one

we have officially made it all the way around the sun with this little one. i've said this countless times over the past year, but it truly seems impossible to imagine our lives without him. as hard and exhausting as this year has been, it has been the most incredible year of my life so far. i never knew i could love a person so fiercely and intensely. i never knew i could learn so much from such a tiny person. i never knew i could be so endlessly entertained by such a hilarious and fun and happy little boy.

besides the celebrating and reminiscing that comes with this day, i also cannot help but reflect on what this day means for me as a mama. one year ago today, i was having the most intense physical experience of my life as i labored and birthed this little one and was myself transformed into a mother. even as i re-read our birth story, it still feels surreal that i actually did that and that i was that strong. 

it has been so incredibly amazing to watch him grow, learn, and become who he is today, on his first birthday. i am so lucky to be his mama and i cannot wait to continue to watch him grow. 

we love you, ethan sidney. happy birthday. may the longtime sun shine upon you. 

xoxo

a few more photos of the birthday celebrations over here...