Grady: ONE YEAR + A Year in Review

Happy 1st Birthday to my sweet Grady Boy! 

Born July 23, 2012 at 10:53 p.m.

My dear, sweet 1-year old Grady,

We made it, baby - a whole year! My goodness, what a year! This is my first go-around at motherhood and I'm so glad I got to do it with you, Grady Boy.
You've changed me. I've learned so much about myself this year. I've learned what it means to truly put someone else's needs before my own. To make sacrifices and to give without getting. You taught me about love - the kind that makes you feel like your heart might explode it's so full. And about joy - true joy, that's there even in the really hard days.
You have become my little buddy. My sidekick. And you are insanely cute, to boot. Your cheeks are irresistible to me - I must kiss them a thousand times a day. Sometimes I look at you and I can't believe you're mine. You make me laugh. A lot. Watching you explore the world as a walking boy is my favorite. You have a newfound confidence that is so exciting. You enjoy and embrace other people and I love watching your little personality develop. I can't wait to experience each new year with you. You are my very best.

I love you.

A year in review:

As if I wasn't emotional enough today, then there's this video of the day Grady was born to turn me into a total wreck.

Grady's Birthday from Shelby Goodman on Vimeo.

Grady: 11 months + Our Family Photoshoot

Grady,

You seem so big to me now that you're officially walking. You are fearless and resilient - you trip but you get up and keep on going. You are confident and happy in your new independence. But you will still hold your mama's hand. Watching you push your trucks around and make noises is pretty much my favorite - you are boy through and through. I love your spunk and happy demeanor - you are the joy of my days.

xo,
Mama

We also had a family photoshoot last month with the oh-so-talented Amanda Farrell of A.M. Photography that I have yet to share. She took the most beautiful images to cherish this special stage in our life. She comes highly recommended by yours truly.

Grady: 10 months

Grady Boy,

Somehow you transformed into a little boy before my eyes. You're no longer my baby that likes to be held; you're my busy little boy who loves to play. But oh, how much joy you bring to this life. Your attempts to walk into my arms are enough to make my heart overflow. Your belly laughs and the slap of your hands as you crawl on the floor are such sweet sounds in our house. You know no stranger and give out those contagious smiles freely. I love every little bit of you.

Grady: 9 months

I tell ya what, this boy and I have something special.

Grady: 8 Months

Eight-month-old Grady, you are all about your new moves. You are all over the place and I can't take my eyes off you for a second. And when I do, you're standing up chewing on the DVD player. You just got your fourth tooth, so I know you just want to try them out. But let's just leave the chewing practice to your new favorite snack of Cheerios. The way you are happily contented to sit there and snack makes cooking dinner a whole lot easier. It's one of the few times you actually sit still. You are curious and all over the place.  But I can't help but chuckle at the way you look at me and smile with pride when you stand up and start banging on the coffee table. "Look at me! Look what I can do now, mama!" Yes, I see you, baby. I'm proud, too.