Dear Son, Happy First Birthday

Dear Sweet Son,

Congratulations! You’ve survived an entire year with me as your mother. I’m not a big believer in miracles, but I think the fact that there’s been only one trip to urgent care, one allergic reaction and zero calls to child services means we are well on our way to a miracle.

At any rate, you are alive and thriving! Changing every day, you continue to surprise and impress me with your (mostly) sweet disposition and (always) spirited personality. When I sing a song, you clap and smile, pretending to enjoy my horrendous voice.

When I smother you with hugs and slobbery wet kisses, you willingly allow this motherly nonsense. When I try to tickle you just to hear your sweet laugh and giggles, you squeal with excitement.

You are so dutiful in all those ways, and I just wanted to say thanks for being a good son and putting up with all my shenanigans.

Each day you are learning new things. Right now you are just getting the hang of walking. It’s so much fun watching you wobble around the house, falling down and getting back up again, refusing to allow gravity to win.

You are also working on saying your first word, babbling all day long in your own unique baby language.

One day we will speak English together, and it will be glorious.

I’ve tried teaching you baby sign language, and you have yet to sign back. Sigh.

Although, you do sign something by waving your hand or pushing me away. I think you might be saying, ‘Get away mommy.’ So we’re not doing great in the communication department. Who cares? At least we smile at each other at the same time. Thanks for all the smiles, son. They really do make my heart so, so happy.

There a many things that you already do very well. You’ve become a good eater, gobbling up dirt, worms, and dead frogs off the ground. It really is a wonder why I spend time trying to make food taste good for you, when I’m pretty sure I could serve dirt on the floor and you’d think it was fabulous.

You are also a master explorer. You love electrical cords, often wailing in despair when they are taken from you. You love exploring and tinkering around the house; I always find you in the most peculiar places, like inside the dishwasher or under the car. Thanks for all the fabulous adventures, Son.

After growing you in my belly for nine months and nurturing you for the past year, I can honestly say it’s been the most glorious time. And I just wanted to say thanks for everything, Son.

Thanks for sticking with me through all the difficult moments. Thanks for trusting me even when things seemed like they were heading in the wrong direction. Thanks for always loving me.

Thanks for letting me be your mom and for teaching me all the must-know lessons of motherhood. Thanks for letting me fail as a mom sometimes because you’ve taught me how to pick up the pieces and how to get back up and try again. Thanks for the most incredible year.

On a final note, I’d like to add you are incredibly persistent when it comes to wrestling during diaper changes and sticking your hands in poop. Thanks for teaching me perseverance. I’ve never been so determined to get a diaper on a baby in my life.

You are so special. I adore you, son. Happy first birthday, my precious, sweet little man.

Love,
Your mom

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