For my sweet Porter

To my sweet, handsome lil' man...

Your 1st birthday has come and gone and I can't hardly believe it. We have had a year full of ups and downs for sure. When I first looked in your eyes I would like to say you had this huge smile on your face but unfortunately you cried. :) I think deep down you must have known I wouldn't be able to see you for the rest of the night. That was one of the hardest things I had to hear in my life. The doctor came in and told us that you were a tad bit early and your little lungs just weren't quite ready. Then came more terrible news...I wouldn't be able to see or hold you until the morning. Your dad was so awesome during that time. I will admit, I did not keep my composure like a good mother should. Your dad went down to see you as soon as the doctors would let him and he videotaped and took plenty of pictures of you so he could bring them to me. When it seemed like eternity, I finally got the OK to be wheeled down to you. You were the most beautiful little boy I had ever seen. You were holding my finger and you knew mommy was there because your vitals suddenly started getting better. I didn't get much sleep for the next few days and I called the NICU nurses every chance I got to make sure everything was looking up. Your daddy and I had to sneak away from Emma a few times a day so we could come see you and hold you. And thanks to your nana, namaw, Aunt Kristy and a bunch of others, we were able to do that. It was a very long 10 days, but you finally came home as healthy as can be.

You were the best baby ever!!! Just look at those sweet cheeks. This was your PLEASE STOP TAKING MY PICTURE MOMMY face. You loved to be held by whomever. You would simply snuggle up to them, especially Emma. You NEVER cried. You loved to go visit your nana & pop, namaw & tapaw!!! Plenty of spoiling that's for sure!!

We have had the best year getting to know you and love you more every day. Some of the things that I love about you:

1. You love to rub your ears or anyone's ears and hum while you go to sleep.

2. You squeal with excitement when you swing.

3. Your whole face lights up when you see your sister.

4. You help us get Emma up in the morning because trust me NO ONE wants that job.

5. You love getting your hands into everything including (and I'm not proud) trashcans, toilets, cabinets, and girl's hair!

6. I asked Emma what her favorite thing about you. Her reply, "when I go boo and he starts to laugh. Oh and when he plays peek-a-boo with me in the tunnel nana got us."

7. The way you shake your head no-no at me. :) And the way you try to make the same noise that I make with my mouth.

8. The way you chew (not suck) on your fingers.

9. The way you want to play with Emma no matter what she does to you. :)

10. The way you run to me and your family with your hands in the air in such excitement!

These are just a few of the things I can think of. We have a ton of great memories and we are going to make TONS more buddy! We especially look forward to the t-ball, soccer, and football days ahead!! God is good!

I love you so so much!
Mommy