Dear Austin,

It's hard to believe that you are already one year old today. This past year has absolutely flown by. In just twelve short months, your mommy and I have watched you develop from a tiny little baby that could only eat, sleep and cry to a beautiful and handsome young boy that has developed a wonderful and sweet personality. You'll never know how much I love your little kisses. I know you get tired of daddy always asking for "daddy kisses", but you always reach up and give them to me, no matter what you are doing at the time.

I remember the day when you first rolled over from your back to your stomach. I was so excited and had to call mommy and brag to her that I got to be the first person to see you accomplish that feat. You then mastered the art of sitting up all by yourself and we were so excited. We began to wonder if you would ever crawl but after a lot of coaching, you were soon all over the house exploring new places never before seen by you. Once you learned to crawl, it seemed like only days before you were walking. You took your first real steps on Saturday, July 7. Daddy was watching golf on tv (go figure!) and mommy was in Houston recruiting. Out of no where, you pulled yourself up on the living room furniture and walked half-way across the room. You'd have made it further but you tripped on one of your toys. Again, daddy got so excited that he was the first to see you take your first real steps!

We know the years ahead are going to provide many more "firsts" for you and we can't wait to share them with you. Whether we are wiping away tears from your cheeks or cheering you on from the sidelines of life, we just want you to know that we will be there with you every step of the way. You were created out of love and it will be that love that will sustain you all the days of your precious life. Happy birthday little buddy! We love you!!!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy