Dearest Max,
Its been a year since you made your grand debut into this big world and what a year its been. I will probably say that every year in my letters because every year is full of so many awesome moments that make up the days and months that make time feel like its truly flying at warp speed. I've loved you from the depths of my mommy soul from the minute I saw your sweet face. Adding you to our crazy bunch threw us for a whirl for a little bit but we got the hang of it and are loving the rhythm you and your brother bring to our lives.
Your actual first birthday was a very busy day but we sure made time to sing to you. Your big brother was very instant that we do so before heading off to his soccer game and than to Colorado Springs for an overnight stay and wedding. In true baby fashion you decided it would be a great time to "pop "some more teeth and get a stomach virus that weekend.You really handle these things quite well only needing constant cuddles and mo' ice chips.
Really though, if you ask me, you spent your actual birthday how I would like to spend mine every year. At the Historic Broadmoor with family.
I sure hope we can take you again and again for trips you will remember, the grounds are truly beautiful. I would like to see the spa and your dad would love to play some golf so maybe we should try it out for a weekend sans kids:-) Just one time, to see how it feels.
You thought these fawns were dogs and repeatedly called them so, something so cute a one year old can get away with. If Mason did this now we be like "Come on Mace I am pretty sure you know those ain't dogs!" So stay one cause when your four almost five we aren't as cool.
Don't worry you still got presents on your birthday. Did you really think your Aunt Ang or Grandma would forget to spoil you with a bunch of toys?!?! I was kind of hoping so because were busting at the seams but hey you only turn one once so bring on the loot.
Man I can't believe we let you go down that slide! Just kidding we aren't that crappy of parents. I think the main reason you and Mason will want to go back again and again is not really the beauty of the grounds and the wildlife but more the water slides that jar your neck and give you a monster wedgie.
We will see if you are anything like this kid who try's to hold the record for number of times you can go on the slides in an hour before the parentals force you to take a break and you melt into a ball of tears and anger. Happens every time.
Right now you are still down for snuggles in the pool and just relaxing, if we could give you a Pina Colada you would be on our level and we would be like can you stay one FOREVER. but we know the sands of time are falling and you can't, so we will just drink those Coladas for you until you are of age.
I wish this shot would have turned out better because the infinity pool and the lake and the marble and you turning one...it was a pretty slick moment BUT my camera phone isn't always what its cracked up to be. My mind however is still sharp, well most days, and that memory has a special place in there. That's also why I am writing this because some day I will be 80 and forget to wear a shirt to dinner and you will have to remind me of more than just this moment.
Speaking of sub-par parenting, your dad and I actually went out on a date on your birthday, well kind of, I mean it was too a wedding and you, your brother, and your sweet Aunt Ang were moments away if you needed us. Stuck in your shabby quarters dinning on room service and watching Scooby. Word has it she even let you eat chips in bed! Awesome-sauce if you ask me.
Kids were actually invited to the wedding and we were like "um we've sailed that ship before and it ain't no fun for us so we are brining our hot nanny sister person!" I don't regret that decision but we did get sat at the table with young parents who brought their kids. It was a little salt in the wound. The table was back in the corner away from the other less stressed out guests. It made me miss you and Mason but than they just kept filling my red wine glass and I let loose and thought "its ok to leave your kids sometimes! Woot Woot."
Just a life lesson side note: you should definitely hit your Papa up for dance lessons, the man loves to cut a rug. That is not your grandma he is dancing with but lucky for him a dear friend of the family, otherwise, I would tell you to have him teach you "how to get out of Grandma's dog house!" That is a life lesson all men should learn.
So ya, the Broadmoor for your first birthday, pretty sweet. We like to set the bar high, can you imagine what will be doing for your 21st? Hey, where is our hot nanny? we must have given her break from this photo.
Still can't believe its been a year.
Well back at the Casa de Flower we threw you an Ol' fashioned real partay. Did you really think I would deprive you of that? Your dad was hoping so but my OCD birthday party pinterest mommy self decided because your brother got a party at one so I would do the fair thing and throw one for you. Siblings always think the other gets more, just trying to keep the playing field level.
Hungry Caterpillar cake that I did NOT make...thanks Cakes by Karen.
Balloons, bubbles, and boxes; that's all a kid really needs at his birthday well that and a
huge photo collage your over emotional mother made of your every month.
but really all you need is being surrounded by those near and dear
all those souls who love you deeply and wanted to be able to squeeze you and celebrate you. And the fact that your Dad, brother, and I kept you alive for a whole year.
Speaking of souls who love you there is a special one you did not get a chance to meet on this earth. The one you share your birthday with. She used this plate for your Dad's and Uncles and Aunts birthdays and its pretty sweet your Aunt brought it down for us to use for you. She would have really loved you and really loved sharing her birthday with you too.
It was a great party and its been an unforgettable year. Those sweet baby cheeks are gonna do big things and I am so thankful we get to be behind you along the way.
Love always,
Your momma
