To My Daughter on Her First Birthday,
My sweet, sweet girl, you are the apple of my eye. I truly don’t know how one year has flown by so fast, it feels like just yesterday I was meeting you for the very first time.
I will never forget the moment they placed you in my arms, my whole life turned upside down and then righted itself. That day you became my daughter and I became your mommy. And now it’s been a year; a year of holding you, loving you and making memories with you.
I remember the day I found out I was expecting you…I wanted to tell your daddy in a cool, special way, but when he got home I just couldn’t wait (I think he already had an idea anyways!). I remember us wondering what you would be, boy or girl. Your daddy thought you were a boy, but I just knew you were a girl. I cried when they told me for the first time that I was going to be a mommy to a precious baby girl and I cried every time I heard your darling little heartbeat. A part of me was scared to leave behind our “childless life”, to no longer be able to come and go as we please. Mostly though, I was just anxious to meet you. I recall the first time I KNEW that you were kicking and told your dad, he almost hurt himself tripping over everything to run across the bedroom before I could tell him that he wouldn’t be able to feel you on the outside yet. I remember how stubborn you were in the beginning to let anyone but me feel you kick and then you switched gears and wanted everyone to know you were there! I must have made a pretty good home for you in my tummy because it took 2 days of inducing me to get you to make your big appearance.
So many firsts have come and gone, and yet there are still so many in store for us. Your first smile, your first giggle, the first time you rolled over and sat up. Mommy has thousands of pictures of you doing amazing things and you doing nothing at all. I cried the day I had to put away your newborn clothes and still can’t believe you are growing into 12-month outfits! You’ve gone from laying, to rolling over, to scooting, to crawling and now you stand right up. You walk along the couch or the play gate…and you run all around with your push walker (so fast, you usually end up falling). You love to play with your toys, either independently or with mommy and daddy. You change your mind daily about what foods you do and do not like. You’re starting to transition to a sippy cup and whole milk…away from the baba and formula. I thought I would be excited…but instead I’m a little sad. All the things that made you a baby are turning into new things that will make you a toddler.
Every morning, I look at you and I can’t believe how big you have gotten; I can’t believe how blessed I am to be your mommy. Just when I think my heart can’t possible grow any bigger, it grows two more sizes! You are smart, funny and curious. Every day you explore and learn so many new things. You love story time and snuggling with your blankie. You give kisses to your dolly and are starting to play tea party with mommy. I love watching you watch your shows and pick up your blocks. You delight me when you press all the buttons on your toys and how thrilled you get when one starts a song that you can dance to. You clap your hands, blow us kisses, wave, call us by our names and sign so many things to communicate with us. Soon you will be telling us what you want, but for now, I am still appreciating your little signs. You went from being so independent to wanting to snuggle so much, and I enjoy both sides of your personality. I love that you are independent and yet still need your mommy and daddy to hold you tight.
Daddy and I love you so much and we know the world has amazing things in store for you. There are big plans for your little life and I can’t wait to see what adventures are in store for you and our family. You are bold, sassy, curious, loving, smart, funny and beautiful. Above all else, you are my BEST GIRL! You changed our world and our family is better because you are a part of it.
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, BOOGS!!!
Love you, always and forever
Your Mommy
PS…a little bloopers for your viewing pleasure! Someone wasn’t a huge fan of her cake, and I figured since it IS a SMASH CAKE after all……..
(also, I love my niece Peyton’s reaction in the last picture haha)
mommyandparkershow.com 