Oh my how the time flies!  My baby girl is one!

I wrote this letter to her the night before her birthday.

Dear Juliet,

I can’t believe this day is here already. My baby is going to be 1 in less than 12 hours. Since 7 PM tonight I have been going over in my mind everything that was happening at this time last year; how at 7 I was still feeling fine and not even totally sure you would be arriving soon, despite my bloody show; how we called grandma and she headed over in case.

At 8 we put Drakey to bed and I wondered if this would be the last night he would be the baby. I remember sitting at the table with Daddy and Grandma, talking and still feeling great even at 10 when I went to bed. It wasnt until 5 AM the next morning when things started to change and I knew you were on the way. And then from 5 AM until your arrival at 9:13 AM, you were here just like that… so much quicker than it had been with your brother. You came easily into the world and have stayed easy ever since.

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I remember that moment when the nurse placed you on my chest, and all I could think was — so you’re the one who was doing all those somersaults in there. Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of a little Juliet and then you were here, in my arms, so sweet and content and so similar looking to your brother, it was like looking into the past seeing him in your face.

I admit your first year has had its shares of ups and downs. Some days it was all a blur as I tried to juggle life with two little ones. Other days stand out so much as we dealt with your jaundice, struggling weight and growth issues, and developmental delays. But through it all you have been the sweetest little thing. You melt into me some days when I hold you and I wish I could keep you that little forever. My heart (and arms) miss your sweet presence every night when I have to surrender you to your crib. It’s like placing part of my heart away for the rest of the night, and I miss you even though you are just a short hallway away.

I remember before your birth how I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to love you the same as I loved your brother, and how every one of those fears disappeared when you were placed into my arms.  These days I wonder how in the world I could ever think that when I have you close to me.

I regret not being able to chronicle your days as well as I did with your brother. Life is just too busy some days; at nights I’m too tired to think once everyone is off to bed.  Still there are some things of yours I hope I will always remember — your adorable little head tilts, your soft cooing babas, how you love waving to others, and your fierce determined crawling. You bring such a sweet joy to our home that never existed until you were born.

I am so excited for you as you turn one. There will be so many new milestones and discoveries ahead for you.  I am also sad to think that some of the things I cherish about you now might soon disappear as you move forward. I savor every morning when I walk in your room greeted by that cheeky little face (with 2 brand new teeth!). I feel so blessed to be your mommy, and I know that this new year will bring us even more amazing experiences as we watch you grow and tackle this adventure called life.

You truly were the missing piece of my heart I never even knew I needed until I had you.  I love you to the moon and stars and beyond.

Happy birthday, Juliet Rosalie!

Love

Mommy