To my loving daughter,
To think you will be a year old by the time this article posts is beyond me. It's mind-boggling and quite scary to be completely honest.
I remember when you opened your eyes for the first time, cried for the first time, couldn't hold your head up. And now you're getting into everything, nearly tripled in weight, growing so rapidly mentally and physically.
Your attitude flares when you don't get what you want, but your gentle side is nearby with those sweet giggles and smiles. Your toothy grin as you try to show off all teeth at the same time — because you're so proud of yourself. And who wouldn't be so proud of such pearly whites? Even if they are placed in multiple different positions in your mouth. You look so silly, but you look so precious while doing it.
I love waking you up, not just because of the payback for all those endless times you woke me up, and those many nights were quite rigorous, but because you'd stretch, moan a little bit like you were a woman in her 80s rather than in mere months and then sit up. Your eyes would be puffy, riddled with sleepy eyes, just as my eyes are in the morning. And then you'd smile.
That precious, goofy, teeth-filled smile.
You have become so independent, determined to do everything on your own. When you eat, you have to feed yourself...Until you realize that you're missing your mouth and you need help.
When you run away while I try to dress you, and when I catch you, you're not happy with me, screaming and wailing. Then fine when I let you be and play.
When you don't want to cuddle, but you always want your mama and dada nearby.
When I watch you sleep, your tongue sticks out, and you're snoring like your father when you both are exhausted after a long day. The rhythmic ups-and-downs of your little chest as you breathe. It makes me want to stop time.
When you look back after you do something, smiling, proud of yourself.
When you utter "Dada" and "Mama," whether as a cry or just rambling happily on.
I remember your first giggle, your first solid food, you sitting up for the first time, you crawling for the first time.
From your cries and giggles, your falls and stands, your good days and bad days, I am so proud to be your mother, and I am so proud of the little girl you are becoming. You have a heart of gold, my baby. I am so marveled at how much you have grown.
We are learning this thing that's called life together, hand-in-hand. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Whether you are one or you are 96, my baby you always will be.
“I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living,
my baby you'll be.”
-Robert N. Munsch
I love you, my baby,
Mommy
