Happy Birthday to the Spud!

See that look? That look of pure joy and "I'm gonna take over the world"? Well, that's what happens when you give your kid a chocolate cupcake for breakfast. Okay, people, it's his birthday today. And it's not like I gave him a Pepsi to go along with it. The world could not handle the Spud hyped up on chocolate frosting AND Pepsi. Talk about mass destruction!

So, my little Spud, you have defied me and insisted on getting older. One year ago today Daddy drove your momma to the hospital in the middle of the night. You kicked me so hard during my pregnancy that I had bruising all around my rib cage, and you continued to kick me during the whole labor and delivery process. I knew then that you were going to be a real handful!

You are our only kid to get stuck in the crib railing over and over again because you were jumping up and down in your crib. You are the only one in our family who has resisted my morning training and still insists on getting up at 5:30 am each day. You are the only baby to get out of the changing table restraints and almost fall off - more than once. And now you are walking. The whole house quakes in terror. Your siblings run because even though you are half their size, you are not afraid to steal their toys. And then laugh about it.

And yet you are the one that cuddles in my lap for hours, stroking my face and "talking" to me. You break out into a huge grin when Daddy gets home, and scream "Da-da" for the world to hear. You are constantly "hugging" your siblings and shrieking in delight at the smallest of entertainments.

God has great plans for you someday, my Spud. We love you and are excited (and a little nervous!) to see how you grow and mature this coming year. Happy First Birthday, my little man!