Austen,
It’s hard to believe there was a time we weren’t sure you would make it. After a difficult pregnancy, emotionally and physically, came a perfectly healthy baby. Your nine out of ten on the apgar scale was a sign of things to come. Nothing gets you down for long, not a trip-n-fall or even the chicken pox. You’re always quickly up and running, and smiling, again. And at one year, you’re so much more than a vision of health. Smart as the dickens. Strong and energetic. Observant and engaged with the people around you. It’s clear what a beautiful future you’ll have. But don’t forget, you must do something special with that lung power of yours: a woodwind instrumentalist or opera singer are two possibilities. And if you want to be a rock star instead, we don’t mind. Your smiles are contagious and make it easy to care for you. The fussies never last long. You’re built for play and fun. Mommy thinks you get your open, gregarious personality from Grandma Judi — and your laughing for no reason at all from Daddy. Mommy must’ve passed on her love of fuzzies. Although you’re not able to catch the kitties, you give it your best effort every time. Continue to apply this go-get-’em attitude in all that you do. And remember, after you’ve become a great athlete in volleyball, soccer, tennis or whatever, be sure to let Daddy win once in a while. Love, Mommy & Daddy