My Darling Boy, 

Today you are 1.  I can’t believe how fast the time has gone.  

It seems like only yesterday that the doctor gave you to me and I said, ‘You have your Papa’s nose.’  I love your nose.

It seems like only yesterday that we took you home from the hospital.  I was amazed at how your cries got stronger every day, and how were always able to let us know what you wanted.  Thank goodness your Nani (my mama) was there to help us.

It seems like only yesterday that you were lying on my chest and I told you all about the food I ate when you were in my tummy and how much Gaviscon I had to take.  You were a week old, but I was sure that you understood everything I said.  You don’t like to lie like that anymore.

It seems like only yesterday that you had your first set of shots and cried and cried.  There are still many to come, my love!

It seems like only yesterday that I saw your first smile.  My heart melts every time I see you smile!

It seems like only yesterday that we brought you back to Lagos and you slept through the whole flight.  You were 12 weeks old.  Why didn’t you do that last month when we went to London?

It seems like only yesterday that you were able to sit in a Bumbo and not squirm your way out of it.  You’re very wriggly now!

It seems like only yesterday when the only sounds (apart from crying) you made sounded like pigeon noises.  And two days ago, you said your first word.  ‘Mama’.  I loved hearing you say that!

 

It seems like only yesterday that you tried baby porridge for the first time.  And loved it!  You (and Rolo) would wait in anticipation for porridge time.  And you both still do that!

It seems like only yesterday that you rolled over for the first time and then you started moving around ‘commando style’.  Once you started crawling, there was no stopping you.  When you start walking, we’ll be in serious trouble!

I love that you wave goodbye to people when you’re tired and want to sleep.

I love that you ‘dance’ when you hear some of your favourite songs.

I love that you give me kisses and cuddles and have learnt to rub ‘nosy nose’.

I love that you pretend to wash your hands each time you hear ‘This is the way we…’.

I could write so much more about all the things you can do and the things I love about you.  But I won’t.  I’ll keep them in my head and pray that I don’t forget any of them.

Happy birthday my beautiful boy, I love you.

May God bless you always.

Love, 

Mama