Sam at One Year Old

Dear Samoran,

Happy Birthday my little cuddle bug.  You are such a happy sweet little boy.  I'm amazed at what joyful baby toddler you have become.  Your life started out a little rough but you would never know after spending time with you.  I have learned so much this year by being your mom.  I've learned to ask for help.  When you were in the hospital there were many times when I couldn't do what you needed most.  Your nurses were always there to offer help whenever you and I needed it.  When you were still a little baby you were kind of demanding.  Sometimes we'd spend hours trying to find a way to make you happy and I'd just need a little break.   I've learned to slow down.  You have always loved to be held and I have always loved to hold you.  You are the best snuggler out there.  You have taught me to slow down and enjoy our snuggle time.  You have always been a big boy.  I've learned that I need to share too.  I love to hold you but sometimes you're just too heavy and my arms are just too tired.  You gladly go to anyone who is willing to hold you.  I've also learned to sit back and let you lead.  When you were small we worried about you hurting and so we didn't push you to do tummy time.  Once we started you did great, although you didn't always like it.  We know you will do things when you are ready.  I'm pretty sure you could crawl weeks before you really started crawling around.  All you needed was an open family room and some remotes to go after.  You love balls and to throw anything you can get your hands on.  If I get sometimes I'm bound to end up with a ball in my face, so I learned to take a step back.  You also are independent and don't need me to do things for you.  You were the first to hold you own bottle and drink out of a sippy cup.  You also went through your new tunnel when Emily still wasn't so sure.  Lastly, I learned that you are just beginning to grow big and there is still so much to learn from you.  I can't wait to see what an amazing little boy you will become.

Sam you are often serious and quiet but you can be silly and loving.  It may take you awhile to warm up to people but once you do you capture them with your toothy smile and smile inducing laugh.  You are all boy.  You love balls, noise and food.  You are laid back and sometimes cautious.  You are determined and aren't afraid to go for what you want either and you don't let anyone get in your way.  (Even your older sister.)  You are a sweet boy who loves laying on his stuffed animals and snuggling up with a blanket.  I love watching your personality develop.

I love being your mom and I can't wait to see what next year brings.  Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Love,
Mama