happy birthday charlie
magical charlie. just when i think i can't love and adore you any more, i do. just when i am certain there is nothing you could ever do to top your knee-bounce-head-banging to a good tune, you take off into the tightest, fastest little circles and figure-eights your crawling body will allow in response to an especially good beat. just when i think you've outgrown it, i am woken up as you tug fistfuls of my hair as hard as you can and flash the happiest smile when you finally see my eyes. i don't think you will ever get cuter than when you stick your tongue out and smile or when you pull your arm back, way back, when you are just a little nervous. nor can i imagine your smiling, arm-waving, kiss-giving response to your sisters ever being sweeter.. but then, you've outdone yourself constantly for the last twelve months, so who am i to say..
oh, charlie. there really is something magical about your relaxed, playful ways. you get our jokes, but don't always think they're funny. you throw your whole body forward and bury your head during a good laugh and have the saddest sloping back and hanging head when you are sad. you love almost everyone you meet and happily tolerate the others. the swings leave you screaming with laughter. the big kids running ahead leave you kicking your legs as hard and as fast as they go. you can't wait to be running and jumping right alongside, and you will be, soon. your cautious standing will turn to reckless sprints, your sweet jibberish will turn to entertaining conversation and your little pointer finger will take a well-deserved rest. you will finally be able to go up to your sisters' loft bed all on your own and know how to get those blocks to make noises without pushing them across the entire apartment for help. you'll be able to hold your own cup without getting soaked and finally, finally you'll know what every button and switch and outlet you come across is really for.. but for now, let's just clap and play and laugh while my arms turn to jelly from throwing you in the air. let's just cozy you as you suck your thumb, put your other hand down my shirt and watch your sisters play princess. lets just keep doing the things we are doing, because man, it has been pretty great so far.. you've brought an entire year of magic to an already charmed home and we all love you an insane amount because of it. happy birthday, my little boy. let's brave the rain and go find some balloons.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 04:45PM
Reader Comments (32)
Aw! What a sweet message for your son. Happy Birthday, Charlie!
Sounds just like my little boy, (who turned 1 a few months ago) especially the part about the little pointer finger taking a well deserved rest :) I'm at work right now and reading this made me miss him. Happy birthday little one.
BTW - LOVE your blog. Beautiful, just beautiful.
Your children are insanely cute.
what a precious boy! i CANNOT believe that he is one.
I found your website through my daughter. I just want to say "that was simply beautiful!"
Those little curls in the back are to die for Katie.
You write the sweetest birthday tributes, Katie. I can't believe Charlie is one already! He sounds like such a fun little guy. And what a cutie he is!
what a wonderful note to your adorable son. what a fortunate family!
i can't wait to get to know him better this summer! Happy Happy Day Charlie!!! Give him a kiss from us!
happy birthday charlie! man he's cute, katie.
my daughter has the same hairdo at the moment! happy birthday adorable charlie - hope it was filled with lots of love, happiness and laughter.
Happy birthday, Charlie!
speechless.
You are such a gifted, magical...person yourself. And your way with words goes straight to the heart and even has me shedding a few grateful tears for capturing the cherished little gestures of innocence that make our children unique. My three are big now, but you never forget. Isn't that good to know on Charlie's first of a long, long line of birthdays? I can only imagine him reading this...at 21!
Thnak you for sharing. A day without katiedid feels like there is something missing...
Happy Birthday to your sweet little one.
wow, a year already. that smirk on his face is adorable. such a cute little guy. happy birthday.
happy birthday Charlie! you have beautiful children, they are just darling. :)
there is such a soft, happy feeling here.
what an absolute cutie...Happy Birthday Charlie!...have to admit, i didn't actually read the post though...too enthralled by the photos...need my bed...
He is getting so cute Katie. I love all that hair. Are you kidding me with that look on his face?!? He's adorable, and definitely one of yours!
this one sounds the most like chipper so far. if i'm right--we can't have enough chips in this world!
how beautiful "letter" for him to keep and read in the future!! Really sweet!
such a sweet, sweet message.
Your posts almost make me want to be the mother of small children again; ahhh, sweet memories. But! being grandma to 2 and 8/9 precious babies is heartwarming and full of silliness; it's perfect too.
I LOVE this kid! Happy birthday Charlie!
Cute, cute pictures. I totally know what you mean about the creepy sleep with their eyes slight open phenomenom. My little girl does the same thing...