Happy First Birthday, Baby Girl!

Josephine Lily,

My beautiful baby girl. You are a whole year old today, and my how you’ve grown! (I mean it; you’ve more than tripled your birth weight!) There were so many days when I didn’t know how we would get this far, but we did it. And I am so happy that this is the first of many years I get to spend with you as your mommy. 

You are strong and fearless. You walk, climb, and run anywhere you can without hesitation, and if you fall and scrape your knee on uneven ground, you get right back up without so much as a whimper. You love when I chase you in circles around the kitchen and dining room, always laughing hysterically as you run away from me. Instead of carrying you, now we walk together down the street to the mailbox. You still enjoy your piggyback rides in the Beco, though, and I am so grateful for that. I love having you close to me, even if you pull my hair and pinch my armpits sometimes.

You are smart and beautiful. You have your daddy’s rhythm (thank goodness!) and such a contagious smile. Everywhere we go, you make someone’s day just by looking at them. How special is that? Please don’t ever lose that brightness in your eyes. Or your sense of adventure. Or your enthusiasm for making new friends. Life can be quite lonely without friends.

This is a big day for me, too. We’ve reached my personal goal of breastfeeding for 12 months, and we’re still going! We’ve had our share of issues from the beginning but have also reaped so many benefits, and although there were times I swore I would quit, I am so happy that we didn’t. There is a special bond a nursing mom has with her baby which you can never replicate and that has made it all worth it.

I know I am far from a perfect mom. I may not have made all your baby food or taught you sign language or read to you every single day. We push the limits with bath time, I let you watch TV and stay up late, and sometimes I raise my voice when I’m upset. But please know that for the rest of your life, I will love you with my whole heart and you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Some days, when I feel sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, and under-qualified for this job, the only thing that keeps me going is watching you grow.

I'll spare you the birth story until you are a little bit older, but just know that you were surrounded by people who love you on that day, just like you are now. Did you know that today is also Mommy and Daddy's wedding anniversary? Isn't that special? I’ll say it over and over until I can’t say it anymore. I love you!

Happy birthday, sweet girl. You are the best anniversary present ever!

<3 Mama