It’s hard to believe.

My baby will be a year old tomorrow. From a tiny six-pound preemie, born five weeks early, he has grown into a chubby 24-pound ball of energy.

The last year hasn’t been an easy one for him or me.

My son has been through a lot in his short life, but he is definitely a fighter and he refuses to let his problems slow him down.

Each day I wake up and it gives me joy knowing that when I walk in his room, his smiling face will greet me. The feel of those little arms wrapped tightly around my neck is the best feeling on earth.

I’ve learned a lot becoming a mother.

Growing up, my mom used to tell me all the time, &uot;You’ll understand when you have one of your own.&uot;

I never knew what she meant by that until Christopher was born. I get it now, mama.

Being a mother means putting your child ahead of yourself and doing it without even thinking.

It means that you want what’s best for him even if he doesn’t always like it.

It means a tiny little person is entirely dependent upon you for his happiness and well-being.

It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever experienced.

My son can look at me and smile and it’s as if all the troubles of the world just melt away.

With just one laugh, he can banish all my fears and pain and make me hopeful for the future.

With just one cry, he can take my heart and tear it in two.

With just one pitiful look, he knows he’s got me wrapped around his chubby little finger.

It’s amazing to watch a baby grow up.

It happens so quickly that it almost feels like if you blink, you’ve missed something.

They’re constantly doing something new, trying something different, testing the limits of the world.

I’ve been a single mother for the last 10 months.

I always thought that being a single mom would be harder, but instead I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

My son and I have a bond that is very special.

Despite how much he loves his GiGi (my mom) and his Mema (my grandmother), there’s still no one as great as Mommy in his eyes.

Each day when I get home from work he clings to me as if he hasn’t seen me in ages.

It’s a wonderful feeling to be so loved.

I hear parents talk all the time about wanting to keep their babies little.

I don’t want him to stay little.

I want him to grow up into a big, strong, decent man.

Perhaps it’s because I feel so blessed he’s even here on this earth after all he’s been through, but I can’t wait to see the person he will become as he gets older.

I very much enjoy the time I have with him now while he’s little, but I also look forward to seeing him grow and hopefully progress as time goes on.

Happy Birthday, my sweet boy.

Mommy loves you.