Happy 1st Birthday

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Originally uploaded by kristn1284

March 18, 2008

Dearest Annabelle,

Happy Birthday! Today marks the only time in history we can both say this has been the best year of our lives, and it has. It has been a lifetime that went by in the blink of an eye. Every day has been wonderful with you.

On your first birthday I have been reminiscing about all your firsts. Your first breath, night at home, smile, bath, laugh, foods, sitting up for the first time, crawling, standing up, saying “Mum, Mum, Mum”. I have been given the privilege of bearing witness to all these firsts, which has been the greatest joy I have ever known.

We have been both teacher and student this year. You taught me I could function on way less sleep than I ever have before, I taught you it’s fun to splash like Shamu in the tub, we taught each other how to breastfeed. I learned when I thought my heart could not get any fuller there is room for more with just one of your smiles. You learned to appreciate books and all they have to offer. Together we learned we cannot get out of the house in 15 minutes, or even really 30, outings take planning!

Everyone says what a happy baby you are, and you are. You rarely cry and when you do it is with good reason, a bumped head, fighting sleep or if someone takes a spoon out of your hand. You love to hold a spoon, preferably one in each hand. Your new thing as of late is when you are upset or being shy (which you are not after a 5 minute warm up period with anybody) you want held and put your head down on my shoulder. I wish we could stay like that forever, heads bowed, arms wrapped around each other allowing me to breathe the sweet scent that is unique to you. I hope you always find comfort in my shoulder, know it is always available to you no matter how big you get.

You have gone from baby to infant in a 1 week period. Last week you still had chubby cheeks and went about your day unaware of your next move. Now with your pretty hair clips and knowledge of your surroundings you put together your puzzle, then play the piano then move over to root through your books to find just the one you want. You have such a look of a little girl now; it fills me with pride as it breaks my heart. You are growing up so fast, I want time to stand still, rewind and fast forward simultaneously. It sounds crazy and is hard to explain but I want it all. And your laugh, you have a real sense of comedic timing. Recently you were talking away saying “Zum Bum”. I said “Who is a Zum Bum?” to which you shouted “Mum!” and then cracked up laughing, so did I. Now that is our new game, I sincerely hope Zum Bum is a term of endearment; I like to think it is.

So Happy First Birthday my sweet, sweet, beautiful girl. I love you with all that I have and I thank you for all the joys you have given me this year.
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Mum