One More Day

 There is a commercial I've seen recently that says something like, "You have a child for life, but a baby for just one year." Well, if that's true, then I have one more day for my baby to be a baby.

Caleb Steven turns 1 tomorrow. And even though he's getting so big... I think the commercial is wrong. Because his 7 1/2-year-old brother is still my baby... and so is he. He always will be. Even after tomorrow.

But regardless, this is my last day before my baby turns 1. And there are some things I want to say to this boy who is growing up way too fast.

Dear Caleb,

Tomorrow is your 1st birthday, baby boy! It's hard to believe it's been a year since we first heard your cry, since we first saw your face, since we first held you close in our arms. You are our long-awaited miracle, prayed here by family and friends all over the world. Some of them you will never meet... some of them I've never met, but because they love God and because they love me and because they love you, they prayed that God would be gracious to us and send you our way. And because God loves us He did... and we are thankful.

You are such a beautiful child, Caleb. You are growing and changing and learning so much. You walk EVERYWHERE now... usually with a toy or a book or a pot or the TV remote in your hand. You've got places to go, baby, and you are on your way.

You eat EVERYTHING. Your favorites right now are yogurt, apple sauce, bananas, pancakes, cheese and milk. You sign "more" and "all done" while you eat, though we see "more" a lot more often than "all done". 

You seem to love EVERYONE. You are always giving hugs and blowing kisses and waving and smiling at friends and strangers alike. You've got personality, kiddo, and it shows. 

You think your brother hung the moon. You have your own way of saying Nathan's name, and your face lights up when you see him. He makes you laugh like no one else can, and I can tell you want to be just like him. You've got a great big brother, Caleb. And he loves you with a fierce protectiveness that is rare and wonderful.

Caleb Steven, when I need to be reminded that God is with us all I have to do is look at you. You are a blessing and a joy, and your Daddy and I love you so very much. We've enjoyed every minute of your first year (even at 2 in the morning...), and we look forward to many more years of living life with you. 

I love you, baby boy! 

Love, Mommy