HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, TOBIN

Where to begin? Your smile of course, because it's the most prominent thing about you and has been since you arrived in our family. At not even 2 weeks old your Grandma E was holding you and said, "He's smiling at me!" to which I responded, "Nonsense. He's only a week old. He's probably got gas." (and gas you had, too...) But it turns out you probably were smiling, because you're always smiling.

Your temperament is something to behold. This was made very clear only 2 days ago when you pulled a candle in a glass jar onto you head, resulting in a bloody gash on the back, left crown of your little blonde head. Obviously you cried, but not even half way to the hospital and you were already calm. By the time we got into the ER and the Doctor came to examine you, you were smiling and giggling at us. The Doctor was floored at what an amazingly good baby you were. But we knew, it was just par for the course - who cares about the massive head wound anyway?!

You make every person who comes in the door feel absolutely special. But I'll claim that honor first. Your mother told me early on that you recognized the sound of the garage door and got all excited because you knew I couldn't be far behind. I'd come through the door to your squeals and smiles, and never could seem to get my bags down quickly enough for you. You'd smother me as soon as I got you into my arms, and I'd just want to collapse onto the couch with you nuzzled into my neck.

You've already had your share of nick names too. Big Handsome, Tank, Tobin the Deanster. Tank especially fits you. You've grown so quickly. You're in the top percentages as far as growth rate go, according to the Doctors. You definitely grew too quickly for your mommy's liking. She wanted to be able to cradle you longer. But no, you had things to be doing, and so you grew like a weed, consuming every bit of food that you could get in your face.

You basically skipped baby food. You wanted the good stuff that the rest of us were eating. Long before you had teeth you were managing to eat things that you technically shouldn't have been able to. About the only thing that you won't eat are scrambled eggs. Otherwise the sky's the limit. If it was meant to be eaten (and some things that aren't - like crayons) you would scarf it down (including the dog's food...).

You're infatuated with the water. You were putting your face in the bath water and blowing bubbles at about 6 months. You'd come out of the water with a giant grin and go back for more. If we forget and leave a bathroom door ajar, you're in there before we know it, and trying to play in the toilet water. Same thing with Phoebe's water bowl. You're REALLY fast.

And those faces. You have always got some new silly expression that's got us laughing. You scrunch your nose and arch your eye brows and give us this tiny toothy grin that's just priceless. I've captured it in numerous pictures, but it never gets old.

People are confused. Some say you look just like me. Other say you look just like you Mommy. Neither of us can really tell. But you are the dang cutest kid - and I think it's because of the crazy hair you've got going on. The crown of your head has this patch of hair that just stands straight out. It resembles a fuzzy dandelion more than anything. It's not static either, and water nor gel will tame it. It's you though. One day we put a baseball cap on you and with that hair covered up, it was amazing how much of your personality was covered-up with it.

Tobin, you're learning so quickly. You were walking at 11 months, you're already communicating with nods and grunts. You can pick out family members in pictures on the refridgerator. You've learned to grab Blane's toys when he's not looking so he won't take it back right away. You've learned to fight him off - somewhat. You do something each day that has your mommy and I astounded at your brilliance. You've got an amazing (and conniving) big brother to learn from, so we shouldn't be so surprised I guess.

Buddy, I can't express the joy I feel in my heart when I think about you (and your brother) during the day. I get phone calls from your mommy telling me the things that you're doing either again, or for the first time. I can't help but smile when I picture you jabbering at the TV while wielding a wooden spoon. Or grabbing Blane's milk cup and running away with it giggling and drinking it at the same time, enjoying it until the inevitable tackle from behind comes a moment later. You're such a light in our home and our family. You bring so much spirit and love to us, and make the gloomiest and most frustrating days worth bearing a smile.

I love you so much Tobin. It's been such a quick 12 months and you've changed faster than I imagined. I can't wait to see what you'll do next. But in the meantime, I'm going to snuggle you, and kiss you, and hold you tight. And I hope that you'll always return that affection to me, your mommy, and your brother. (Feel free to give your big brother a run for his money though too...)

Happy Birthday Tobin.