Midge: Dear Anthony

Dear Anthony,
Everyone says how quickly the first year flies by and, boy, are they right. You've changed so much in just one year.

12 Months

When you came into this world at 1:09 PM on Tuesday, June 24th, I was so excited to meet you, yet in such shock that you were actually in my arms and no longer in my belly. The happiness I felt to meet you face to face was indescribable. You looked up at my wailing and I remember saying to you, "Don't cry baby, I'm your Mommy, everything is going to be alright." You didn't have a name yet...Daddy and I couldn't decide what to call you!

You were incredibly perfect and my heart practically exploded when I saw your Daddy follow you over to the table where the doctor's checked you over and he reached his hand out to you and you grabbed onto his finger. I am so fortunate to have had Kristin there to capture our first moments as a family on camera.

You've grown so quickly and everyday I catch myself staring at you in amazement that you came from me...and now...how smart you are and how quickly you catch on to things! You simply amaze me everyday! You've started repeating sounds, mostly laughters which is so funny, but you also imitate talking on the telephone whether it be with your arm up to your ear or with your fake cell phone. You shake your head back and forth and tell us "no" however, you never nod yes. You keep me and Daddy on our toes because you're so curious and eager to explore you're into everything, and quick at that! You've taken steps on your own, but you're not quite walking yet, but we think you will be very soon.

Over the past year you've accumulated a lot of nicknames. Stinker, Monkey, Tony 1 sock, Tony 1 tooth which recently has changed to Tony 2 tooths! I imagine this trend will continue with your happy personality and silly demeanor.

It's been a challenging year with so many changes, not just for me and your Daddy, but for your grandparents and Aunts and Uncles, too. You mean the world to them, just as much as you do to me and Daddy. You've touched so many lives in such a short time. We all love you so very much.

Soon your little brother will be joining us and I'm so happy that you will be there to help lead the way for him. I hope you two will be the best of friends.

I'm so blessed and thankful to be your Mommy and look forward to the next year ahead with all it's new adventures for us.