It seems like yesterday that we were waiting to go to the hospital. We were still terrified that something would go wrong, that we'd fall at the final hurdle, but it didn't. You turned us from an infertile couple to a family, and every second that followed has been an overwhelmingly wonderful blessing.
You've thrown away every ounce of sadness and struggle, and filled the space with relentless joy.
This year has been the most incredible of our lives. Watching you grow, watching you learn, to smile, to laugh, to talk, to crawl, to WALK! That's right, folks, we have a WALKER!!! (We wanted to tell the grandparents in person before announcing it to the world)
These huge milestones have been so spectacular to watch, but the small moments that filled the time between are what humble me the most.
The way you hold my hand when you sleep, the look of concentration on your face when you find something new, the cackle you give when we tickle your tummy, the excitement when you post your toys through the bannister and listen to them tumble down the stairs.
The last year has been filled with little moments and big changes.
I can barely remember life before in any real sense. It all feels rather abstract and faded. You crashed in to this world and illuminated it in a way we never thought possible.
It is a blessing and a privilege to have you in our world, and I am thrilled to wish you happy birthday and many, many, MANY, happy returns.
I love you more than anything, my wonderful son. Xxx