The Taylor Family

Sweet baby, you’re one year old today. An entire year! You look so much older, too – I can hardly believe you’re the same baby I held for the first time on September 8, 2008.

There is so much I want to remember about this time, but I find it so hard to record it here. What I want to remember is the way I feel when you give me your huge grin that shows your two (almost three!) teeth, when I hear you giggle, when you hold my fingers and walk across the room, when you climb into my lap and hold onto my hair. I can write down that you wave hello and goodbye, that you try to say bye-bye, dog and duck, and that you are this close to walking, but I can’t capture in words how that makes me feel. I don’t know how to explain how proud I am of you or how much joy you and your little voice bring to my life.

We had a nice day today. We played in the grass (which you absolutely love) and I pushed you in the swing at the park (which you think you like, but aren’t quite sure about). We read some books, danced to some music, and crawled all over the house. Going under things is your latest trick – you like to sit under your Jumperoo and belly-crawl under your little chairs. Today you also crawled into Henry’s cage when I wasn’t looking. You were busy!

You fell asleep in my arms tonight, and I just held you and listened to you breathe. You are so soft and warm, and your curls smell so nice. There will be a day – and I know it will come even sooner than I think – when I won’t be able to cradle you close and cuddle you while you sleep. You’ll be too grown up for that. Some day my arms won’t make everything better when you’re sad, but they’ll always be there for you just the same. And I can’t imagine the day when holding you in my arms doesn’t make me feel better when I’m sad.

You’re a special girl, and I love you very much. It’s been a wonderful year.

Love,

Mom