Happy First Birthday Patrick!

WOW! What a year it's been! Can you believe that a year ago, Patrick was born?! We can't. He is such a precious baby that has brought our family so much joy. Patrick is an amazing gift from God. We are so blessed to have him in our family.

Patrick is the coolest, laid-back, happy baby! He has quite a funny personality. At bedtime/naptime, just when we think he is asleep in our arms - or pretty close to being asleep - and is transferred into his crib, Patrick almost always rolls over, sits up, then stands up and tosses his head back with a belly-laugh. We melt. How can you not laugh when he does that? Just this week, Patrick has begun walking. He takes a few steps, then sits down. He is so proud of himself.

Patrick babbles "Momma" and "Dadda" and something that sounds a lot like "Georgia." He LOVES his sister. As soon as Patrick climbs the stairs, he beelines into his sister's room to play with her American Girl Dolls and other toys left on the floor. I think he's actually looking for Georgia - even though she's at school or elsewhere. When he's not playing in his sister's room, Patrick is playing with his trucks and cars in his room. He LOVES all things with wheels ... including Georgia's American Girl Doll wheelchair. He just spins the wheels and seems to never get bored by them. I caught him the other day checking out a friend's wheels on their SUV parked in our driveway! Patrick even like the wheels on his pack-n-play! Who knows what all this means.

Tomorrow is Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Georgia's school. In addition to her pink uniform shirt with gray uniform jumper, she plans to wear her pink Chuck Taylor's, our Patrick's Platoon tshirt worn as a cape, my oversized Avon Walk pink ribbon around her neck that states "Every Three Minutes a Woman is Diagnosed with Breast Cancer," my pink camoflauge breast cancer hat, and maybe more. Georgia is so mature when it comes to talking about my breast cancer. She has been amazingly strong throughout this whole journey and I am so proud of her!

I'm doing well - just tired from being the mom of an active baby/toddler who sometimes doesn't sleep all night. I love it though. Patrick's first year has gone by so fast ... I try to savor every moment. My next follow-up appointment with my oncologist is November 9. I expect (hope) that all continues to look good. I sure do feel good.

Happy birthday to my dear son.

Love to all!
Jana