To My Sweet One-Year-Old

Dear sweet baby Thatcher-
You're one year old today! My how time has flown...what's a momma to do when her baby is growing up so fast?

The first few months of your life were tough. Not only was it a nasty, cold winter, but you had cradle cap, eczema and I'm sure a little bit of colic. You cried and cried for hours on end. I cried and cried because I knew you felt miserable...and I felt helpless. All I could do was kiss you and promise things would get better. Every now and then you would smile...and oh baby, when you smiled, the world stopped. It was as if nothing else existed in that moment - just you and happiness.

Eventually the cradle cap and eczema went away and there were a lot less tears and a lot more smiles.

My sweet Bubba, you taught me compassion. I always thought I was a pretty compassionate person, but when I looked in your deep blue eyes and saw nothing but your love and innocence even though you didn't feel well, my heart would almost burst.

I've always felt this bond with you that I can't really explain. I don't know if it's because I was the baby growing up so I know what it's like to play second fiddle or if it's because Daddy had to stay home with Tucker when we were in the hospital so it was just the two of us. But whatever it is, you are my saving grace.

And now when I tickle your belly or kiss your ears and you laugh - that deep belly laugh that has you doubled over - I'm ecstatic that we made it through this first year!

I can't promise life will be easy, but I can promise you the moon and I'll do everything in my power to give it to you.

From one baby to another, I love you!

Love, Momma

My Hero

My grandpa is my hero. There's never been a doubt in my mind. I've never known someone so respected and loved by his family, friends and community. He's a WWII vet so I'm pretty sure he's a hero to many other people too.

Until I married Alec, my grandpa was the one loving and dependable man in my life. I hold him pretty high and haven't really been able to find any faults.

So for my grandpa and everything he's done for me, I'm thankful.

Thank you for teaching me how to bait a hook - though I always preferred to weave on worms than to spear a little minnow.

Thank you for not giving me money when I asked for it after my college trip to Cancun. I never took you for granted again.

Thank you for the countless times you changed the oil in my car and making me drive up those ramp things! I was always so scared!

Thank you for hauling me back and forth to my first job at Sonic when I was 15. I'll never forget listening to your tape recorded fiddle music and Armor Alling the inside of your pick-up.

Thank you for "taking care of" that turtle the last time I went fishing with you. He'll never steal someone else's bait.

Thank you for always answering back when I'd say into the radio "Base to unit 1, come in Carl."

Thank you for letting us grandkids play in your chicken coop.

Thank you for never telling me I was playing in a chicken coop.

Thank you for always having mini candy bars in the fridge and ice cream in the freezer.

Thank you for the endless supply of catfish and pecans.

Thank you for telling me to register to vote and then to actually vote! I think of you every time I do.

Thank you for marrying and loving Grandma for 67+ years. You're the inspiration for my marriage.

Thank you for being proud of me and for believing in me.

My grandpa had a stroke last Monday. He had a stent put in his carotid artery and is slowly recovering.

What do you do when your hero becomes mortal? You thank God for giving you the time you've had and for the faith you have.