One

A one-year-old 
is so many things,
a tiny discoverer of butterfly wings,
a hugger of teddies,
a sweet sleepyhead,
and someone to dream for
in bright years ahead…

A special new person
who, right from the start,
has a place in the family
and, of course, in your heart.

Time flies fast once you turn one,
So much to learn, so much fun.
Peek-a-boo, learning to talk,
Eating it all, learning to walk.

Loving to laugh and giggle and play,
Enjoying every moment of every day.
But while you innocently watch each day go by,
You’re unaware of the sighs we sigh . . .

For you’re growing up too fast for us.
We’ve seen it before and we know you must.
Soon you’ll be two, then three, then ten,
And we’ll look at you and wonder and say, “When?”

When did he grow up? How can this be?
Wasn’t it yesterday he looked up at me . . .
And reached for my arms . . .
And smiled that sweet smile . . .
And we prayed,
“Keep him little for still a little while.”

And, just when you think
that you've learned all the things
that your dear one is
and the joy that they bring,
a hug or a grin
comes with such sweet surprise
that love finds you smiling 
with tears in your eyes!

Happy 1st birthday to our beautiful son Ethan.

A year ago, you changed our lives and every day you make us smile.

xxx