HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY KEEGHAN JOEL!!!!!

My sweet baby boy,

It's so hard to believe you are already one year old! It seems like just yesterday your daddy and I walked from Kennedy's hospital room over to labor and delivery so we could FINALLY meet you instead of just seeing you on the ultrasound screen. We were so, so excited!

Keeghan, you are the perfect grand finale to our family. You have gotten to do things that none of the other kids got to do... you got to have your cord blood stored away with the hopes that should your sister ever need it, it could possibly save her life... and how many babies can say they spent the first 5 months of their life in a hospital room when they weren't even sick?! You were doted on by nurses and doctors, you got to breathe pure, filtered air, and you got a special chance to bond with Kennedy. It's a bond that will last a lifetime, I'm sure.

You have also been the child that has put me to the test. I joke that if you were my first, you'd be my only! But even after a long, exhausting day full of your endless energy, I am so overwhelmed with love for you. I love that when I tell you "NO!" you wrinkle up your face and try SO hard to cry and make me feel bad. I love that you are persistent and I can pull you off the stairs 500 times and you just keep going back for more. I love that when I'm trying to get a clean diaper on you, you flip over and crawl away as fast as you can... and then crack up when I catch you. I love that while you are doing something that you know you're not supposed to do, you shake your head no... but do it anyway.

I love that I am your most favorite person in the whole, wide world. I love that special smile that you save just for me. I love that when I sit on the floor, you crawl over to me as fast as you can, giggling the whole way, and attack me. I love that when you want to give me a kiss, you grab my hair in both of your fists and plant a slobbery, open-mouthed, kiss right on my lips. I love that you let out a little giggle whenever you see a bottle of milk. I love your laugh. I love your eyes. I love that you're so full of wonder and curiosity. I love every little mischievous bone in your body.

Happy Birthday my little, little guy. I can't wait to see what this next year brings. I promise to tell you "NO!" (probably often) and I promise to keep you safe from danger as you explore the world. I promise to pray over you every single day and pray that I make the right decisions for you. I promise you lots of laughs, lots of hugs and kisses, and an infinite amount of love.

All my love,
Mommy