Happy Birthday Sweet Collin. You are ONE. March 10th fell on a Saturday so we planned a park party on your actually day. So many friends and family came to celebrate you. I hope you know just how loved you are. The weather report called for rain, so at the last minute we changed the plans and moved the party indoors. Mommy started crafting new decorations and made a video slideshow the night before. It all worked out fine. Your theme was farm and you had the best day. I feel like almost all one year old parties, the child ends up having a meltdown because it's all so overwhelming, but not you. I guess you're used to the chaos because you just loved every minute of it. You were happy and playing and eating and enjoying all the noise and attention. I think your favorite was the cake made with love by Auntie Laura of course. You just acted like you eat cake all the time. You tried to pick the whole thing up, but it was too heavy. We played a Collin James Jeopardy game and the Grandparents team won. We had chick fil a for lunch and opened some fun presents. You are very sweet to share with Jack who has been enjoying them as much as you. You went to the doctor for your one year check a few days after your party. You are growing and moving up on the scales due to your love of food. Now at 20% for weight (up from 5%). You had to get four shots and literally did not flinch, not one tear, not one squeak...nothing! It was amazing. So amazing, the nurse picked you up and walked you through the office saying she's never seen anything like it and started telling all her nurse friends. Again, being the baby of the family, you're tough and used to being poked and pushed a bit. I told her, wait until I bring big sister in, you will need to call in back up to hold her down. The doctor said you were very active and smart. Healthy and strong. He's sending you to an ENT to get your adenoids checked because you are a mouth breather. I'm guessing nothing will come from that. You switched to whole milk no problem, didn't seem to notice at all. You still use the bottle, but prefer food. No teeth yet, and the hair is slowing coming in. You actually walked today (3/19) I'm writing this a bit late. You walked in the loft over to Hannah while we were playing with you. Collin, I've loved all 365 days of being your mommy. I promise to love you for everyday to come. Thank you for being my amazing little boy. Happy Birthday!
My Darling Collin on your First Birthday, I lay you down one last time as a baby…my baby. How lucky I am to be your mommy. I close my eyes and try to engrave all the moments of this past year into my brain. I hope someday you look back and see that through all the chaos there is love. A love so great and so special. I love you more than my words can express. You are sweet, funny, active, loving and patient. You go with the flow and cause no problems. You have big blue eyes that I could stare at all day. I hope I remember the feeling of your little hand wrapped around mine and the sound of your sweet laugh. Collin, you love toys, balls, dumping things out, throwing things, emptying cupboards, water bottles and laughing with your brother and sister. You don’t like to be alone and love when mommy gives you attention. You say mama and dada and are so close to walking. You crawl very fast. The doctor said you are one of the most active 12 months old he’s seen in his office. You love to eat and enjoy meat, spaghetti, pancakes, bananas, peanut butter and jelly, peas and sweet potatoes. Collin, I’ve always wanted you. I dreamed of a third little baby and I’m so blessed God gave me you. I promise to love you, support you, keep your secrets, protect you, and do my best every day to show you that you are special.
In your first year of life, you have learned to crawl, stand, throw, wave, clap and point. We call you Calls, Collie, or Collin Jamesy. I have watched you grow into a brave happy little boy and I know this world has big plans for you. For you now, life is simple…love, play, explore, learn, grow. You like crawling on the grass, singing songs, looking around and getting hugs. Life won’t always be so simple, but I hope you always remember the beauty in the simplicity of things. No matter how old you get a hug, a song, a walk around the block can make any day better. Being a mom is a wild ride. I think most days you teach me more than I teach you. Today know, that your life has made mine better.
Thank you Collin for every smile when I need it most, thank you for being a friend to Hannah and Jack, thank you for trusting me and knowing I’ll always be there. I love you forever and always. The world is yours and you can be and accomplish anything! Happy first birthday my sweet Collin James.
Mommy loves you
