Charlie,
Today you turn ONE YEAR OLD! What?! Just yesterday you were our little baby and now you’re a big kid! It seems as if you’ve just gotten here but at the same time, as if we’ve never known life without you!
I’ve been wanting to write something to you on here, especially, to keep and look back on when you’re older and remember this time. But I’ve waited and waited because I wanted to get it right. So here’s my best effort:
Bubs, you have changed our lives. For the better. This past year has been one of the happiest and most fun times in my life, and I know the rest of your family will agree.
Watching you learn and grow and become this amazing little boy has been something I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. You are so happy, and funny, and sweet, and I hope you never lose that as you get older.
I, for one, am pretty obsessed with you. My heart damn near explodes when I see how you react to me walking into a room, or when I can make you laugh, especially those deep belly laughs where your whole face just crinkles and we can see all your teeth.
When you reach for me to hold you, I will always pick you up because your cuddles are the very best. You are such an affectionate boy – one of my favorite things you do is when someone is holding you, you rub their back, or their arm, or their elbow, or rest your hands on their arms. And you’re always ready to share your food with one of us. Thanks for letting me have a bite of your birthday cake!
I love how smart you are. And how much you love books. I love that you love to be in the middle of the action, and are just as content playing with your toys as you are watching the adults play a game. (Also really excited you’ve caught on to Dutch Blitz in your own little way).
I love your love of puppies and dogs and would buy you the real thing if your parents would allow it.
Little Buddy, being your aunt is without a doubt the best thing that’s ever happened to me (yes, even more than that tweet I got from Chris Pratt, which I’ll tell you about when you’re older and can watch Jurassic World with me). I love you more than words can express and I hope you and I always have the bond we do now.
You are my sunshine.
Love,
Lala