Happy First Birthday BEN!

Happy First Birthday, Benjamin Michael Vietti!

Dear Ben,

It is hard to say how much we love you and have treasured this first year with you in our family! I have to admit, before you came, it was hard to understand just how we would find a way to love you as much as we did your sister. We were worried about her being impacted by your arrival and I wasn't too sure I would know what to do with a boy. But right from the beginning, you melted our hearts with your sweet self. You showed up unexpected in the middle of the night, and haven't stopped surprising us since. It seems like just a few days ago we were in the hospital, snuggling up to the most precious little boy ever created and marveling at the wonder of our newborn son.

You were such an easy baby, always happy as long as someone would hold (or wear) you! You did not like to be rocked or held in the cradle position from day one, and you still will wiggle around until you are upright with your head on my shoulder. You are still the happiest when someone will walk around with you and bounce or dance with you. You love to hug and snuggle, which makes Mama so happy!

You are a happy, joyful, busy little boy! You love to meet new people, and you will smile at any stranger so big it makes their day. We delight in watching you crinkle your nose up and grin so hard it looks like your cheeks will pop! We love watching you kick your feet with glee when something excites you! One of our favorite things to do is to lay on the floor and let you climb all over us, then collapse on our chest for a huge bear hug. Just the past few days, I have been so proud watching you take those one or two steps by yourself and then collapse with a smile! That smile  . . . . it makes Mama melt.

I love seeing you first thing every morning and putting you to bed every night. I will love you forever and always!

Mama

Happy Birthday BEN!