My Big Little Boy

Dear Ben,
The Friday after Thanksgiving we set up our Christmas decorations. Last year at this time you were 9-months-old and had just started walking. I think you had gone to sleep when we started putting up the tree last year so you weren't involved in the whole process. This year, however, you were very involved and loved every minute. You, amazingly, did not try to knock the tree down or cause mischief of any kind. You simply watched with wide-eyed wonderment as we added ornaments to this big tree full of pretty lights. When we were done, we turned out all of the lights except for the tree and stood back to take a look. You exclaimed "wow!" like only a boy your age can ("wow" was actually your first word!)

This morning Daddy dressed you for church in a new outfit. Once you were dressed you came running to find me so I could see your new clothes. You thought it was so cool to have a truck on your chest! You had shoes on at the time (you take them off almost as soon as we put them on) and you held your foot up several times so I could see how neat your shoes were (so why do you take them off? silly!) I ran for the camera and after adding this picture to the computer I sat down and looked at my baby boy - not a baby anymore. You look so grown up - I just can't believe how much you have grown.
Ben, from the moment you entered this world I felt like I was with someone I had been missing but didn't know it. You bring so much love, life, joy and spunk to our family. You are total boy - trucks, dirt, bugs, balls and sticks are your favorite things in the world, but you are the first to hug someone if they are sad and each morning you run out of your room to find your sister to give her a morning hug. The world is an amazing place to you. I hope it always will be, my son. I hope you can always find wonder around you and that the love you have to offer will be well received. I love you more than I can say.
Love,
Mommy