Grant's First Birthday

Grant, where did the year go? I can still remember meeting you for the first time in the hospital, shedding a few tears as I told you I loved you and held you so close to my heart. I soaked in your new baby smell, your head full of hair, the gentle pitter patter of your heartbeat. You were (and still are) perfect.

And Grant, you've patched up some of my broken parts and healed me in a way. Watching you grow up this year has truly been a blessing. I'm not going to lie and say it was easy, because it wasn't. I've cried many times wishing that Ian and Madison were here, wishing that I could have seen them grow up like I've watched you, wishing that you could know your cousins first hand instead of through stories. I'm sure one day you'll ask me about them, and I can't wait to share every detail of their short little lives with you.

Grant, seeing your smile and hearing your laugh has brightened up some of my darkest days. I hope your crazy uncle Eric and I can keep those laughs coming as you grow up. I'm so looking forward to taking you to the park, to the zoo, out for ice-cream, to the movies. I hope you know that we are going to spoil you rotten.

We love you so much Grant, and I can't imagine our lives without you in it. Happy first birthday, Grant!