Dear Lollipop,
I don't have adequate words to describe what you have done to me and to my life in the past twelve months. You've turned my life upside down and changed me as a person in such a fundamental way that I can't truly express it. You've made me a better human being - more patient, so much more loving, more fiercely protective of the people that I hold dear. You've made us a family, a unit, one living, breathing
thing - a whole. You've taught me a whole new level of fear and of joy. I lay in bed at night, listening to your little sighs and gurgles in your sleep, and I weep. I cry because I don't know how to contain all the love that I feel for you.
This month has been full of surprises and milestones - walking, three new teeth, talking much more, swimming, refusing to eat, then eating everything is sight, then refusing to eat again. This month, you've given us a preview of the toddler years ahead, and your daddy and I are a bit intimidated by you.
You're strong willed and obstinate and brilliant and perfect. You show me my own limitations, and let my imagination soar with all my dreams for you. You are the most special, profoundly amazing person I have ever known. It's been the best first year, better than I ever dreamed before you were born. I'm looking forward to the next seventeen years and beyond. No matter how you grow, you'll always be my baby.
You are everything to me. You are my world. And you always will be.
Love,
your mommy