Written for Thomas August on his first birthday -- 7/26/2019:
❤️ Thomas,
We've learned some great things about you this year, such as your love of all foods, of which the messiest are clearly best, and your boundless joy over being in water, whether it be in the crashing waves of the ocean or the bottom of a river bed, both of which place you squarely in line with your mother. We know that you love loud music, dogs and cats, and most important, your big brother. We know that singing 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star' as a family can get us through almost any terrible spot, and that when all else fails, a little time in the rocking chair with mom will do the trick.
When you were born I never could have known how much you would teach me in one year. You've taught me how to be more compassionate, more patient, more flexible and loving. You have taught me to slow down and enjoy the moment. You and I went to the bottom of the sea together, and it took us months and months to swim back to the top, but we did it. And if there's one thing this year has proven to me, it's that the NICU nurses were right, you sure are a troublemaker, my friend, and I love you. Happy Birthday!
Love, Mom ❤️
About 5 days before Thomas turned one he sprouted his first tooth (FINALLY! - bottom right), slept through the night (because we cut off the bottle - no issues, kid took it in stride, and he's been sleeping through the night ever since), and started walking! He said, "World, I'm one. I do what I want!"
For his actual birthday we took him for ice cream in Niles (and a beer at Joe's Corner) with our four parents. Then, to celebrate his birthday on the weekend, we had immediate family and some close friends over for food and to sing to our little guy. Then, the following weekend we went down to San Diego to celebrate our victory of having made it to this place. Two kids. Both alive and well. We did it (for now)!
Thomas is a spitfire, as usual. Walking everywhere. All but refusing to crawl. Now, two weeks later, sprouting tooth #2, and having a blast running us ragged daily.
He's just such a special, happy little maniac. We love him.
Happy birthday Thomas. I love you so much little guy.
Kels
