1 year

Caleb,

Happy 1st birthday! And what a year it's been! I remember so clearly when I first laid eyes on you - when you were placed in my arms, naked and crying, within seconds of your birth. Your dad and I were crying out of sheer exhaustion and joy as I kissed those chubby cheeks of yours. We had no idea just how much you were about to change our lives.

It's amazing to have seen you grow over this past year. From only eating/sleeping during the newborn stage to sitting up to crawling and now to cruising around everywhere (you're soo close to walking) - it's unbelievable just how fast you've grown from being a baby to being a little boy.

You are understanding a lot more of what I say. You will go get a book if I ask you to or will go find your ball if I ask where it is. You've begun doing this thing where you simultaneously raise your arm (almost like you're raising your hand to ask a question), tilt your head up and say 'ahhh'. We think you're looking and pointing to lights - for some reason you've always liked lights and/or ceiling fans. For whatever reason you're doing it, it's adorable and you do it all the time.

We've had a lot of fun together this past month. We've been to the pumpkin patch, we went apple picking, had a weekend at Smith Mountain Lake, went to the State Fair, and have spent a lot of time outside, which you love. Your love for dogs or any other animal really continues to grow more and more. Whenever you see one, you make this grunting noise and shake your hands very excitedly. You also love being around other babies or kids. Whenever we go to the gym or drop you off at the nursery at church, you have the same excited reaction. You also get really excited when I come back to get you, which I love.

Caleb, I could go on and on about this past year - how you've changed your dad and I; how much we love you; how we can't imagine life without you. I hope you will be able to fully know and see those things in the way we raise you each and every day. We will make mistakes, no doubt, but my hope is that you will never doubt our love for you and even more God's love for you. Your dad and I pray that you will grow up to be a man of God who lives to serve and glorify Him. We love you!