Dear Lil Bean, You're 1 today!

Darling Mr E!

Today you are ONE! It is a true celebration! We have come a long way but there are many more treasured moments to come. I thought for a long time on what to write in this final letter of your first year. In the end I decided to make you a video that you would hopefully love to watch when you grow older.
May the lord bless you Ethan. You are truly my Ebunoluwa (Gift from God)
Have a fabulous day!

Lots of love,
Mama

9 days to go.

today at group.

I knew I would be an emotional wreck when my bubba turns one. What I failed to anticipate is the build up. I have been busy planning the party, getting back to normal after our holidays that I haven't stopped. Until today. This evening, Ethan decided he wanted to go to bed early. 5.30pm.
I snuggled and nursed him down like I've done since he was born. his eyes got heavy and droopy, his sucking slowed, his hands stopped caressing and his breathing steadied. At this point I would get up and join the others but for some reason I just couldn't. I wanted to stay and cuddle him for longer.

This past year has been such a roller coaster. I have loved deeper than ever thought possible. Ethan has taught me so much about myself. He has helped me unearth issues that I have buried for so long. It was hard but so worth it to face them. I'm still on that journey.

I love how his personality simply tickles me. Everything from his facial expressions, his grunts when he isn't getting his way, his giggle and his warm smile. He is such a toddler now.

I know this is only the beginning and I'm so looking forward to seeing him grow.
I'm so blessed to have him.  

Ethan actually said a word.

Yes. A proper word. "buh-bye" waving and everything. Goodness gracious. The pronunciation isn't quite there but we get the message!

Lil Bean, You are 11 months old.

I'm going to use this letter to catch up with my Mamatography as we were on holiday for week 12.

Dear Ethan,

ready to swim

You my dear are really close to the end of your 1st year on Earth. I'm continually amazed with how much you change and grow. You are such a little boy now, You are losing your babyness. It hits me everytime you toddle through the flat and you are suddenly in a room you weren't before! This month was filled with lots of milestones for us. You got dedicated at church, It was such a joy for us to see the church stand up when Steve asked if they would do their best to care for you as you grow up. 

We also had our first proper Mother's day! I can't wait till you can make me a card! 

Last week, we went to Devon on holiday. It was considerably better than the trip to Wales we took when you were 4 months old. Thanks in part to lots of books, Organix snacks and Praisebaby DVDs. 

We had such a brilliant time as a family. Just what we needed. Just what I needed. Your daddy planned and booked this trip as a surprise for me. I was so overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness and it made me feel really appreciated. 

Here are a few pictures from our time away,

Our Family