Nate,
Happy Birthday! Your first one! It is so fun to watch you grow up and think about all the things you will learn in the next year. I am not the blogger of the family typically, but wanted to share some thoughts with you.
- Don’t listen to all those people who ask “Has he started walking yet” when we say you just turned one. You can learn when you are good and ready. Truth be told, your mom and I have selfishly been holding back on our walking lessons with you so we can keep up with you easier. And, really when you have big sisters to carry you everywhere you need to go, why start walking? I say, wait as long as you can, then start running.
- Celebrating your first birthday was the first of many lasts of our family. You are the baby of the family and you are going to have to deal with being the last one to reach your milestones your whole life. So when your mom is crying uncontrollably when you learn to drive, that is why.
- I loved the way you polished off ever single morsel of your cupcake in one minute flat, but without even acknowledging that it was any different than a plate full of mac and cheese that you usually eat. No smiles, no cheers, just casual purposeful getting down to the business of eating your first sugary treat ever. That poker face will serve you well, hang on to it.
- Even though your mom is there for you ALL the time, feeds you, changes you, dresses you, and loves you, you have been from day one a daddies boy. If I am in the room, you want to come to me. I think that is pretty cool. Don’t tell mom.
- And finally, the last thought I wanted to capture on your first birthday is your love of sports. You have never met a ball that you didn’t want to throw, chase, catch, roll, or toss. That will work out well, because you have a older brother that can’t wait to play catch with you for hours and teach you how to play soccer. You will be great friends, but, the bad news is that Sam is older and has already called top bunk.
So, happy birthday, you are a blessing and complete our family in ways we never could have imagined.
Love,
Dad
