Happy Birthday Oliver

Dear Oliver,

Exactly one year ago from the moment this letter is posted, you came into the world. It's gone by so fast. At the time I was looking at you and thinking, "Wow, I can't believe that's mine". It was such a strange feeling, I knew my life had forever been altered and I wasn't sure that I was ready. You did try and make it easy by coming really quickly. I have to thank you for that because well, I'll be honest... labor really hurts! And I was so excited when your auntie Courtney said you were a boy because I REALLY wanted you to be a boy. I don't think that it's something most people would admit but it's true. When you came we still hadn't quite decided on a name for you. In the end your dad picked it out so I hope you like it. I wanted to call you Mitchell but dad won the coin toss. Yup, we let a coin decide because neither one of us wanted to give in to the other. In the end, I'm glad he won because you are for sure, an Oliver.

I'll admit to you now that I didn't know if I'd do very well as a mom. I haven't had much experience with babies and was terrified at the idea of bringing you home and not knowing what to do with you. I guess it's true what they say, you told me what you needed and it just came naturally. You have fit into our lives pretty seamlessly, like you were meant to be there all along. Watching you grow the last 12 months has been amazing. You've gone from a helpless little thing that did nothing but sleep to a very busy little man who has today learned how to open doors all by yourself. You are almost walking, you take great joy in climing the stairs and love playing in the tub with your bath toys.

Here are a few things I want you to know.
-My favorite sound in the world is your laugh. You have a huge, hardy laugh for such a little guy, especially when you are playing with your dad.
-I get a kick out of hearing you shuffling across the floor when you are 'crawling with intent'. Even when I can't see you I always know when you are heading towards something you're not supposed to touch, just by the sound.
-You give the BEST hugs.
-You make me laugh every single day. You are so silly and mischievious and flirty, I can't help cracking a smile. Even on the worst days.
-I find it so funny that you and Tank have been fast friends from the very beginning. He is so gentle with you and I love watching you play together.
Your dad and I love you very much and are so happy that you are with us. There are so many things I can't wait to teach you as you grown and learn. I'm sure you'll teach us lots too and we look forward to that as well.
I hope you have a great birthday and don't feel like it got lost in the shuffle of Christmas. We'll make a plan for that in the coming years so you always get your special day. See, you should have listened to me when we had that talk about you not coming before they said you were due. Then you would wouldn't have to share your birthday with Jesus. And I wouldn't have had to eat hospital food for my christmas dinner. But I forgive you for that :)
Love to you always Little Man.

Happy Birthday
I Love You
Akuluk

Mommy