Before you were born, I sat in this chair dreaming of the little person I was going to bring into this world. The little person that was about to embark on a great journey and who would bring your Dad and I so much joy (well after the whole "birthing" thing that is, because that part sort of sucked). And then one day the doctor said, "It's time, you have to go to the hospital tomorrow," and we didn't even know your name, but you had some clothes to wear home (that was pretty important). And we thought we were ready.
I've sat in this chair while you lay in your crib, watching your mobile while I hooked myself up in vain to the milking machine for hours. And I've sat in this chair and brushed your hair, and read you books, and laughed when you discovered how much fun it is to open and shut the book cabinet door, and rocked you - in the dark, with the sunshine streaming through your windows, in the rain (while that damn gutter your dad won't fix drips) watching the water puddle on the deck. And I've thought about how un-ready I actually was.
Un-ready the sweetness, and the smell of your head, and your fat, juicy apples of cheeks, and your giggles, and your squirminess, and your tiny hand reaching for my face, and those blue eyes peering into mine.
But now I'm ready for another year of growing up. I can't wait for all of the exciting things to come.
That chair and my arms were waiting on you.
Happy Birthday, little peanut.
Happy Birthday Mr. Cheeks! May the second year be full of more laughs, smiles and kisses than you know what to do with [and none of that yucky sickness stuff...cause I think mom needs a break] :)
Posted by: JoyLynn | March 19, 2007 at 10:35 PM
Happy first birthday little man! Let's hear it for healthy ears this year!!!!
Posted by: samantha jo campen | March 19, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Damn he's cute! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Amy W | March 20, 2007 at 06:54 AM
Happy Birthday :) God, he's adorable!! Wonderful post!!
Posted by: Kellie | March 20, 2007 at 08:18 AM
He's is ADORABLE! Happy Birthday Mr. Cheeks!!!
Posted by: Heather | March 20, 2007 at 08:35 AM
Happy Birthday, Mr. Cheeks!
Posted by: WWBD | March 20, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Happy, happy birthday! I second Samantha Jo's wish for heathy ears. The rest of you should stay healthy, too. :) Smush that cake everywhere and tell Mom & Dad to take lots and lots of pictures.
Posted by: Erin | March 20, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Happy Birthday to you both! I know things are sucking donkey-balls right now with work but hang in there. Hopefully we will see you in July. Let me know if Mr. Cheeks likes his birthday gift.
And Lord Almighty, he is the cutest baby ever!
Posted by: CPA Mom | March 20, 2007 at 01:56 PM
YAY! Happy Birthday to the cutest little Mr. Cheeks ever! What a sweetie! And congratulations to you & your husband, too. What a year it's been for you all! Fantastic! Happy days to come for sure.
xoxo, Mrs. Squirrel & Jojo
Posted by: HollowSquirrel | March 20, 2007 at 02:52 PM
I know this is totally late, but oh well!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. CHEEKS!
Posted by: SJ | March 21, 2007 at 03:53 PM
He's darn cute!
This must be a big birthday week, eh??
Posted by: Sonia | March 23, 2007 at 08:36 AM
He is such a gorgeous baby! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthing Day to you!
Posted by: Angie | April 02, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Ok I'm back to say OH HIS CHEEKS ARE TOO MUCH and just please post more pictures of Mr. Cheeks. Thank you and have a nice day.
Posted by: HollowSquirrel | April 02, 2007 at 02:04 PM
Happy birthday. What a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Posted by: Isabel | April 24, 2007 at 11:19 AM
Oh, I'm so very, very late, BUT...
Happy birthday, Mr. Cheeks!
That was a BEAUTIFUL post. I have one of those chairs myself. *sniffle*
Posted by: Stacey | April 24, 2007 at 09:35 PM