My darling dimpled boy, I can hardly believe you are a year old! It simultaneously feels as though you have been here always, in every moment of our memories, and equally as though you have not been with us long enough.
One year. One entire year. So many days, months, years were you prayed for, yearned for, hoped for; and how long those years felt while we waited for the answer. Then, suddenly as we were accepting the path of infertility after years of battling that diagnoses, you happened. You my sweet angel boy were given to us in a time when we never expected to be gifted-at the end of surrender and the beginning of a new dream you came. And now, as I type this with tear filled eyes, I’m reminded of His love for us, His perfect timing, His faithfulness. When I look into your grace filled face, hold you in my arms, and kiss your squishy little cheeks my heart is full.
For one whole year you have brightened your dada and mamas days, bringing sunshine to the PNW with your contagious smile. Always the analyst, you are a observer of people and I’ve witnessed you both charm and intimidate your acquaintances instantly upon entering a room. You are brave and adventurous, a lil mischievous, and a lot cute. The only thing you are consistently afraid of is the vacuum, although you have no trouble playing with and subsequently hiding all the attachments when it’s off (which I believe is some sort of retaliation for the offense it first committed to you).
You are my best adventure buddy and generally share my enthusiasm for our outings, be it to Target for the 100th time or the children’s museum, you chatter with me and oblige yourself to my shenanigans. However, let it be noted, you also share our fondness for routine and the comforts of home; a quality I must admit I’m glad you delight in.
Although you are ever on move these days, you are always a fan of snuggles. You will cross a room to be in your dads arms and more times then I can count have volunteered to be held over exploration and freedom. I sincerely hope you never lose this affection for others my love, it does both you and all those who participate such good.
My do you have a voice. I love that you are opinionated. While that’s challenging and a test of my patience at times, our job is to lead you, love you, train you, and I don’t want to break that in you. You are designed to participate in this world, and your voice means something. Learn to be humble in your approach, but know your mind. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
Chicken is your favorite food, followed closely by berries, and broccoli. Taking drinks from the ‘big cup’ is a treat and you like to stalk us for sips and bites. Dory is often found in our house, Pooh Bear is your bestie, and outside is one of your favorite places to be. Dads arrival home every evening is easily the highlight of your day and moms good for those spontaneous cuddle sessions when he’s not around;). We often find you “reading” books in your teepee or strolling through the house narrating your movements from room to room. While you generally sleep 12 hr stretches every night, you would prefer it not be in your crib, but rather in our arms, a yearning that’s proved hard to resist #cosleepnosleep. Anything to do with water draws you, probably because you’ve picked up the affinity from so much dory, I’ve no doubt that you will be our lil fish one day soon. Changing your clothes is like wrestling an alligator down in the bayou(based solely on my observation from swamp people), you would prefer to run around half clothed 24/7 like a lil baby mowgli. You hair is blonde with a subtle red tint, ode to the Irish in ya, and forms the most perfect kewpie curls just like your dads used to. Your sparkly blue eyes and toothy grin get me every time, and I have a camera roll full to prove it.
How treasured you are to all that know and love you, and oh let me tell ya darlin, you are loved. You have an entire country filled of family that love you, prayed for you, and subscribe to the happenings of your life. You have so many people in your corner, never feel alone.
As this chapter of infancy closes and we move forward to a new season Know this, my boy: countless times this year I have whispered up prayers to the Lord to thank Him. To thank Him for choosing me to be your mama. To thank Him that He made us into a family. To thank Him that you are our little. Thankful. That’s how I feel today. Thankful and blessed. Blessed by my Asher boy.
Happy 1st Birthday, my Asher Lee. I love you forever and always.
Mommy
Fall is full of flavors in our home, most of them orange and pumpkin-y in character; so, it’s only a matter of time before something predictably spicy accompanies that seasonal delight. My lovely friend, who shares my affinity for all things autumn and edible, first introduced me to these little bites of goodness and I have made them and subsequently devoured them, more times then I care to admit to since that day. They are soft , fluffy, cakey in texture and delightfully spicy- making them a dangerously delicious combination in the holiday cookie department. You’ve been warned-now grab your apron, channel Martha, and lets bake!
~grace and grits~ 