12 months

Dear Gideon,

Just over three weeks ago you turned one year old. Another week and I could be (or at least should be) writing your thirteen months letter. Let's not focus on that right now. I'm not always such a procrastinator, it's just that I always want these letters to cover ALL that you've done and to be just so PERFECT. Not going to happen. I guess they are perfect just the way they are. Right?


Anyway, for weeks leading up to your first birthday I had this idea in my head that I would be so sad when you turned one. I envisioned myself full of tears at your party and weeping sorrowfully over your pictures from the day you were born. In reality? That's not the way it happened at all. It is a little bittersweet to know that my little baby is already a year old—which puts you that much closer to being my little man. But...I love this little guy you've become so, so much. You are so perfect at this exact moment (as you have been every moment so far). Everything about you lights up my life. Your personality has broken through even more in these last 6 weeks or so and there is no holding you back.


You are such a friendly little boy and continue to smile and flirt at just about anybody. However, you are quick to snuggle up with me and Daddy so we know we are still number one in your book. You've started to wave, give kisses, and give little squeezes as if you are hugging us. It melts my heart every single time.


You still love to give Mommy boo-gees on her belly and they've gotten so loud! They are hilarious. I think Daddy is a bit jealous because you don't give them to him as much. It's okay, his belly is too flat for a good loud pbbbbbbt.


You've also taken to clapping. All the time. Somebody else claps, you clap. We say the word "clap" you start clapping. It's a great go to trick when we want to show off your skills. If you have socks in your hand you try to put them on your feet. We just bought you your first pair of shoes a couple of weeks ago and you know they mean outside so you are constantly trying to put them on as well.


Another big change this month is the move to the big boy tub. Gone are the days of the tiny tot tub and here to stay are the big water bills. You love the bath so much that you take one almost every night. No matter what time of day, if you can get into the cupboard with the towels you will pull out a washcloth or two. You know they represent the bath and will even "wash" your face with the dry cloths as if to say, "I need a bath now!!!" When you are in the tub you love to splash and play. You will pick up the bucket we use to rinse your hair and intentionally put it on your foot. You love to brush your teeth with me and Daddy—which you do quite well I might add. All that makes for one yummy baby. Shit, I mean toddler.


The biggest change this month? WALKING!!! We now have a full-fledged walker on our hands. It is so cute to see you toddling around the house. Back and forth. Around in circles. Often with something in each hand. On Friday, March 28th you decided to throw caution to the wind and walked in a big arc in the middle of the living room. Phil and Nicole were over that evening and the five of us were playing with the Little Tykes Basketball set they bought you for your birthday. You were having so much fun and all of a sudden, BAM!, you were walking. It was the farthest you had walked unassisted up to that point and it's been non-stop since then. Just when I thought you couldn't get any cuter you go and do this.



You are phenomenal.


Love,
Mommy