1 Year!

** A little late on posting this obviously. I started it on Bryson's birthday, but just put the finishing touches on it.

Dear Bryson,

You are now a 1 year old. A toddler. A big boy. I guess I am going to have to come to grips with the fact that babies don't come with a "slow down" button. But as much as a part of me wants to keep you little forever, there is an equal part of me that is truly enjoying watching you grow and develop. The past year has been filled with some amazing discoveries and achievements, and I know you will continue to fascinate me every day.


Here are some of the things that have happened since your 6 month letter:

• Your beautiful smile now holds 6 pearly whites (2 top, 4 bottom) and teething has seemed like a piece of cake for you.
  

• You have started to sleep much, much better than you were. You are now sleeping all night on a regular basis and usually taking two great naps each day. Sleep does not always come without protest, but you quickly realize it is a good idea. I think you are a lot like me in this regard.
  

• You learned how to crawl right at 8 months.

• You started walking unassisted just a few days after 11 months.

• You know how to clap your hands, dance, "jump" (your feet don't actually leave the ground, but it is cute watching you bounce up and down). And you know what we are saying when we ask you to do these things :)
  

• You understand a ton of words now. Every day you amaze us when we ask you where is xyz and you are able to find it. You do this with words we didn't realize you knew.
  

• Some of the words you have said include: dog, blue, ball, balloon, Dada, round-and-round (referring to ceiling fans). You try to say Mama, but it doesn't come out quite right ;) But, by far, I think your favorite word is door.

• You wave and say bye-bye when it is time to go. You have even been known to beat us to the punch and figure out on your own that someone is about to leave (i.e. when Daddy is getting ready to go to work and you say bye-bye before he does).
  

• You went swimming for the first time, saw your first 4th of July fireworks, and dressed up as a monkey for your first Halloween.
  

• You had your first birthday and your first birthday party. And you devoured your cake!
  

• You still love to swing and go for walks.
  

• You still like to go to story time at the library and we've also started going to Gymboree.

I'm sure I have missed a few things that should be on this list. Every day I thank God for giving me such a sweet little boy. You bring so much joy to our home and to our hearts. I am so excited to watch you grow in the coming year!

Happy birthday, Boogie! We love you so much!!