Letters to Fraser: TWELVE months!

Dear Fraser,

I'm so late in writing this post because I'm in denial. How was it one whole year ago when you joined our family? You barreled into the world, and you've been quite a firecracker since.

It took so many weeks before I actually wanted to put you down. I just wanted to hold you and savor every minute, knowing nothing would ever be like that again. I still sort of feel that way. We haven't been apart for more than eight hours, and even that is the longest, I think. I just love having you in my life. In our lives. You are our ray of sunshine in the morning (still the very early morning--you don't seem to want to sleep in...ever), and you're our comedy show every night around bath time.

You're still not walking yet, but your army crawl is a distant memory, and you can waddle around with your little cart. You like to hang out on the windowsill in the dining area, and of course get into every drawer, dog bowl, and stack of books or laundry sitting out.

I had a nice long letter written, and half of it disappeared, and well, that's the story of my life it seems.

Highlights from months 11-12 included:
- Your standing up and motoring around from electrical outlet to electrical outlet, always looking for some sort of mischief.
- Our trip to Sunriver with our good friends the McFarlings. You absolutely loved watching and "playing" with Monroe, who is 2.5.
- A quick hike on the Pacific Crest Trail on our way home from Bend.
- Your first trip to the zoo with your friend Reagan and expert zoo-goer, Audrey.
- Linfield football homecoming...go Cats!
- More playing in the dirt and feeding the chickens at Luscher Farm.
- Your first real sickness and ear infection (not a highlight, but I thought I'd note it here).
- A cousin playdate on your birthday and a birthday brunch with all of your family to celebrate the big 1.

Shortly after your birthday, we headed east to the Wallowa mountains and to mom's alma mater, WSU, for homecoming. You were a champ the whole way, a great road warrior, hiker, and trip companion.

Fraser Mary, you are our little babbling ball of joy. Thank you for the best year of our lives. Just as they say, it went by in a blink, and I am anxious to see how our lives continue to change for the better because of you.

Love,
Mom