one year with jack

Baby Jack,

Or should I call you something else now? I'm not ready to call you a toddler, so how about Not-So-Baby Jack?

I found myself tearing up easily last week. Not because I'm sad that you're not a baby anymore, but because I'm just so unbelievably thankful for you. You've not just changed my life this year but you've changed who I am. I am so much better because of you.

Reading over these letters for the past 12 months, one thing remains consistent: you are pure joy. I can confidently say, after a year of living with you and knowing you and learning you, that you are just a good baby. You're a good sleeper, a good eater, a good player. You're good at listening and learning and loving. You're just good.

So thank you for that, as well.

You're so much fun these days. You're on the move every minute that your eyes are open. You babble constantly. You know and understand several words, which makes you look so big. I can ask you where something is and you go find it. I can tell you that daddy is home and you sprint-crawl to the front door. I can ask for a kiss and you open your mouth big and wide for a sloppy smooch. I love it.

You like to put things into containers and that keeps you entertained for longer than I would expect. And after you go to bed, I always find at least one block in the laundry hamper or in your daddy's boot or in the bathroom trashcan. It makes me smile.

 

Nonni and Grandpa got you a toy cell phone for your birthday, which you really like. You push the ringer button and then hand it over to whomever is closest (human or dog) because you like for us to have pretend conversations. We'll say, "Oh hi! Yes, he's right here. It's for you, Jack." Then you grin and take the phone and say "yeah" like you're agreeing with someone. And repeat. It's the cutest.

You prefer real phones, though. You always grab my phone and stick it in my face until I pull up the pictures. But not just any picture - you don't rest until it's one of your dad. I know you love me, but there's a special kind of love and admiration that you hold back just for him. It makes my heart explode in the best way.

 

Little boy, I could go on and on and on and on. You're the sweetest kid and we can't believe that God picked us to enjoy you. We love living this life with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.