char's a star.

to my sweet chubby char.

you're one today.

hard to believe.

before you were born, we worried a little bit

about raining on your brother's parade.

he liked his parade and didn't seem like the type

that was particularly great at sharing the spotlight.

but, as you've done with all of us,

you lit up his life.

he A-D-O-R-E-S you.

you guys love to:

play with balls, body slam each other,

walk around holding hands

(he really just drags you since you're still a bit slower),

play in the bath, chase each other on the couch,

really get going in the morning only after the other is awake,
wrestle, throw fits at the same time when we're running

errands so we "have" to leave, dig in the dirt,

play in the pool, snuggle on the couch under a blankie,

build forts, play together in your crib,

"work" with tools, share your juice, cookies, etc.,

and laugh like hyenas.

watching the two of you together is my greatest joy.

your dad and I are also pretty pumped about the kid you are.

we love that big goofy grin.

we love that you arch and scream when getting

into the carseat but are really easy to distract.

we love that you eat like a torrone.

we don't love the scream fest that ensues between 5pm

and dinner but can appreciate that you know what you

want and it is to be held...by us. now.

we love that you sleep through the night and

go to bed without a fight.

we don't love that you are not a great napper.

we love when you say "uh, oh", mama, da da da,

or "ffffff" and point at the fish.

we love that you point. and grunt for things.

we love the complete and utter joy in your eyes when

you smile at people.

you make their day.

we love how thrilled you are when we let you get out

and walk at the store.

we don't love that your favorite food is rocks.

you have probably consumed 3000 this summer alone.

we kinda love that you're obsessed with the toilet.

we love your chubby thighs and waxy ears and rat tail hair

and big head and buddha belly and big blue/grey/green? eyes.

we love that you DID NOT MOVE for 9 months

and then walked at 11.

we love that you like to read before bed.

we love that you love being outside.

it's where you'd be all day if you could choose.

you aren't allowed that choice because you eat rocks. a lot.

we love when you're brother literally throws you up onto

the couch and you think it's the bee's knees.

we love that you're starting to use a fork and spoon.

we love that when ready, you'd die for a bottle and binky.

we love that we get to be your parents!

how lucky are we?

Happy Happy Day sweet Char Char!

xoxo, mama, da da da and yo, big bro!