To my amazing little girl,

Today begins your last week before you turn one. It seems like yesterday that you came into our lives and I cannot remember life without you in it. You are the reason why I smile, why I laugh and why I collapse absolutely exhausted into bed every night. You have become my best friend, my constant companion and the reason I want to be a better person.

ADVERTISEMENT

You are blissfully unaware of the fact that you are almost one, but you seem to understand that you are no longer a baby and are traveling at light speed into toddlerdom. You sit like a big kid now, you eat like a big kid and you are far too busy to sit on your Mom or Dad’s lap because the world is an exciting place with so many things to explore. You are talking up a storm. “Mama,” “Dada,” “andma,” and “kitta” all come from your lips often, as well as the occasional “Saturday” and “you guys.” It won’t be long before you are walking, and you take a step or two every once and while just to keep me on my toes.

You have the stereotypical “red headed personality.” You are fiery and opinionated and exert your will without blinking an eye. I fear what you will be like as a teenager and dream of what a powerful and strong woman you will surely become. You are smart and pick things up before I realize you were even paying attention. You sign so often now and I am so glad that we have a new way to communicate with you, because heaven knows you are not very patient with us when we do not understand what you need at that very moment.

Books are your favourite toys and you love any book that you can get your hands on. Especially the ones on Mom and Dad’s bookshelves. You lovingly will flip through a Dan Brown novel for half an hour uninterrupted, and you have been known to give Jane Austin a hug or two. This warms your romantic souled Mama’s heart.

You love music and animals. Combine your favourite Michael Buble song with our cat Felix and you will squeal with absolute delight. You are starting to dance to music and it appears you have Mommy’s sense of rhythm thank goodness – sorry honey but it’s true. You also like to dance when you are doing other things that you love, like eating. You give a good little boogie to no music at all if there are blueberries or pancakes within arm’s reach.

Thank you little girl for making me a Mama and please be patient with me as I continue to learn right along with you. You are my greatest gift and I could not love you more. I can’t wait to celebrate your first birthday with you next week!

xoxo always & forever,

Mom