A Letter at 12 Months

I have really enjoyed reading friend's letters to their children when they turn one. I have a memory book that I've been keeping things in for Jacob and it has prompted me to do the same.

Jacob,

You're 12 months old- 1 year! I can't believe you've been in our family for that long. It feels like yesterday we held you in our arms right after you were born.

It's been so wonderful to see you become your own little person. You are a real treasure. I'm loving getting to know you and your cute little quirks.

I've been transitioning back to work and I miss you when I'm at work. I'm glad you have a friend to play with and are being cared for by someone who is very capable. I think this will be good for you too to learn to play on your own. I tend to just play with you for most of the time that you are awake or feel like I need to always be near you. I think this is good for us.

You're really enjoying exploring. You love to push your big car around hunched over it or walking. You could literally do that for hours.

You're much more chatty. You can say: "Mama, Dadda, dat (that?), Ya (yes?) Birrr (Bird)" and probably other things I can't quite understand yet.

You love to play the piano with me, listen to me sing to you before bed, hold your blanket and snuggle with it. You still love your soother.

You hate getting changed still but we've implemented some discipline so that we can keep you safe (same goes for the bathtub and electric cords) and we are trying to help you not throw things on the floor while you're eating.

You love playing with Daddy and playing hide and seek and having Daddy chase you.

Your interest in learning is fun to watch. You are really an explorer. I think you will be walking really soon as you stand on your own for a few seconds.

I love watching you "read" books. That's another thing you could do for hours on your own. I've never seen a child spend such concerted time with a book like that... you must get that from your father.

Jacob, I pray for you. I want to pray for you more. I desire for you to be a man of God, rooted and built up in Christ. Our prayer is that you will love Him and serve Him and know His care for you all your days. May He be your great Father and a parent like we could never be.

We love you!

Mommy and Daddy

Day 1

12 months