So, I did it again.  I blinked and Everett turned one. I must remember to stop this blinking nonsense.

My darling Ev,

You are one today.  While time has gone by in what feels like milliseconds…you have grown and changed so much this past year and I’ve loved every second of watching it happen.  You came into this world ready to take it on and haven’t stopped since.  It truly has felt like we’ve been waiting for you this entire time.  Life is much more complete and our hearts are overflowing with love.

You are walking now…fully walking.  You began taking steps around ten and half months…you would take five or six steps at a time.  But before we knew it, you were walking longer and longer amounts.  As soon as you mastered the pivot and turn there was no looking back.  And you are thrilled!  You do laps around the house all day, finding fun things along the way (like putting my phone in the garbage can without me knowing).  You love dancing, especially with Ellery.  She will take your hand and you two dance and giggle.  It’s beyond amazing to watch.  More recently, you are loving dancing to and with the dancing Santa Grammie and Grampy so kindly gifted us :)

You are sleeping twelve hours a night (finally) and eating everything. You especially love apples, baby carrots and marshmallows (we can thank Ellery for that introduction).

You’ve started to chat with us and it’s almost like you’re telling us a story.  You have such determination when you’re chatting-like it should be crystal clear what you’re trying to tell us.

Your laugh is incredible and totally addicting.  You think everything is funny, especially Ellery.

You love sitting at the play table and coloring-you also seem to love carrying around the crayons and coloring other things, like the floor.  Reading has taken on new meaning and it’s all you want to do when you wake up and are getting ready for bed.  You point and chat to the books…telling us you want to read.  Right now you have a particular love of all the Matthew Van Fleet books…

You’ve become better at signing.  Mostly just “more” right now but we know more signs will come with time.

You have the most kissable cheeks and you get so frustrated when I insist on kissing them over and over.  Even when you’re so tired and drowsy in my arms at night I have to give those cheeks a kiss.

Your eyes are this beautiful slate blue and your hair is getting blonder by the day.  You are almost off the charts on head size, height and weight.  You are your own person but there is no question you and Ellery are siblings.

You have been so patient with me this past year…figuring this out…how to be a Mom to two babies.  You generally are so happy to just wait your turn, which has been lifesaving.  You make me smile all. the. time.

I was so emotional when Ellery turned One.  I think I was afraid that the best of it was over.  I don’t know why I thought that.  I guess I just loved having babies.  But, with you, I know now…that the best is yet to come.  I can’t wait to see what this next year brings and how much you grow and learn.  You’re the best little boy I could’ve ever imagined.  I love you, my Everett Bay.

Love, Mom