Today you are one year old!  I can’t believe that the first year of your life is already over.  You have changed and grown so much - from a helpless little babe of 7 lbs, 11 ounces, to an independent little toddler of 19 pounds, 2 ounces!  How did it happen?

You came into the world 9 days past your due date, and took your time about it.  I thought you would be born on 7-7-07, since I went into labor at 5 am on that day!  But twenty-four hours later, you finally showed up.  I was immediately struck by how beautiful you were.  Big blue eyes, a perfect little nose, rosebud lips, and two deep dimples that showed up whenever you cried.  You were never purple and squishy like some new babies; you skipped that stage and went straight for gorgeous.  You’re still beautiful; I can rarely go out without at least one person stopping to comment on my beautiful baby.

The first six months with you were the hardest time of my life.  They were pretty hard for you, too.  Reflux got a hold of you at just two weeks, and my sweet, smiley baby disappeared.  You cried all the time; you were in so much pain.  It made me incredibly sad and I felt so helpless.  We gave you medicine every twelve hours, and every time you hated it.  It had a strong peppermint flavor; I wonder how you will feel about peppermint when you’re older!  The medicine helped, but it didn’t help enough.  You nursed constantly, since it hurt you to eat.  We were attached at the hip.  Sometimes I wondered if we’d make it!

But then, miraculously, your reflux disappeared as suddenly as it had arrived!  Right before Christmas, you again transformed into a different baby - but this time, you were so happy!  I couldn’t believe it.  I finally had the happiest baby on the block!  We stopped your medication and the reflux didn’t come back.   You started sleeping a little better, and your awake time became so much fun.

Since then, you have just continued to grow and change so quickly, my girl.  You were crawling and then pulling up and cruising, and now you’re walking all over the world.  You love to laugh with us.  You love to get us to chase you and tickle you, and we love to do it.  You have the sweetest, most sensitive little heart; you cry when others are crying and you laugh when they’re laughing.  I love that about you.  You’re the most observant, curious little babe I’ve ever seen in my life; you certainly don’t miss a thing!  You’re also starting to talk a little bit; you love to say “uh-oh” and “cheese” and “da-da” and “mama.” You don’t want me to feed you anymore from a spoon; you want to feed yourself with finger foods.  And you’re just starting to understand that clothes go on our bodies; it’s hilarious to watch you pick up random pieces of clothes from my laundry pile and try to put them on your head!

Right when you were born, a wise mama at church told me that the days are long but the years are short.  She was so right.  Sometimes, during those long days, I wonder if I’m being the best mommy to you that I can be.  But this past year has gone by so quickly, and watching you grow and change and develop has been the most exciting, rewarding thing I’ve ever done - even when I’m exhausted because we’ve been up half the night teething!

I love you so much, my little Ladybug.  You are more precious to me than I could ever express.  I can’t wait to see what the coming year holds for you.  Thanks for being my girl.

Love, your mama