It's the Simple Things

I cannot believe it's been an entire year since you came into our world. Daddy and I were talking last night about how we couldn't believe how fast this last year has gone by and how quickly you have grown. It just seems like it was yesterday when I was admitted into the hospital to be induced. I remember lying in the hospital bed on April 16, 2007 watching the news regarding the Virginia Tech shootings. Horrible. The next day, you were born at 4:00 p.m. exactly. What a miracle God gave to us. Sure, we weren't expecting another baby so soon, but what a blessing you are to us every single day. I just remember thinking shortly after you were born about how God takes lives and gives new ones. The circle of life, I suppose.

You are an amazing little boy, Benjamin Mitchell Simpkins. You are the complete opposite of Grant and are determined to keep me on my toes and guessing. You are always smiling and laughing, and are always into something. I feel very blessed to have been able to spend every day of your first year with you. It's amazing to watch you grow, to watch you experience things for the first time, to watch you interact with Grant and daddy, and to see your personality unfold. I can't imagine my life without you - ever. It's definitely true that you and Grant are special, but in different ways. Grant is special because he made me a mommy, whereas you are special, Ben, because you made me a better mommy. Being my second child, you have taught me to relax a little and to take life for what it is. You fill each day with giggles, slobbery kisses, and your irrisistible, magnetic personality.