Made in Richmond

JR,

What? How did this happen? How is it possible that an entire year ago today you joined our family?

I can’t understand how you’ve already gone from this:

To this:

And on to this:

But alas, here we are. This evening we’ll head over to your Mamaw and Papaw’s house to celebrate. You’ll open your present, look at us like we’re crazy as we sing to you, and (hopefully) smash your fist and face into the cake your Papaw will lovingly (and painstakingly) prepare. Life will be as it should be.

You’re a bundle of energy these days. And while you’re not quite walking yet, you really don’t need us to help you get where you want to go. As long as there’s a wall or piece of furniture for you to lightly rest your hand on, off you go. I’m sure walking is just around the corner, and then we’re all really screwed.

As far as talking goes, you’re all about the animal noises now. Whenever you see a duck, you shout “QUAAAAAA!” All lions are greeted with a bellowed “RAAAAAAAAH!” You’ve also recently started pointing to pictures of monkeys and grunting “OOH OOH OOH!” We can also tell that you’re understanding much of what we say. It’s so exciting to watch you learn. You’re just so smart and curious, made obvious by your constant points and chants of “This?” as you want to know what absolutely everything is.

Teeth have been a big focus this month. You went from having just two to FOUR on top and two more making their way through on the bottom. It hasn’t been too much of an issue, but you do seem uncomfortable at times. And, seriously, the drool is a little out of control. You’re back to wearing bibs pretty much all day.

You’re going through a bit of a clingy phase when it comes to your mama these days. Things are fine if I’m not in the room, but God help us if I pass through. Luckily the tears don’t last long. And I must say, I don’t mind the hugs and kisses you’re being so generous with these days. On Sunday (after an night spent at Grandma’s) I got what I think was your first very intentional hug. We were sitting on the floor, rolling a ball back and forth, and you stopped playing, scooted over to me, climbed up, and rested your head on my shoulder. And then I died. That, my friend, made all of the challenges and worrying and insecurities of the past year 100 percent worth it.

I have to confess, I’ve spent a lot of time over the last few days staring at pictures from your first few days and weeks with us. There has been lots of sighing and blinking back tears. While I’m thrilled to meet the little man you’re becoming, I must say it’s hard to say goodbye to my little baby. My sweet, sweet boy who made me a mother, who has changed us, who has changed the world for me forever. Forever.

I don’t know what’s going to happen with these monthly letters. I can’t decide if I should continue them or not. It seems fitting to finish them up with this one, but they make such a great supplemental text to your baby book, what with the addition of commentary from other people who know you, either in real life on through this here Internet. But either way, I can’t wait to see what the next months and years hold. And I’m so proud to stand next to you as they come.

Love,

Mama