The night before Joey's first birthday John and I took some time to write a letter to him. We placed it in his birthday card and later I'll put it in his special box... I hope some day he will read it and know how incredible he was first from the start.
Joey,
When I look at you I can't help but smile in my heart. The first time I heard your cries my eyes filled with tears of joy and today as you, Dad and I celebrate your first birthday I can't help but think about that night, the moment that Daddy and my lives changed forever.
Since that first night we have grown so much as a family. We've learned from each other daily. Dad and I try our best and you remind us what it's like to see the world from your eyes. You help me understand the most important things in life. From the moment I walk into your room each morning you fill my heart with joy. You used to gaze up at me from your crib and smile that once gummy smile. And now on mornings like this you eagerly pull the curtain aside and point at the sunrise just past the "big digger".
You are amazed with yourself, crawling, standing up, cruising on your own, exploring your world. You pinch with your fingers while eating O's on my lap each morning, the two of us curled up under you blanket. You lay in my arms, heavy but I could hold you so for the rest of my life. Your hair smells so sweet and your head, warm on my cheek so soft, so innocent. your voice unmistakeable as you point to birds at the feeder, laugh at a tickle, and cry as I leave for work each day. I promise always to come back to each night.
We promise to say no, less and distract you more.
We promise to think about what is best for you even of it's not best for Daddy and I.
We promise to show you how incredible the earth is even if Daddy isn't overly excited out walking sticks.
We promise to hold your hand even through your struggles.
We promise to let you struggle from time to time.
We promise to let you become the person you want to be.
We promise to love you more each day unconditionally.
Jojo, you are the best thing Daddy and I have ever done.
The world is a better place because of you.
Happy Birthday Baby Boy!
We love you more than the sky is tall and the ocean is deep.
Mama & Daddy
P.S. Mama thinks you are the sweetest little boy in the whole world, and the world is a pretty big place.
ALL THE LOVE IN THE UNIVERSE!
