The whole time leading up to your birthday your mom and I were saying, “How has it only been a year?” That’s not only because you have completely consumed our lives since you were born, but also because it’s hard for us to imagine our lives without you now. You certainly keep us on our toes!

It’s been so fun watching you grow from a little big-headed potato to a walking, thinking little boy! You are so much fun and have your own personality now. Mom thinks that you are a caring sweet boy, though I’m not sure. Time will tell. You are definitely a very active little boy though! For the last couple of months you have been crawling everywhere trying to rip down lamps, unplug outlets, eat the dirt out of flower pots, pull trash out of the trash can, and just causing a bunch of chaos. At this point we have to change your diaper while you are standing because you refuse to stay still long enough. Even then, you still start running around with your diaper off. I think you have some adventurousness in you. Mom calls you an “inspector.” You seem to love stopping and looking at things. You stare at cool chandeliers, carry around interesting leaves, and just check out what’s going on.

I remember the first couple of nights trying to rock tiny little you to bed. You were so little! And now, all of a sudden, you’re a big 1-year-old! I still get to rock you to sleep every once in a while when Mom lets me, but where does the time go! I love you little buddy!

You’ve changed our lives since you’ve been born and changed so much yourself. I cannot wait to see how much you change in the next year! We are so so blessed to be your parents and we love you so much, Gideon!!! Happy 1st birthday!