Today my baby turns one. I know everyone says this, but that was literally the fastest year of my entire life. I just went back and read his birth story and all of the memories of that day came flooding back so I’m sitting here in a big puddle of memories and nostalgia.

And then I went through all of our family photos and found pictures of him each month. Here’s a little month by month of my sweet boy, starting with his first day in the world.

San was absolutely supposed to be part of our family. For months before he was born, while I was pregnant, I would have these strange feelings like I was missing one of our children. All the time I would be loading the two boys in the car or watching them play at the park, and briefly think, “where’s the third one?” It would always be just a fleeting feeling, followed by a reminder that I only had two children and had both of them with me, but it happened over and over again. Sometimes daily. Always this feeling that there was an extra baby who I was momentarily forgetting. His little spirit must have been so near as he was preparing to join our family, I could feel it all the time.

From the moment we met him, we all fell head over heels for him. When my sister had her third baby, she commented how much she loved seeing her older girls love her baby. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but now that I see B and Fos obsess over and absolutely adore San, I understand exactly what she meant. Their bond and affection and friendship is everything to me. I’m so grateful for these little men in my life who teach me and love me unconditionally and make my life and heart so full.

At one year, Sanny can walk and is perfecting the non-zombie walking stance (although I love it so much), he can point with one finger and we’re trying to teach him to show it when we ask his age, and he’s a lightning fast crawler and takes every chance he can to escape up the stairs and play in the big boys’ room. His favorite toys are the broom and the swiffer sweeper (and he sneaks into the pantry to play with them as often as he can), he still sleeps in his sleep sack (this one is the best), he’s just started to get attached to a blanket, and although he still has an ear splitting scream, he’s mellowed out a bit and doesn’t scream quite as much as he used to. He has six teeth — two on the bottom and four on the top, and his big blue eyes are still holding strong in our sea of brown eyes!

Happy Birthday, my little blue eyed dreamboat!

Also last week on instagram stories I asked you guys what we should get San for his birthday. We have tons of toys, so I wasn’t really interested in adding more toys to the mix. Here were some of your best ideas!

1. Books, books, books. Of course – the best gift always! This one is Sanny’s current favorite, but you can never go wrong with any of Sandra Boynton’s books!
2. Bubble Machine. We totally got this for him — thanks for all of you who recommended it!
3. Water Table. SO many of you suggested this!
4. Annual passes to local places — aquariums, the zoo, jumping places, etc. Such a fun idea, and the gift that keeps giving.
5. The Anywhere Chair. SO many of you suggested this too and I’d never even heard of it! You guys said your kids love feeling like they’re a big kid when they sit in it.
6. Teepee’s. I love these and so many of you said they’re a great place to store toys so they’re out of sight. Your kids play for hours in them! This one is under $50 and so cute.
7. Magnetic Building Tiles. I’ve heard so much about these and everyone says they’re the best. I think they’re a little advanced for a one year old, but if you’re looking for a 2 or 3 year old they’re probably perfect. Magna-Tiles are the original, I think, but someone recommended PicassoTiles because they’re similar but less expensive.
8. Box of Tissues, Cardboard Box, Balloons, Roll of Toilet Paper, or Loaf of Bread. All hilarious recommendations that I’m sure your one year old would love even more than any other gifts.