12 months!

This is late...I wrote it, but never posted it.  Sorry my little Coen.

Dear Coen,
  Tomorrow you will be 1.  12 months old.  I can't believe how fast you are growing up!  As I look back at pictures from the past year, it is hard to believe how much you have changed.  You are turning into a little boy and I absolutely love spending each day by your side as you investigate the world! 

  You started to walk when you were about 11 months old and now you are walking everywhere!  We rarely see you sitting down playing with your toys anymore.  You would rather be walking around the island counter and pulling things out of the cupboards and drawers.  You are so fasinated with the dishwasher and you run to it as soon as it's opened.  It can be rather difficult to get the dirty dishes in there since every time I turn around you've taken something else out and are walking away with it.  You love the lights in the house and your favorite thing is to be held so you can turn the light switches on and off.  You really love playing with Steve and you are learning to pet him gently just like you've been told so many times.   You really enjoy music and you've been going to music class for the past couple of months.  Most of the time you just put the instruments in your mouth, but you like to play the bells and you love hitting the drums.  What a fun little guy you are!

  You've been a bit of a picky eater so meals have continued to be a challenge.  You sure love grilled cheese...or pretty much anything with cheese.  And you'll eat pasta and chicken, bananas and pears.  Vegetables have been a challenge since being done with baby food.  One day you'll do great with broccoli but a week later you won't touch the stuff.  We keep offering it and hopefully one of these days you'll eat better.

  You are absolutely the sweetest little boy and your smile and your laugh make everything else seem insignificant.  There is no greater gift God can give than a child.  This year I have reflected a lot on the sacrifice that God chose when He gave His son for us.  When I look at your face, I cannot imagine being asked to give you up.  The thought of you ever experiencing pain or sadness just breaks my heart.  I want to protect you and take care of you and I hope you continue to grow and experience happiness.  I pray that God continues to bless you with health and joy and I pray that I can be the mom that you deserve. 

 Thank you for this past year and making me happier than I have ever been.  You are loved more than words could ever express. 

  Happy Birthday Coco Bean!  I love you lots.

  Love,
  Mommy