Letter to Tyler

Dear Tyler,

I can't believe that you are already one! I thought it was time to sit down and write a letter to you. I want you to know how much you mean to me. Hopefully one of these days, you will realize you mean the world.

One...You are one handsome little boy. Your smile lights up the room. Every time we go to the store (which is often) or out somewhere and you crack a smile at someone, they instantly smile right back. I cannot tell you how many times someone has commented on how sweet your smile is. You have the fullest head of hair, too. Daddy takes all of the credit for your cowlick but it just makes it that much cuter. I wish I had the thickness of your hair. Or maybe you could share some with your sister?

Two...You are so happy...24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Well maybe not 365 days but 363 days. Everyone is allowed an off day or two. From the moment you wake up until the minute you fall asleep, you are always in good spirits. It is contagious, too. Unfortunately, this makes disciplining you a little more difficult. It the midst of your happiness, you have the cutest giggle. I've even gotten it on video a few times, too. You'll have to see it some day. The fake sneeze by Mommy works every time.

Three...You are so smart. I'm not sure if it's because you have a smart big sister to follow around or if it just comes natural, but you pick up on EVERYTHING. I first noticed it when at about 11 months you would bring your snack bowl to me, put it in my hand and then put my other hand on it. This was your way of telling me that you wanted a snack. Then, you started going to the refrigerator and saying "ba, ba" whenever you wanted your bottle. Lastly, when it's almost time to go somewhere, your grab your shoes and bring them to me to put them on you and then you go straight to the door. You definitely know when it's time to head out.

Four...You are so loving. I thought Aubrey was a big snuggler but you are just as snuggly. You love to be held, especially at bedtime when you are drinking your bottle. You also like to sit on my lap during cartoons or book time. Your loving nature doesn't just happen around your immediate family either. You are also very loving to your grandparents and Aunt Gail. She is your buddy!

Five...You can dance! Aubrey started moving and shaking around 18 months. You had it down at 13 months. Any time music comes on, you start tapping your foot, shaking your arms and spinning around and around and around. I think you got the spinning dance move from your sister but you do it just as well. I apologize in advance if you didn't inherit any rhythm from me or your Daddy as neither of us dances very well. But, we try and we have fun and that is all that matters.

Six (and last)...You are ALL boy. You are tough, brave, strong and fearless. You got your first black eye at 15 months and barely cried. You've taken many hits from your sister, many falls on the sidewalk and many bumps and bruises yet your rarely shed a tear. I know one day you are going to be a star football player as you already know how to tackle.

I look forward to watching you grow into a toddler, little boy, teenager and eventually a man. Although I'm in no hurry to watch you grow up, I cannot wait to see who you become. You are the third love in my life (to Daddy and your sister) and I couldn't imagine life without you.

I love you very much!!
Mommy