Bowtie Birthday Boy

Happy Birthday, sweet boy.

It is hard to believe that a year ago,

we had no idea we would be meeting you so soon.

I am thankful that you were in a hurry to get out,

but let's not hurry this whole 'growing up' thing.

You are growing so fast.

As I chase you down before you make it to the staircase,

and listen to you talk yourself to sleep,

"la la, nigh nigh, babababa..."

it is clear that you are so big.

You are also so silly

and flirt and close your eyes and smile big.

You have a scrumptious real laugh,

and a hilarious fake one.

You can stand for a few seconds on your own

before you do a controlled sit down to the ground.

You can climb stairs when allowed,

and you love climbing up and down the front stoop.

Your poor toes and knees are already all skinned up.

You said "banana" or a three-syllable word that sounded much like banana

when we were feeding you banana 'ice cream' the other night.

Your birthday dinner was turkey burger, pickle, and asparagus, 

followed by your third birthday dessert - 

banana bread 'iced' with banana ice cream.

You and your brother love your birthday present -

a red and yellow Cozy Coupe.

Already, you two have used it a lot,

and already you have learned how to crawl in and out.

You still need to learn to face the right want when you're driving

(or brother is pushing you around like a maniac)...

and to stay on your bummy, but you fully understand

when Mommy tells you these things.

You are so smart.

So cute. So busy.

And so, so, so loved.

You have been such a blessing your first year.

I love my job of loving you, leading you, holding you, feeding you.

Your daddy and brother adore you just as much.

You freely give your love through slobbery kisses and sweet back-pat hugs.

Happy Birthday, sweet Anderson.

You are our sunshine.