A Letter To My Son

Dear Austin,

I carried you for 9 long months wondering what you’d be like. Would I be a good mother? Would we bond instantly? And most importantly, would you be a baldy like Daddy? Then 1 year ago today my life changed forever. After pain that only a mother can know you arrived into this world at 12:24am weighing 8lbs 7oz. You were already such a strong, healthy boy. The whole process of birth is still so amazing to me. I’m still in shock that I was apart of such a wonderful event. I had waited so long to meet you, but it only took a moment to realize what an amazing gift you were. A gift we would never take for granted.

The next few days and weeks were a whirlwind of emotions. We were so happy to have you home, yet so nervous to do everything just right for you. I didn’t want to be away from you for even a moment. You slept next to our bed for seven weeks before moving into your big boy bed. Those thirty steps felt like thirty miles the first time you slept in your own room. I’d be a rich woman if I had a dollar for every time I’ve snuck into your room just to listen to you breathe, feel your heartbeat, or just stroke your hair. Now you’re standing up in your crib when we come to get you in the morning. There’s nothing better then being greeted by your big smile. I know it sounds weird, but sometimes your smile makes me feel like I’ve known you my whole life. I mean how could I love someone this much that I’ve only known for twelve months?

I have watched you grow so fast. I couldn’t wait until I saw your first smile, heard your first laugh, or watched you roll over. You did that and so much more over this past year. You continue to amaze us with new things everyday. Your Daddy often tells me that he just can’t believe how much he loves you. The love you filled our hearts with is something that can never be spoiled and cannot compare to any other love on this earth.

Each day I cherish you more and more and I want you to know that you have changed my life forever. I will always try to be the best person I can be for you. I will always try to protect you and I will always love you more than anything in this world.

I honestly can’t believe you are a year old today. All day I reminisced about what we were doing a year ago. It seems like just yesterday you were in my arms for the first time. In a few hours, I’ll once again sneak into your room and wish you a very happy 1^st birthday.

Happy Birthday Austin! I hope each day of the next year will be just as wonderful as this first year has been. It's a year your Daddy and I will never forget.

I love you with all of my heart,

Mama