Dear Dexter,

1 year.  366 days (leap year!) since you popped into our lives.  You were born in one push and everything else has gone by just as fast in the last year.  You’ve gone from a squishy, helpless newborn to a curious, funny, smart little boy with a contagious laugh.

20 months ago I found out I was pregnant with you and I was so scared. I couldn’t imagine what life would be like with two babies just 14 months apart.  Today I can’t imagine life without you or our family’s future without these two sweet little brothers that look nothing alike.

You are adventurous and fearless and you keep us on our toes.  You’ve learned how to climb up on chairs… and tables… and you’ve yet to learn that these kinds of adventures aren’t always worth the risk.  You’ve got some bumps and bruises ahead of you, crazy boy.

You’re walking!  Just this week you’ve started navigating on your own from one end of a room to the other.  Those shaky steps are so fun for us to watch and bittersweet at the same time as you are literally walking out of babyhood.

Yesterday, 40 people gathered at your house to celebrate you turning one today.  It warmed your mom and dad’s hearts to see how much you are loved by people outside of your immediate family.  One is a big milestone, little boy, but there is so much more ahead of you.  Of us.  We can’t wait to see where this road takes us.  You are precious, and you and your big brother are our world.  You keep us guessing and learning.

You just keep being your own little man, mister.  We wouldn’t want it any other way.

Today we share a special day.  It’s Mother’s Day and it’s your first birthday.  Thank you, little boy, for coming into my life and letting me be your mom.  I’ll do my best.

xo,
Mommy

Brand new

One month

Two months

Three months

Four months

Five months

Six months

Seven months

Eight months

Nine months

Ten months

Eleven months