Happy Birthday, Jack!
By Angie Ratliff
Today is a big day- for my family and me, at least. My nephew Jack, the first member of the new Ratliff generation, is turning 1 today! I’m of course not biased in the least when I say he is the most adorable and clever one-year-old on the planet. Jack’s birthday party preparations have rivaled my own wedding-in-the-works, but how could I resist getting him both the water table activity set and the Step2 Push Around Buggy? Not that I’m vying for “favorite aunt” status or anything…
Although we spent this past weekend blowing up balloons, wrapping presents, and icing cupcakes for the big day, the best part of this weekend (and every weekend I get to spend with Jack) is watching him learn and explore new things. I love the look on his face when he succeeds in picking a flower from the garden, and the way he bops his head and shakes his little body every time he hears music playing. The little man has rhythm already, although he surely didn’t inherit that from the Ratliff side! It’s impossible not to smile when Jack smiles or laugh when Jack laughs. (It’s also impossible not to laugh when Jack sticks out his bottom lip and lets out a fake wail after the dog gives him a big surprise kiss across the face!)
It’s hard to believe that a year has already gone by, and Jack is already on his way to turning two. My work in Success By 6 has taught me that these are the most influential years in Jack’s life. He is blessed little boy to have such a loving and supportive family and opportunities to learn and explore. We often joke in my family that Jack is likely the happiest child alive. He laughs incessantly and even smiles in his sleep. What Jack doesn’t yet realize is how his presence has made the Ratliff clan the happiest family alive, as well.
Photo credit: hfb
