Hippo Birdie Two Ewes...

Hello, Peanut!

Wow. I'm a little stunned that we've already made it through a whole year together. I'm also, paradoxically, unable to remember what it was like before you were here.

What a wonderful year I have had with the great luck and joy of being your Mama. I feel so grateful to the Universe(?) or God(?) or Fate(?) that I got to have a baby and that the baby I got is you.

Your smile, your little sigh of contentment (which you've had since you were 5 days old!), your laugh, your belly button, the smell of your neck, your kissable cheeks and your chubby feet; your bright eyes, your sense of adventure; your willingness to try just about any food that exists--you've got quite a palate for a 1-year-old!--and your openness to people and new places; your enjoyment of music and movement; the fact that your first word was "Amber;" just a tiny list of some of the things about you that I love.

Reading the post your Daddy wrote for your birthday reminded me that I wanted to write down some of these things for you, too, and for me, since so much more is coming in the years ahead to look forward to.

I want you to know that your being you makes the world a new and better place for me. I know real happiness now that you're here, and I'm trying every day to not take that for granted. To say a little "thanks" for all of it--crying and teething and diapers, along with the giggling and smiling and hugs.

My wish for you on your birthday is that you will always know you are loved and that you will love; that you will be happy and healthy; that you will continue to find adventure and hope ahead of you, and that laughter and music will be lifelong companions.

I love you, little bee.

XOXOXO
Mama