12 Months

My life was first changed for the better on May 19, 2006 when I met the love of my life.  One year ago today my life became even better when the most perfect baby boy was put into my arms for the first time.  As I sit and type, I have tears (of joy) streaming down my face thinking back on the past year and how amazing and indescribable it has been.  The year has flown by and I'm doing everything I can to remember each detail because as cliche as it sounds, our baby boy is growing up way too fast.  

Raleigh has taught me so much over the past year, but the one thing hat sticks out the most in my mind is that he has taught me about an entirely new level of love that I never knew existed and for that I am grateful.  I am completely crazy in love with this boy of mine and I'm pretty sure these feelings are mutual.

I love the way he says mum-mum-mum-mum and walks towards me with a huge smile, the way he says dada and points straight at Steve, his big blue eyes, his blonde hair, his laughing fits when he's tickled, the way he cuddles into my shoulder when I hold him, how he looks like a little man in his button down shirts, that he can sit in his room and "read" his books by himself, that he pulls everything out of the cabinets in the bathroom and can keep himself entertained while I get ready in the morning, that his perfect day may consist of a trip up and down every aisle at Target, the way he acts shy/flirty when a girl says hi, the way he wiggles/dances when the music is on, his curiosity for everything new...I could go on and on as there is much so much to love.

Raleigh...my little Bubbas - We LOVE you to the moon and back.  Thank you, once again, for making me your mum mum and your daddy your dadda.  Because of you, this past year has been the best year of our lives.  You are, and will forever be, the perfect piece to our family...Happy 1st Birthday Raleigh John.

Below is a clip of Raleigh working on his reading skills..his current favorite book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?