12 Month Letter

Dear Nikos,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, little man!! It is completely unreal to think that you are a year old today. The past twelve months have been such a rollercoaster. Sometimes the hours and days have marched by at a snail's pace; mostly, though, time has passed shockingly quickly. And while this day is a celebration of your first year of life, it also marks a milestone for Mommy and Daddy: we survived!!! :)

Just a year ago, at this time in the morning, I was in the hospital wondering when you would decide to make your entrance. I had no idea that the next few hours would see me suddenly start throwing up and your heart rate dropping unexpectedly. Or that I would be wheeled into the operating room for an emergency C-section. But at 12:08pm, right at lunchtime, you entered our world and changed it forever. Right from the start, we couldn't believe what a miracle you were. And to this day, we still look at you and wonder how we could have created this amazing little human being, full of his own unique personality.

This year has been filled with too many changes to enumerate here, but to summarize: you've gone from being a wrinkled pink crying machine to being a curious, strong-willed, giggling machine (with curly hair!). You are on the verge of walking independently. You eat just about anything, though you love lunch meat and chunks of cheddar cheese. You're drinking regular old milk now-- as in, the kind from a cow! You have such an amazing smile that can get you out of just about any situation. And that smile is made up of not one, not two, but SIX teeth! That's right! You cut four teeth in just the past month. You have been a busy guy!

As of late, you say pretty much three words: "dada," "mama," and "uh-oh." I'm 99% sure that you actually mean "uh-oh," as you tend to use it when you fall down or do something you aren't supposed to (like throw your food off the highchair). You say quite a few other "words," too, and like to respond in a conversational tone. Unfortunately for us, we have no idea what these words mean! Soon enough, though, they are bound to become clearer. And we can't wait to hear what you've been trying to tell us all this time!

Nikos, being your parents this past year has not been an easy job. We've lost a lot of sleep, and given up so much of ourselves to see to your happiness. And you know what? It's been worth every second. I wish that I could bottle up the joy that you have brought to us this past year, and give it back to you when you're older. Even if you experience just a fraction of the happiness you've filled our life with, you'll understand why it was worth it. And why we love you more than life itself. You are our #1 boy, and we will love you forever. Happy Birthday, sweet baby boy.

All Our Love,
Mommy & Daddy