On the eve of toddlerhood

Dear Grayson,

Today is a very special day. It not only starts week 52 since you came to us, but it also marks your last day of babyhood. Tomorrow, I will no longer hold baby when I snuggle with you for you will be transformed into your new toddler self. A year ago today, your daddy and I went to sleep anticipating your arrival in two weeks and having no idea that our next big journey was just around the corner. I wanted to take a minute to write a letter down about today so you could have it look back on.

Today was spent celebrating with family and friends who love you so. Everything seemed to go by in a blur. You must have been so excited about the days invites that you decided to start the day off at 3:30 this morning, and you completely threw your schedule off. Daddy and I tried hard to get you back on schedule, but you would have none of it. You were far too excited to take a nap, and you were finally settling in when people began to show-up. How could you go to sleep when you were the center of attention? You were having so much fun playing with friends to even slow down to eat lunch. After Grammy tried unsuccessfully to get you to eat, you took a small rest on her shoulder much to Mommy's dismay that you would miss your first cake and presents. While Grammy was headed to put you down, you suddenly woke up as Mommy came to see you. It was if you got some extra magic energy. We tried to get to eat cake in front of everyone, but I think all the eyes on you made you a bit shy. You seemed to really like the icing on the cake more than the cake, and I was really surprised that you didn't break into the cake faster. It was most likely because you were tired; it will be interesting to see what you do during your photo shoot this coming Saturday. Afterward, you really woke up when I put you in the bath to hose off all the chocolate icing. We tried to help you open presents, but all you really cared about was ripping off the paper. You did get excited when you saw the Disney train that Maga got you. Once almost everyone was gone, you snuggled into your godmother, and you were out after a little snack. When you woke up, you got a chance to play with your new toys. After dinner we took your new wagon out for an inaugural trip to the park. You got a chance to swing for real this time, and we went down several slides. You were so unimpressed about the slides. Then it was a quick bath, and off to dreamland you went. I cuddled you up and kissed so much before I let Daddy take you to bed, knowing that these were the last baby kisses I would give. Tomorrow, they will become toddler kisses.

Daddy and I couldn't be prouder of you. It is hard to believe that we have survived this first year together already. You can say mama and bye. You love to clap, cruising, butt scooting, and making music. We love your four little teeth that have just suddenly come up in the last 4 months. We look forward to hear your gibberish, sing, and giggles. Nothing lights up more than that little mischievous smile and glint in your eye. We love to sing your favorite sons: itsy bitty spider, if you are happy, and baby bumble bee. We can't wait to see what happens next. We just hope you will some day realize how much we love you so much. The only thing we wish differently for today would be that your Naw Naw was here to see how grown up you are already. Tonight, we will raise a glass of champagne to you to celebrate this first year and the one to come. Thank you for being such an amazing kiddo. We are truly blessed to be your parents.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy