Happy Birthday, My Sweet Boy

My dearest Frankie,

 

How has it been one year already?  One year since I first held you in my arms, one year since you entered this world and stole my heart.  During the anticipation of your arrival, nothing anyone said could prepare me for the actuality of becoming a parent.  The past year has been an incredible journey - the happiest times of my life.  You fill me with such pure and simple joy and I hope you know how much my heart overflows with love for you.  It's been amazing watching you grow and discover the world - who knew one could feel such pride in the moments where your son learns to roll over or slurp spaghetti or blow bubbles or take his first steps?!  Every day with you is a gift.  I've been struggling with coming up with the exact words to write to you to commemorate this milestone.  Just know that you light up my life and have taught me so much this past year - patience, unconditional love, the art of multi-tasking on minimal sleep :) and the importantance of not sweating the small stuff and prioritizing my time with you. 

 

When I told your Dad that I was having trouble getting my thoughts together, he put together a few words for your birthday...

 

"Some parents say the first year with a newborn is a very long and hard year.  After going through it once, I wonder what parents are talking about.  This year has been absolutely awesome; I don't think I have ever been happier.  Maybe Regina and I have been really lucky in that Frankie is nothing like his Dad who cried for the first 3 years of his life (Thanks Mom & Dad for putting up with me!!)  Frankie is an awesome baby who rarely cries, is very happy, eats everything in sight and sleeps great.  He has really grown a lot over the past year and is starting to develop his personality and is not shy about letting us know when he doesn't like something.  There have been challenges along the way and some sleepless night, but I wouldn't trade this past year for all the tea in China.  There have been so many wonderful memories from this past year - The first smile, sleeping on my chest after thanksgiving dinner, the first time he peed and pooped on me at the same time, rolling over for the first time, crawling, climbing the stairs, reading books together, playing soccer, our first trip to New York, watching the European Championship on my birthday, the beach week, going on many walks around the neighborhood and just being together as a family.  In preparing for Frank's first Birthday, I spent time looking at a few hundred (Ok a few thousand) photos from the past year and it has reminded me of how magical this year has been.  Regina and I are blessed  to have such a wonderful family and a great group of friends.  You guys have helped make 2012 an awesome year.

Happy Birthday Frank Thomas DeMarco - your Mom and I look forward to celebrating many more with you."

Contrary to your Dad's perspective, I do think this year had it's challenges, but the rewards and smiles far out-weigh the tough times.  You are a blessing, Frankie.  Mommy & Daddy love you so much and wish you the  happiest 1st birthday a little boy could have.

Love Always,

Mommy & Daddy