Today we say Happy First Birthday to You!
Let's take a moment and pause as we do,
to recall the fond memories with this year in review.
You came into the world much as you live it now, calmly and with fair warning. (And thankfully following the family credo: if you're not early you're late.) I do recall the instant you came out, with far too many nurses rushing around a little too frantically, and you taking your own sweet time to make that first call of life. I know some of those nurses, one in particular, was a little bit worried. You were a shade of blue a bit too bright to be alright. Finally, however, in your own sweet time, you took your breath. For some reason, I knew you would, I wasn't worried. You didn't cry though, it was just a yell as if to tell everyone "quiet done already, I'm here and I'm fine now quit poking." And then you rested, and finally we snuggled -- your big round baby cheeks and fresh new skin.
And then you ate. And you ate and you ate and you ate. And you were so happy. You are still happy, such a people person. Your smiles are so honest and pure. You love waving to anyone, and want to touch their hand. As if you know that one touch from you will cure the evils in the world. As if being palm to palm with another person will make them forget their troubles; and, for many, I think even if ever so briefly it does. Your euphoria can be contagious. Especially your great big belly laugh. You think Greta is hysterical. You don't even realize that this benefits all of us. You give Greta an audience, you give us a break, and the laughter that plasters our walls is infectious.
I'm so sorry your ears hurt for so long. I wish I could've crawled in there and fixed them sooner, but your happy demeanor didn't seem to plead your case about how bad they really were. I'm glad they're better now. And I'm glad you're sleeping through the night. Isn't it nice, to get that 11 or 12 hours of just pure fresh baby sleep? I do miss you though. 11 months of seeing you several times a night, and now I have to go half the day missing you after not seeing you all day? But it's best for us all, so sleep on little snuggle bunny.
We are done nursing, you and I. I think you were more ready than I was. You just finished your last bag of frozen breast milk too. I know you don't like that formula as much, but you tolerate it because you looooooove your bottles. In fact, it seems like you love them more now than ever. (That's another story, seeing as you didn't even eat your first few days at daycare because you hated your bottles so much.) Your favorite foods beside that are tomatoes, avocado and corn. Did you come from me--I mean, tomatoes and corn? Ew. But I'm so glad you eat them so heartily.
Now we're ready for the next step. For a while I thought you were ready to talk, I know I've heard things like "hi", and I thought there was a 'bye bye' at some point, but now you're back to some loud and crazy gurglings. But that's okay, because I like those too. No rush here, but you know you're going to have to walk one of these days. I can't carry you forever, even though I'd like to. Especially when you will stop whatever you are doing, and just come over and lay your head on my shoulder. Truly amazing, and unforgettable.
Dear Clara, you have brought so much joy into so many lives this year. I can't wait to see what the future holds. In the last couple of days, as you have become a bit frustrated with diaper changes, endured a little more wrestling torture from your sister, and have found that there is amazing solace in a soft blankie, you have also learned a truly valuable lesson.
That when you are having a bad day, that when there are things you can't
control, sometimes the best thing of all.....
is your own big toe.
PS -- Clara, I know it's your birthday, but were you that excited that TODAY you had to wake up at 3:45? For two hours?
So glad we were able to meet Clara the Cutie and visit with you guys last month!
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