HOW CAN THIS BE?!?? THAD TURNS ONE!!

Dearest Sweet Thad:

You turned one a few weeks back . . . I have written this letter a million times in my head, but I am just getting around to posting it.

How can I begin to tell you all that you mean to your daddy and me? Our lives are richer, more complicated, less rested, more fun, less stable, more exciting, less predictable, more exciting, less hopeless, more joyful than they were one year ago. There may be parents that are as grateful as we are for you, but not more grateful. We are humbled that God gave you to us.

People describe you as the happiest, easiest baby they have been around. Other words used are delightful, charming, funny, a character, amazing, too cute, handsome, huge eyes, delicious, etc., etc., etc.

You are starting to get to know yourself which means you are figuring out what you do and don't like, what you do and don't want to do, and how to assert your new-found self. This particular developmental milestone is thrilling and terrifying for us. The question we ask ourselves constantly is How do we shape and direct his spirit without crushing it? The battles are small right now--skirmishes, really. But how we answer the question will determine how future battles go. What are the skirmishes? "No touch (Daddy's/Mommy's) glasses." "No put your finger in (Daddy's/Mommy's) nose." "No touch the (fill in the blank)."

Mostly, though, you are very little trouble. You really are a very easy baby! Daddy and I love to watch you play. You are a person who focuses on the task at hand and always is doing something. You like to figure things out and will persevere until you have done your best to achieve your goal. Some of your favorite things to do: put on hats

read books

dance to any music that comes on--from cd's we play to plinky little tunes on your toys--it all moves you. You follow your dad around and work on projects (always putting a hat on first!). . .

You are very smart and you learn very quickly. You emulate your dad in every way you can. If he is eating it, that food immediately is your favorite. Whatever he does, you want to do it!

But what everyone comments on, what melts the coldest heart, what heals the achiest hurt, what soothes the savage beast, is your huge-eyed smiles!

You are incredibly generous with those smiles, Thaddeus. They involve your whole face, from your eyes to the bottom of your chin. They light up a room!

You are the joy of our lives, Thaddeus.

So happy birthday, Buddy. You are a gift we could never thank God enough for if we took our whole lives. You are the apple of our eyes and the joy of our hearts.

Happy Birthday, Son!