Dear Timothy,
How is even possible that a year has already passed since you were born? Some of the memories of the night of your birth are still so vivid ...
I remember the moment I first laid eyes on you. Honestly, one of my first thoughts was that you looked so dazed - with good reason; your entry into the world wasn't an easy one. And while I'm being honest, I should probably tell you that I was pretty dazed, too, also with good reason.
Still, we all (Papa, you and I) made it through. And then some.
We made it through the NICU stay. Through the feeding challenges. Through all the health scares. Through the sleepless nights, full diapers, poopaloozas, bumps and bruises ...
And the child who has emerged is attentive, inquisitive, smiley, talkative, and oh so chill.
I wish I had a photographic memory so that I can always remember how, for the first couple months, your hair would stick up all over the place after a bath. Or how you pump your legs when you're excited. I want to remember what you looked like when you gave me your first gummy, dimply smile. I want to remember how determined you were to stand up in your crib that first time. And how you somehow always managed to get your little arm out of your swaddle and would wave it around while crying for food.
I don't want to forget how you are so excited to see me when I come get you after a nap.
Life is made up of moments. And I want to remember them all because those moments are fleeting.
Life as I knew it has changed forever since you came into our lives. We - your Papa and I - have been changed ... for good. And we are so glad you are here.
Happy Birthday, Little One. It's time to celebrate YOU! And in a small part us, because we kept you alive. That deserves some serious celebrating, too!
Love always,
Mama.
