A Birthday Letter to My Favorite Mama's Boy (Part 1)

They said we couldn't spoil a newborn. I'm not sure who "they" are, or what their credentials were, but we have certainly proven them wrong. We didn't set out to make a point, or to spoil you for that matter, it just kind of happened.

Isaiah, as you end this first fabulous year of your life, I could easily use clichés like "I've enjoyed every minute of it," or "I wouldn't change a thing." But I prefer to delve a little deeper and explore how I really feel. We do vulnerable around here. Has the word "TransPARENTcy" been coined? If not, I'm coining it. Maybe I'll change the blog name to TransPARENThood, since that's all I write about anymore...

It would certainly be true that I have enjoyed every snuggle, and if cuddling you too much is what's ruined you and stuck you to me like Winnie the Pooh on a honey jar, then I might not do anything differently if given a second chance. I never thought my long kinda-bony arms would be so cozy. Being soft in places one usually works to tone is not generally a compliment, but I'm flattered by how much time you like to spend held close to me, even as you're becoming more and more eager to be on the move.

As for night time...well, we might try a slightly different approach if you're ever blessed with a baby brother or sister. Don't get me wrong, those all-night snuggle sessions are sweet too, but this waking up every hour routine is growing tiresome. I'm sure it doesn't help that when you do sleep in your crib for a bit, I usually tell you how much I missed you when I finally rescue you. You're so thoughtful to not want me to miss you for long.

Other ways you're spoiled are mostly just ways you've chosen not to behave like other babies. There are a few baby things you apparently think are ridiculous, and consequently plan to skip completely, and here's what I gather is your reasoning:

Bottles - "Why settle for plastic or glass when Mommy has liquid gold on tap for me? Sippy cups and other drinking devices are inferior as well, I'm taking Mommy to college!"

Pacifiers - "Again, plastic or Mommy?? I'm no fool."

Baby Food - "I'll have what you're having please. I've got 8 teeth, why do you keep offering me mushy stuff? Also, I have 10 fingers, why must you insist on silverware?"

Cribs - "Have I mentioned I prefer Mommy? Even though she's toning up from carrying me around all the time, she's still softer than any crib mattress that meets all those silly safety regulations."

Diapers - "That potty chair is pretty awesome. I think I prefer to stay clean and dry instead of sitting in my own filth, thanks."

Baby Toys - "Give me a good wooden spoon, a spatula, a toothbrush, and maybe a few doggy chew toys and I'm set. Throw in a pot and I'm a happy one-man boy band!"

Crawling - "I'm not in any hurry, and there is a ton of dog hair on the floor around here, so I'm fine to just scoot on my bum until I can walk around like the big people."

Church Nursery - "Why do you keep putting me in that room with all those babies?" Just like Ruby, our dog who doesn't know she's a dog, Zy seems to think he's an adult, and prefers to hang out with the grown-ups.

Strangers - "In a year or two you're not gonna want me to be comfortable going with people I don't know, so why are you always handing me to them now?" He's right, his stranger anxiety will be useful someday, we should appreciate it more.

Naps - "I may not be in a hurry, but there is still a lot to do, mainly keeping Mommy from getting any work done all day."

Isaiah, I'm so honored that you've chosen me to attach to, I'm pretty addicted to you too. I will do my best not to let you down, figuratively that is, I am going to have to let you down literally sometimes. But seriously, having you look up to me inspires me to be my best self. Thank you for making me a better person just by watching my every move and learning how to do life from what you see.

No matter how much I comfort you by reminding you that "I will never leave your or forsake you," (Hebrews 13:5) there is only One who you can trust completely and forever. Daddy and I will take the best care of you we humanly can, but, although it breaks my heart a bit to say it, we will fail you. I pray we never fail in pointing you to Jesus who you can always lean on.

For now you can lean on me though...

Driving like this may not be the safest, but on long road trips, when the front seat just feels too far away for you, we do what we have to do.

Even Sesame Street is better cuddled next to Mommy.

As long as you're touching Mommy you can even sleep standing up.

Watching you learn is the sweetest adventure.

I'm gonna take advantage of every minute you want to be in my arms. You make every day as bright as an afternoon in Florida!