My Dearest Brooks, 

You will forever be the most beautiful surprise I could have ever imagined for our family. This past year with you and watching you grow, discover new things and see your personality unfold has brought me the greatest joy. 

As we tucked you in bed last night, I quietly closed the door to your room, walked down the hallway until I reached the glow of the living room and told everyone that it was the last time we would see you as a one-year-old. They looked over at me slightly surprised until the thought of what I had said registered. And then there were a few tears that filled some of our eyes. 

You see, Brooks. You are part of the craziest, loudest, most tight-knit, loving and absolutely the most incredible group of people. Along with your father and I, you have an older brother and sister who feel like a second mom and dad to you. They share the same deep-rooted feelings at watching you grow and how bittersweet it all is with you being the last member of the pack. While it pains me to continue saying so many goodbyes as you get older and milestones pass, you will forever be the most beautiful ending to it all. 

While I would love to bottle you up right here and now at this stage so that I never have to see it go, I can’t wait to have a front-row seat to all that you learn and discover this next year. You will never know the magic that you carry and the gift you have given me as well as everyone else. 

Happy birthday, my sweet Brooks babe.

With every piece of me and more…

Mom

(Take a look back at Brooks’ 1st birthday here.)