A Toddler?

Well, officially he must "toddle" to be considered "one who toddles" but by the one year mark our little man is no longer referred to as an infant. (for the record, I think this means that the poundage I have settling on my hips is no longer called "baby weight" either.) I digress. Well, our little guy is a year old today. And even though he won't think today as being any different than yesterday. Mommy is a little teary-eyed when recalling his debut (which is also no different than yesterday! What has happened to me?!).

Rodney and I had NO clue what we were praying for when we were considering the jump from two to three. With great excitement (and some rockin' role models), we considered the responsibility and changes that would be the most dramatic once we were parents. We tried not to sugar-coat some obvious practical realities that would indeed change our family dynamic. Less sleep, less spontaneity, less money (esp. staying home)...not earth-shattering changes...but...differences that would require some adjustments.

We did and do sleep less...especially when we are watching him sleep. (this is just silly...but we do it every night). For Pete's sake, I really miss the late evenings/early mornings when I could rock him close to my chest...now he is restless and wants to be on the move. We are a lot less spontaneous! Same songs, same storybooks, same routines, same games....and I must say "ma ma ma ma ma ma...." at least a hundred times everyday before breakfast in hopes of hearing the slightest repetition. And if Nattie does anything fun or sweet we practice all day so Papa can see it when he gets home! yea....spontaneous....we are not. Our days and nights are not ours any longer! And it couldn't be better!! Less money has only meant that our entertainment and fun are rolled up in our nights together. Seriously!

This last year for Rodney and I have been filled with unspeakable joy and excitement for the future of our little family and an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God for allowing us to have such an awesome and sweet gift. With pure elation we congratulate and share in the happiness of all (new and not) mommies and daddies who also know what a great blessing having a child is. And with the same excitement we look to our future...watching our little boy become a man and praying that God will continue to bless our family according to His will. (No, Christina, that isn't an announcement...not yet anyway.) ;)

Happy Birthday, Nathan. Your Mommy and Daddy love you so so so much. We want to shout it from all the corners of cyber-space!