A First Birthday!

Published 08/29/2012

Dear Little Zoom,

My littlest man. You are a whole 1 year old today! I can hardly believe a year has gone by since we met you, all 9 pounds and 12 ounces of you, in the evening light of the hospital room. The smile that spread across my heart and face that day was one of the biggest of my whole life. We were so ready for you. So happy to have a brother for Big Zoom and so excited to welcome another rowdy little boy into our lives.

Or so we thought. You, sweet Little Zoom, are just that. So so so very sweet. Your smile lights up a room. Your giggle makes old ladies stop and coo. Your drool makes people stare. But all your wonderfulness in addition to your brothers wildness has given your Daddy and I a run for our money. More often than not we plop down on the couch after we’ve put the two of you to bed (usually before most people have started their dinner) and stare at each wondering how we’ve survived another day. The chaos that you have brought to our lives is mind boggling.

We’ve finally managed to fall into a rhythm. Playtime is getting really fun and family outings are becoming regular occurrences. Where once an exciting and accomplished weekend meant finishing the grocery shopping and making it to bedtime, we now find ourselves all over town exploring museums and fire stations and playgrounds. You are the perfect stroller baby; happy and content to miss a nap in favor of taking in all the activity going on around you.

Undoubtedly, my favorite time of the day is when your Daddy walks in the door from work. The shrieks and giggles that erupt from your tiny little body make the toughest parts of the day melt away. And you, my little man, can move. You’ve perfected the baby crawl and can make it from one end of the house to the other just about as quickly as your brother can run. Poor Barley dog doesn’t have a chance with the two of you as playmates. Your favorite game to play is chase and after your brother throws the ball down the hall, Barley takes off after it, followed closely by you on hands and knees ready to get in on the action.

When we brought you home from the hospital, I’d hardly let anyone else hold you. I was determined to get as many of your baby snuggles in as I possibly could. You see, I was terribly concerned as a first time mother with your big brother and was afraid to let him fall asleep in my arms or hold him too much for fear I’d create some sort of co-dependent child who’d never be independent of me. I missed out on lots and lots of snuggles as a result. But you sweet Little Zoom got more snuggles than a worn teddy bear those first few months. I’d swaddle you up and snuggle you close every chance I got. We took naps together and watched countless episodes of Teen Mom while your big brother slept. And, surprise surprise, there doesn’t seem to be a clingy baby bone in your body. Books schmooks. I’m going rouge from now on.

This year has been so many kinds of wonderful and challenging and fun with you sweet Matthew. I feel so incredibly blessed that I get to call you my son and am so thankful you seem to have inherited your Daddy’s easygoing and sweet temperament. Though I know you’ll grow to be a rough and tumble little boy, I’m certain your smile will always melt my heart.