Happy Birthday Ethan

My sweet Ethan it's hard to believe it's been a whole year since you were born! Daddy and I joked then about how you were already trying to take control of our lives by coming almost 5 weeks early, but we didn't fully realize how true that would be. After what seemed like forever, your 15 days in the NICU finally ended and our twice daily trips down to visit you were over. With all of the pictures we took of you (close to 1000 in the hospital alone)we use to joke that you were our mail order baby and we were waiting for the stork to drop you off.(when given the choice to laugh or cry about a situation we try to laugh, just take our wedding reception for instance... remind me to tell you about it sometime) We were so happy to have you home healthy and happy with us and I use to go in and watch you sleeping just because I could. I was amazed at how much work you were! It's amazing the difference having a nurse care for you round the clock and doing it on my own makes. We quickly got into our own routine and were doing well. You have always been a good sleeper, and when I read "Babywise" and followed it to the T you did so great it was like I had the best baby ever born. Then 6 weeks rolled around, and my sweet peaceful sleeping newborn turned into a screaming inconsolable monster. Every night we held you as you cried from 4:30-9:30pm. Having hardwood floors in your nursery made for some ear ringing times, and none of the crazy stuff we read about worked(believe me we tried it all and then some). A Sabbath morning trip to the Pediatrician one weekend when daddy was gone and I couldn't take anymore on my own, and a drive to Bowling Green just to have some quite time, are but a few of my fondest memories of that time. Finally 16 weeks rolled around and it was like someone turned off a switch. Don't get me wrong you were still a fussy baby but no more 5-9 crying spells (YEAH!!) Since that time it has only gotten better with each passing day. Other moms told me once you started walking you would be a lot happier and it's true. Ever since Thanksgiving you have been up and exploring on your own, and it's fun for me to watch you discover the world around you! You are a very strong willed little boy as I think you always have been and will be. When you get frustrated at me for taking you away from whatever it is your playing with you try to chew on my shoulder to let me know you want to stop, your way of communicating for now. You have been saying dada for quite sometime and now say mama when you first wake up in the morning. I think I hear Max whenever he comes in the room, but who knows. I feel pretty sure you are going to be a talker from all of the babbling you do now and I'm excited to hear your voice. You seem to want to share everything of yours with Max. You would think that he would regard you as his best friend for all the food and toys you give him, but he is at best indifferent to you right now. Everyday it seems you are changing and doing something new. When I look back over your pictures from the year I am amazed at how you have changed from a tiny little newborn to a chunky infant and now you seem so grown up already and your just a toddler. Ethan I love you with all my heart and there isn't another baby in the whole world I would rather call my own. You are such a joy to wake up to every morning and I have so enjoyed staying home with you and being there for your every first. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us this coming year and can only imagine the ride He will take us on. I love you today, tomorrow and forever. You truly are My Wish Come True. Happy Birthday little man.
Love, Mommy