My Baby is 1!!!

It was one year ago today that God gave our family the gift of Nicolas!

One year ago today I gave birth to my sweet, precious baby boy. My second born.

I remember the day so well. I have been recounting the events of last year over and over.

It was a Friday. I was so glad it was almost the weekend.

I had a happy day with Patrick.

The weather was beautiful.

I bounced on my birthing ball, talked to my midwife, and ran a last minute "errand" which involved picking up my little sil's Anna and Gloria.

I walked stairs in the Hilton Hotel parking lot.

We fed the ducks.

I took the girls home.

The contractions started!

So many little details to remember, and all part of that wonderful, special day.

I loved Nicolas' birth. It was so beautiful! It was such a healing experience for me, too.

It all felt so quiet, calm and peaceful. When he was born I was so anxious to see what he looked like! 9 months he had grown inside me, but now was the time for his life on the "outside" to begin!

I remember when I was pregnant with him, he was so active. I remember sitting on the couch a lot of evenings, about the same time. He would always perk up and start thumping and kicking. I would say sometimes "Mama loves you."

I still say that to him now....and I like to imagine that he remembers me saying it then, too. That somehow it seems familiar to him and makes him feel safe and loved, like maybe it did when he was inside of me.

Nicolas is indeed a precious gift from God. I am so glad that He gave him to us.

My sweet, wild little all-boy boy! He is so active and full of life! yet so tender and loving, too.

He has grown up soooo fast.

He began this teeny tiny little love, who I held on my chest hour after hour - then suddenly he transformed (right before my eyes, yet somehow without me noticing!) into a one year old!

He is SO much fun to have around. He is full of JOY. He squeals and screams...and he WALKS! He took his first official steps on December 29th, and has kept at it since! Today on his birthday he took 7 steps! It is so strange and so cute to see him walking around!

Nicolas, I am so glad God made you and gave you to me. You make my life so much richer and happier by being in it. You add so much to my life. You have changed me and helped to make me who I am today. We wanted you so very, very much, and are so glad God has lent you to us for awhile! I pray that God will give you many years to love Him and serve Him, and that you will be the "Victory of the people through the Lord who is your God."

In a way, it's like you are our victory, through God's grace. We lost two little ones before you. After that life seemed very fragile. When we found out that you existed, we didn't know if we'd get to keep you. But God chose to let you grow and grow, until that very special day, one year ago today......January 10th.

That was the day you entered our lives and our hearts, and we've never been the same since! We wouldn't want it any other way!

Happy 1st Birthday, Nicolas!! I love you with all my heart. I can't believe your one!

In honor of this most important day and event - here is a slideshow of Nicolas' 1st year of life!