First Year Letter From Daddy

Daddy Says: Hey Dude (I call you "dude" most of the time. Or "duder" or "dudarino" or "duderpants" for that matter), I can't believe it's been a year. A YEAR!!! It seems like just last week when mommy called and told me her water broke and we were off to the hospital. It seems like last week when I drove like hell to get to us to the hospital and a week ago that I drove us home from the hospital as cautiously as Jerry sneaking away from Tom with some stolen cheese (you'll learn). It seems like just last week that we used to swaddle (you likely won't know what that term is until you have your own offspring..so, hopefully not for many a year) you up like a little psychopath in a restraining jacket. Except we didn't swaddle you because you were a psychopath, we swaddled you because that's how 0-3 month old babies like to live. Reminds them of being in their mommy's tummy. It seems like a week ago that we were cheering when you'd drink 2 ounces of milk (and trust me, we all know how you eat now!!!). It seems like just last week when you'd wake up every two hours screaming for more milk. It seems like a week ago that we used to spy on you after you'd finally go to sleep at night. It seems like a week ago that you first smiled (although it was a drunken milk smile). It seems like a week ago that you started eating real food. It seems like a week ago that you first said, "ball". It seems like a week ago when you first learned to wave "hello" and "bye-bye". It seems like a week ago when you learned how to do the "touchdown" sign. Seriously, you learned that sign before you learned how to do the "so big" thing that most kids learn. Nope, you didn't learn "so big" you learned "touchdown". Daddy loves you for that!!! Hey, your initials are T.D afterall. It seems like a week ago when you first rolled over. It seems like a week ago when you first learned to crawl. It seems like a week ago when you first learned to walk. Oh yeah, it was about a week ago when you learned to walk. It's hillarious, because you walk with your hands way up in the air - again, like you're doing the touchdown sign. Dude, this year has gone by so fast for me and mommy. It's been such a joy and I can honestly say that because people will tell you how much joy children bring to your lives and you have no idea until you actually have one. You have made me laugh more than I've ever laughed and cry more than I've ever cried. You've made me love mommy more. You've made me think of me less, not less of me, just me less. Your smile puts an even bigger smile on my face and your laugh makes me laugh out loud every time. What a year it's been, buddy. Thank you for all the joy you've brought to my life. I can only hope that I bring that much back to you. Love you buddy! Happy 1st birthday!!! Daddy.