Happy 1st Birthday Kieran!

Dear Kieran,

Happy 1st birthday baby Kaby or as your big brother calls you, Baby K munchers! What a special day! A part of me thought you might actually know it was your birthday because you were so happy and giddy all day! Mommy planned your party at the splash pad and we woke up to pouring rain. I hoped and prayed all day that the rain would hold off long enough to enjoy your party and it did! Just as we were leaving, it was starting to rain again. We couldn't have asked for a better day to celebrate you! Since our families are far and couldn't make it to your party, a few of our friends came to celebrate with us! Some of your girlfriend's, Libby, Addie and Haley came to play along with some bigger friends for Caleb. You chowed your birthday cake like you had been dreaming of it for months! Seeing you so happy, melted our hearts. We love you so much!

This past month was a bit stressful for Mommy only because my goal was to get you off of your bottle by today. We had some hard times and I felt defeated at one point crying in your Daddy's arms, but we conquered it! If at first you don't succeed, try, try again! I did just that and 1 out of the 10 cups I had bought actually worked!

I have also been trying really hard to get you to move. With a few techniques I read about, I have been able to encourage more tummy time that does not involve screaming! Although, when you have had enough, you roll over. I have even tried cheese puffs which I think could be the key, but you have decided rolling for them works just fine for you. Its okay, brother rolled too before he crawled. I guess because you are behind him a bit in age for when he started, I get worried, but I need to remember that every baby is different and you will conquer all of these milestones in your time. You still love to stand, but don't yet have the confidence to cruise along. Reaching until you get into a slanted position has suited you just fine until you don't know how to get back up. I know this will come in time too.

You have started waving and my heart melts when you wave back at me. My eyes get watery and I just want to squeeze you and hug you so tight. You are my precious baby cakes who is growing up too fast, just like your brother. It is getting hard on your Dad and I to realize this. You also seem to like more foods than your brother, but thank you for encouraging him to try new things. This past month you enjoyed my potato salad, spaghetti and crock pot roast. You still love pancakes for breakfast. You start screaming out of impatience when you see me heat them up and can hardly wait to devour them. Just to see your smiley face once you stuff them in your mouth can turn any early morning into the brightest day.

I celebrate you today Kieran Isaiah. I can still remember carrying you in my belly for 9 months, anxiously awaiting your arrival. I can still remember the indescribable joy I felt when you were placed across my chest for the first time. I can still remember that first smile, that first laugh, that first clap, that first wave, that first ma-ma.

No matter how fast you grow, you will always be my baby K. I love you bubbas.

Momma.