Dear Oliver,
A year ago I was anxiously awaiting your arrival. I admit I was struggling with the thought of sharing myself between you and your sister. I was already in love with you, knew how much I would love you when you got here, but I had a hard time comprehending how I could love another one as much as I loved Avery. Well, you were born and instantaneously that thought escaped my mind. It was so effortless. You were 9 1/2 pounds of pure love; my perfect, little boy. We all had you pinned for an April 15th birthday, but you had other plans. You stretched out that labor in your own, not-so-fun-for-mommy ways. At 2:27am on April 16th you finally made your arrival. The nurses said you were 19 inches but you were so long there was no way that was true. Sure enough at your 5 day appointment you measured 21 inches. The doctor said you were likely so squished in me that your joints were tight and couldn't stretch out right away. The moment you arrived the nurses rushed to weigh you. They said they wanted to give me credit for how big you were before you pooped!😂
When I found out you were going to be a boy I was beyond thrilled. Now I get the best of both worlds; a little girl and a little boy. And you, my love, are ALL boy. Lots of energy, lots of trouble-making, lots of messes. Did I mention lots of energy? Somehow time is going by faster than it did before you were born. I am constantly studying everything about you. Your beautiful, blue eyes; your loose curls behind your ears; your tiny fingers and toes (although you were born with giant feet!); your smile that is now full of little teeth. I study you closely because you are my baby; my last baby. You'll probably hear this from me again and again, but I can't believe how fast time is going. It doesn't even seem possible that you are a year old. You grew faster than I ever imagined you would and life is more hectic (especially right now) than I ever thought possible. It seriously was like we brought you home from the hospital and I blinked and you were 3 months old and I was heading back to work, then I blinked again and you were 8 months old and it was Christmas time, and now I blinked again and we made it to your first birthday.
You have had a strong personality since day one - you know what you want and when you want it. You went from a baby who was content on a blanket with a few toys to a child who is constantly on the move. You don't stay in one place for too long. You are into everything and as difficult as that is sometimes, I wouldn't change it for anything. But sometimes it is exhausting! You have incredible determination and you are full of mischief. We have had to hide the dog's food and water dishes because of how determined you are. There are no amount of toys or distractions one you have your mind set on one thing (and usually that thing is something you are not supposed to have). You have the sweetest soul. Your smile is contagious and your belly laughs are infectious. You love to give hugs and kisses. Your two favorites are Avery and your dog, Memphis - they get the most hugs and kisses from you!
It has been such a blessing to experience all of the baby firsts with you. It is bittersweet for me because even though it's your first at everything, it's our family's last. Your sister will always be the oldest and you will always be the youngest. It is so amazing to see you and your sister together. Like all siblings you have your up and downs, and each one will help shape you both. I know you two will stick together - I can already tell. It is the most beautiful thing. You have completed our family and I am so excited to see what life brings you. I just hope time will slow down a bit, because I don't want to blink and miss one second. I love you more than you'll ever know.
Happy 1st birthday my sweet, sweet Oliver Raymond!
Love,
Mommy
