To My ONE Year Old!

Dominick,

One year ago I laid eyes on your perfect little self and wondered what I had ever done to be so lucky to call you mine. This past year has been the best one of my life and I don't know as if I will ever have another like it. You made me a momma, a title I never imagined loving so incredibly much. We've gone through so much together in just one year and every moment, minute, hour, day, week and month has been worth it. You have completed our family of three and made our hearts overflow. Every day with you has been the greatest gift, no matter of the hard times or times of exhaustion or frustration.

You were the sweetest surprise, the best gift and our most prized possession. I thank the Lord every day that He chose us to be your parents and that He trusts us to raise you. We have so many hopes and dreams for you and know that you are destined to do something great with your life.

You have a smile that's completely contagious. You smile with your whole body and everyone can feel it. You have the most beautiful brown, almost black eyes that are so beautiful and sparkle so perfectly. It's been wonderful to see the world through your eyes.Your little piggies are edible and oh so perfect. Your squishy hands are insanely adorable. And those cheeks, oh your cheeks I could kiss all day long if you let me.

Your laugh is music to our ears and your little voice is the perfect little kid voice. You are this stubborn, opinionated, hard headed, feisty, sweet as pie, loving, inquisitive, wild, crazy happy, insanely funny, mischievous, exploring, thriving, scary smart, special, incredibly loved, unique, friendly, adventurous and perfectly made little boy. God really took his time when making you.

I remember after we got back to our empty house from the airport after dropping Gigi and Papa off to head back to Michigan. It was just daddy, you and I. I never knew how we would do it or survive, but we did. We made it through the sleepless nights, cheered you on through all of your firsts and made so many memories that I hope to never forget. You've given us the opportunity to see life in a new way and experience the innocence and excitement of being a child again. Being a parent has exceeded all our expectations and we are so in love with you.

Buddy, we can't wait to see what your future holds, what God has planned for you and the man you become. I pray for you daily, for your hopes and dreams, for your heart, your future and the life you're meant to live. I hope you always choose to be an individual, see the good in life and have a loving heart. I hope that you have minimal heartbreak, (in a very, very long time from now) find a wife who will be your better half, best friend and partner through life. I pray that you surround yourself with good people, choose the road less traveled and make good decisions. I pray that you're strong, successful and remain healthy. I hope you continue to be adventurous, but not too. I pray for the family that you will one day have. I hope that you always stay a momma's boy and continue to adore your daddy because he's the best daddy to you and a pretty darn good role model for you. I pray that every year going forward exceeds the last, although after this past year I'm not sure there will be one that can top it.

You are so incredibly loved and I hope that you never doubt that. You have brought so much love into our home and we are so proud of the little boy you are turning into. We love you, baby man. Thanks for the best year of our lives.

Love, Momma

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16