Cheer and Cheerfulness

I had a little miracle a short time ago. His name is Hunter. I remember when he was born and I held him in my arms for the first time that he was special. I knew that by some miracle, this little child was mine to love, that I created him and that he would need me. As overwhelming of a responsibility that was, I was so happy to have him. At that moment, the world stopped and somehow everything seemed possible. I am a mother and nothing I do from here on would change that.
Now it's almost been a year since Hunter was born. I've held him in my arms for countless hours, walked the halls with him in the wee hours of the morning, watched his trusting eyes as I fed him and enjoyed our moments together. There were a few hard times, many nights lacking sleep, but it has been worth it for that perfect little person. I've watched him grow and been there for his firsts - the first smile, rolling over, crawling, saying "da-da," first tooth and even first step. Now it's time for the first birthday although I can hardly believe it's been that long already. One thing I know is that it will be a special 'first' just like the others.

I planned out who was coming, sent out the invitations, bought all of the decorations and had the day set to be just right. The thing I'm most proud of is that I found the cutest little plate to remember this occasion forever. I went to As You Wish Pottery and purchased a hand-painted birthday plate. It's personalized with his name and the date of the occasion. I even got a special pen so that all who share this special day can sign the plate. It is something that he can keep always.

The day came and went with a blur of pictures, thrown wrapping paper and good food and friends. I know that he's too little to really remember this day, but I will never forget it. I have the pictures of his gooey cake-filled face, his wide amazed eyes as he saw the first toy emerge from behind the wrapping paper, and his tired eyes after taking in the whole day of festivities. I also have the cute little birthday plate, signed by all who came. The special memories of this important first birthday were captured forever. They were made tangible so that he can always look back and see how enjoyable that special day was and how happy his family is to have him.

I look forward to spending many more firsts with my son and look forward to building many more memories with him. It's the little things like planning a party, taking pictures, or getting personalized plates that we will carry through our lives always as reminders of the good feelings we had. It is in those little special extras that I hope my child will always see and remember that he has a mother who loves him and a family who cares enough to go out of their way to make him feel special at every crossroad.