A year in review

"One's not half two. It's two are halves of one"

Sweet Bee, today I paid close attention to how it feels to hold you in your sleep. Your warmth, the way your breath feels on my chest, your hand on my face, how soft your hair feels. The way you look, the way you smile and sound and feel. Like love. I know these days are fleeting. You are one now, and you are incredible. You have blossomed into such a spirited and strong willed toddler, and it happened so quickly! 

Your first year brought so much joy to your father and I. It was full of ups and downs, but most of all it was full of learning experiences. You've introduced us to each other all over, and of course to you. You've also reintroduced us to ourselves. We feel so complete with you, and so in awe of this learning experience. I could write an entire book about all of the ways we've grown, but I want this to be about you, and your first year. 

You are captivating and intense. Everywhere we go people comment on how beautiful you are, on your eyes, on how happy you are, or how clever you are. They're right, and they don't even know the half of it! You sat up for the first time at 12 weeks old, you started scooting just before 16 weeks, and you were an expert at crawling by 5 months. You were standing up and walking across lengths of furniture and walls at 6 months, and standing completely unassisted at 7 months. In your 8th month you started walking, and your steps were so wobbly and uncertain. You have since graduated to running, and you love to dance. 

For your first Christmas, you were given a beautiful doll, Penelope. We call her Penny, and she's one of your favorite things. You love to carry her everywhere, holding her close to you and giving her kisses.

For your first birthday we built you an activity tower so that you can work with me at countertop height, helping to wash vegetables and prepare meals.

You are completely sure of yourself and you are so independent. You have the confidence and security to walk away on your own without ever even stopping to look back!

You love to take baths with your dad at night before bed time, and he loves to spend that time with you. It's such a special way to share your evening together playing in the tub. I can hear the two of you laughing and splashing and it never fails to make me smile.

You love books, you bring them to us every day and want to read the same books several times. We never turn you down. You love to read 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar', 'Oh The Places You Will Go', 'The Cat in the Hat', 'Are you my Mother?', and 'Cuddly Animals'. You gasp with excitement at your favorite parts, point to the pictures and smile at the pages. 

You love music, and have all your life. Now you can join in and sing and dance and shake and play your instruments! Your favorite song is 'Someone Like You', by Doris Day. I've sang it to you since before you were born.

You love your dog, Violet. You clap excitedly when she's in the room, you read her books. You sign 'dog' every time you see a dog. You love to give her hugs and kisses, and she is just as taken with you. The two of you are best of friends, and I hope you will be for a very long time to come. 

You love your milkies, and I love to nurse you. I am so proud that we've made it to a year. 

You are one now, sweet bee. And you are incredible.