Well, not really, because previous posts have done the actual reviewing of the year. But because Benentt's first birthday is tomorrow (!), I thought I'd like to write him a letter letting him know how much we've enjoyed having him in our life.
Dearest Bennett,
Tonight is the eve of your first birthday. Technically, it's your second birthday, but we're celebrating the end of your first year of life this week! How exciting is that, buddy? I can't believe that this year has gone by so quickly. It seems like just a few weeks ago you were a pile of goo who did nothing but eat, sleep in our arms (sigh) and make stinky goo! I'm glad that you've grown, for sure, but we definitely miss the cuddly you.
This week alone, you have discovered how to pick things up using a stick. You use your rhythm sticks to pick up circular toy parts and the bulb end of an old nasal aspirator that was a piece of junk. When you did this tonight, you proceeded to parade around the living room as if you'd just discovered the most incredible thing ever. Which, quite honestly, we think to be the case.
You are walking like a pro, now. We like to entice you across the room with various ploys, but you've taken to just holding what is in your hand and walking over to show us your treasure. It is wonderful. We bought you shoes this weekend and you look like Frankenstein's monster when you walk in them, but we're confident that you'll get the hang of it soon.
There is nothing more heart-warming than seeing your face as you recognize that either me or your dad has just entered the room you're in. When you hear dad's keys in the door each afternoon you scurry over to the gate at the top of the stairs, trying your hardest to get across the gate to grab his legs. It is very clear that you love your dad and miss him when he's away at work. Know that he misses you too.
We are filled with excitement about the possibilities for your future, Bennett. You have so many interests and are not afraid to take risks. You love climbing and sliding at the playground. You're beginning to get the hang of "coloring", even though you continue to put the crayons in your mouth more than on the paper. You are adventurous when it comes to food - you haven't refused to try anything yet. There are certainly things that you don't care for, mainly sweet things like fruit, which is unfortunate. But you will at least put everything we offer into your mouth. You sing and dance along when we play music, no matter the genre. You like to examine the smallest parts of things. You really like movement and will open and close doors, drawers, cabinets, books, etc. It is wonderful to see your look of wonder when you discover something new that you can do.
I forgot to mention your 'personality', lovey! Like the stereotypical red head - yours is FIERY. You are starting to express your frustration and anger in very physical ways. On the small scale, if I am holding you and don't take you where you want to go or don't give you what you are pointing at, you will bang your head into my shoulder and bite my collarbone. On a larger scale, if you're on the floor already, for instance, you will demonstratively throw yourself face down on the floor, flail your arms and legs and bang your forehead into the floor until I put my hand on the floor to protect your precious face. You will scream and screech and cry until I can find something to distract you. We usually just let you cry because it doesn't last for very long, and honestly, it's actually kind of funny to see. I'm sorry, son, but it is.
The next year will be even more exciting, we are sure. You'll start to talk and run. And you'll likely lose one of your naps. Most of these things we're really looking forward to. Others, (losing the nap) not so much. We do know this - you will continue to bring joy to our lives. Every day we are amazed at the wonder that we created. Cheesy, I know, but allow me this one day of sappy sentiment, please. We love you so, little Bean. We always will.
Much love,
Mama and Daddy
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