My Dearest Wesley,

It doesn’t seem possible that it has already been a year since I sat in the hospital, holding you in my arms, still in disbelief that you were mine. But no matter how many times I have tried to hit pause, you have been growing up right before my eyes. I am so proud of you, Wes. So so proud.

Right from the start you were the most easy-going baby I had ever known. Even strangers would comment on it. It is one of the things I love most about you. I love how you just go with the flow. How you are happy anywhere. How you smile at me when you do something wrong. I love the way you throw food to the dogs and then look at me and say “Uh-Oh”.

You are fearless and a daredevil. We joke that danger is your middle name. I admire this quality in you. I am a constant over thinker. You are more of a risk-taker. I think it is a trait that will serve you well in life.

I don’t think you understood why we were making such a fuss over you today. You made a pouty face any time we would say happy birthday, or sing, or make too big a deal over you. But the cake- oh, the cake- that you liked. While your brother was timid and barely made a dent in the frosting on his first birthday, you dove right in like a seasoned pro.  Naturally, the cake was chocolate- that has always been your favorite.

Wes, I don’t know what I would do without you. It is hard to imagine that you haven’t always been a part of our family. You are the perfect compliment to us all. Thank you for making my life better. Thank you for teaching me new levels of patience. Thank you for greeting me each morning with a smile. Thank you for being you.

I love you, son. Each day your personality shows through more and more. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Whatever it is- know that I am always here for you, and I have loved you from the very start. From the very minute I laid eyes on you, I was proud to call you my son.

Love forever,

Mommy