And then he was ONE.

Grae was born ONE year ago, November 15, at 10:29pm. His birth will forever be one of my bravest, most powerful accomplishments. (Read about it here!) Lately, I have found myself retracing the places I was at this time last year. Today, November 18, 2011, we were bringing our beautiful boy home from the hospital. I can’t help but hold our sweet, giggling child close as I think of all this year has taught me.

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Grae,

You have dramatically and wonderfully impacted my life. I will never be the same. Thank you for making me a mommy and teaching me more than I could have ever learned without you. There is something so special about you, Graeson. And I’m not just saying this because I’m your Mom. It is something more than your loving and happy nature. It is undefinable, and yet I know in my heart you are destined for great things. I am looking so forward to watching you grow and experiencing the magic you will continue to infuse into this world. I thank God every night for the unconditional love that He has given me through you. Never stop unraveling this world with your excitement and wonder. I am so proud of you, son.

Happy First Birthday to our Graeson Royce! You are SO loved!

~Mommy

How you spent your first birthday:

You woke up to a fort that Daddy made you, filled with your favorite thing- Balloons!

After playing with Daddy, and your morning nap, you went to RJ’s kindergarten to have lunch with him. Afterwards, you went to the grocery store and Daddy pushed you around in the “Car” grocery cart while you screamed and laughed for an hour. You got a “First Birthday” balloon and a flower to bring to me at work! (You melted my heart!)

After you picked me up from work, we headed to the Georgia Aquarium! You are mesmerized by our small salt water tank in our bedroom, so we knew you’d LOVE it (and we were RIGHT!!)