One Year Ago Today

This precious child came into the world. Little did we know that he was love, worry, joy, mystery, frustration, and hope all rolled into one.

It has been so amazing to watch him grow over the past year--and even more amazing to watch how he has effected change in our family. My sister has become an incredible mother. My parents continue to prove that they will do anything for us. My grandparents have something to focus on other than their doctor's appointments. I've risked giving my heart to someone for the first time in a long time. And I have someone to buy me a house in the South of France.

From the day he was born, I've felt like he trusts me. Even on that very first day (and during that long first night), when I would talk to him, he would open his eyes to look at me. I can't tell you how that felt--to feel that connection with someone who depends on you for so much. To know that you are one of the "first responders" for this little life.

When he and Julie were living with me, I would wake up every morning and head into their room where I was greeted with a big smile. "Do you need clean pants?" We would head over to the pack and play changing table and Etta would lick his feet while I changed his diaper. He would laugh and smile and look out the window or talk to Frosty the Pimp Man.

We were so blessed to get to spend those first few months together. Nearly every night, he would fall asleep while I was holding him. On the nights that he was especially fussy, I would try singing to him. Nevermind that if I remember the tunes of the lullabies, it's usually Phi Mu rush song words that go with it ("now the moon has gone to rest, in the arms of the sky. May we softly say to you, you will be a Phi Mu.")

At the end of July, we spent a week at the beach. That's when we worked on the squishy face. He was already making it, but I could get him to do it on command. We spent lots of time at the pool where he would gladly go under the water and "kick kick kick kick kick." He also fell in love with Etta that week. When we would bring him into our bed in the morning, she would emerge from under the covers and he would say, "Et-ta." He was completely entertained by her chasing her ball and he loved to share his food with her and tried to convince us to let her share her food with him.

There is no feeling in the world like the one when he looks at you with recognition on his face and then breaks out either into a big smile or the squishy face, immediately goes into his crawl/sprint, and grabs on to your legs. Once you pick him up he starts making the "love noise" and gives you a big open mouth kiss--usually on the nose and often involving his one tooth, but we'll overlook that part.

Happy Birthday, sweet William. Every minute I spend with you is a blessing. It has been my joy and privilege to love you this year and I am so thankful that you are finally here. Never forget that you are loved all the world.