a whirlwind.  A few months after you were born our house flooded and we were forced to live somewhere else for several months.  We moved three times before you were one and were under a lot of stress.  You are a trooper, though and didn't seemed to mind a bit.  I think I have you to thank for keeping me calm... rocking you to sleep every night was so peaceful and I soaked up every minute.

Everyone feels bad for the third child.  I hear comments like "Poor Ben... gets no attention... has to fend for himself... didn't get this or that... what a difference from the first to the third..."

But that last one is spot on... what a difference.  You've gotten to spend your entire first year with more people to love on you than anyone else.  I may not have had as much time to give to you, but Rudy and Avery have more than made up for it.  And you have been involved in a lot more activities than your siblings ever were when they were your age.. you've been to more parks, zoos, sporting events, water parks, sleepovers, meals out, living room dance parties, pile-on Dad's, pizza parties, road trips, and much much more.

A third child has been a whole new ballgame for your dad and I, but we wouldn't want it any other way.  You complete us.  You make our family whole.  And you make us so incredibly happy to have you.  You are one of a kind and we love you more than I could ever express in words.  We are SO grateful to have you.



As I tell your brother and sister:

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living,
My baby you'll be.
- Robert Munsch


Happy birthday my sweet Bubbers.  I'm so proud to be your mom and I love you more than words could ever express.


Love,
Mom