Celebrating a Special Little Guy

When he was born one year ago today, we didn't know him or how much he would change our lives.  But he did. This little guy captured a piece of our hearts at first sight several days after he was born.

His entrance into our family was a surprise.  We didn't have much time to prepare our hearts or our minds for a new baby.  However, when I held him in my arms for the first time and told him that Mamaw loved him, I knew that he would be my grandson forever.

This year has not been an easy one for his new parents.  They have had to juggle their schedules, report to those who monitor his well-being, and always know in the back of their minds that one day a call could come that would change their lives again.    Each day, however, makes his spot in the family more secure.

Today we celebrated his birthday.  Today was the day just for him.  He has watched his brother celebrate a birthday, his sister celebrate a birthday and an adoption day, and three cousins celebrate their birthdays.  But today was his own, his very own, special day.

Today we celebrated our youngest grandson who has stolen a part of our hearts. His little smile, the recognition when he sees us, the turn of his head when he hears our voices make us realize that he holds us close to his heart as well.  We love him with everything we have, just as we love his brother, his sister, and his cousin.

Even more special is watching how much he loves and is loved by his mommy and his daddy.  Nothing can warm a parent's heart more than watching a daughter and son-in-law shower their children with all the love they can give.....and more.  Watching him follow Landon around the living room or playing with Tessa or listening to Cooper talk to him shows us that bonding with his siblings and cousin has forged ties that will be strong forever.

So today we celebrated his birthday.  Our fourth grandchild turned one.  He isn't a baby anymore.  His personality is developing, and he is curious, imaginative, thoughtful, and impulsive.  He knows what he likes, and he has all of us at his beck and call.  This is just the first of many birthdays we will celebrate with you.  We love you, more than you will ever know.