Birthday Girl

Dear Kate:

On Friday you turned one year old. Oh, how I wish I could have that year back! You have been such a joy to me and everyone around you. I've tried cherish every minute of your babyhood, but it still flew by way too fast. Since the moment you were born I've felt like you were a very special person. While I was in labor and dilated to a seven, your oxygen levels started dropping. The doctor went down to put a probe on your head to get a better measurement, but she had to wait for a contraction to finish first. During that contraction I dilated the final three centimeters and was ready to start pushing! She said she'd never seen anything like it. I pushed a few times and out you came. You didn't cry or make a peep. The nurses and doctor were concerned because the umbilical cord had been wrapped around your neck and they thought you weren't crying because you couldn't breathe. Oh no, you were perfectly fine and as content as could be. I've always felt like there was divine intervention during your birth. You were so tiny and perfect and we were so happy to meet you. You have been the sweetest, most content baby I've ever met. To this day you are still tiny, sweet, content, and perfect. I can't go anywhere without someone making a comment on what a cute and happy baby you are. You have brought me so much joy. Your smile melts my heart. I love how you still love it when I hold you and cuddle you. Everyone absolutely adores you.

It was fun to see you on your birthday, although your real party won't be until Saturday. I made macaroni and cheese (your favorite) from scratch for dinner. It was fun watching you "open" your presents (Ada did all the opening) and seeing your reaction. You were more interested in the babies on the toy boxes than anything else. But you love your Busy Ball Popper, your Lullaby Gloworm, and your block set. It is the cutest thing to watch you play with them. After presents you got to eat a lemon cream cupcake. You enjoyed the frosting, took a few bits of the cake, and scooted the rest on the floor. I can't wait to see you at your party.

Your latest trick is to stand up without holding on to anything. You do it on command and it's the cutest thing we've ever seen. You are so proud of yourself. You can't walk yet, but this is still a big thing because most babies can't stand up without an obliging wall or couch until after they've started walking. Another thing you love to do is to get into the pantry, pull out the bag of Magic Stars (fake Lucky Charms), and pick out the marshmallows while leaving the remaining pieces all over the floor.

Kate, I love you more than words can describe. I love everything about you, including the fact that you now sleep longer than 6:00 a.m. every day. Thanks for being so sweet and easy and for always making me happy.

Love, Mama