One for the baby book...
Dear Kaitlyn,
Today you are one year old and officially a toddler! These past few days I thought a lot about what it was like the last weeks being pregnant with you and recalled the first few weeks after you were born when I didn't know what we were about to embark on as parents. For a moment I was extremely heartbroken at how fast this year has gone by...it's practically a blur! I have tried my very hardest to cherish each moment with you and to not let the hard stuff (the fussy car rides, the sleepless nights) get to me. It has been a whirlwind of emotions "figuring" you out and trying to get the hang of this mommy thing. In just a matter of months I have seen you go from being this tiny little creature that just slept and ate a lot to a beautiful little girl who spends her days exploring the world around her. It's amazing to watch you as you learn and imitate everything that we do.
In the past couple of weeks, you have figured out how to crawl and your world suddenly became more than just the confines of the living room when you weren't being carried. It was just like everyone said it was going to be. You woke up one morning and just decided you were going to do it. Nothing is safe from your curiosity now as you move around the house constantly discovering all its tiny nooks and crannies. I find myself always thinking about that stray bobby pin or dime that you might find or watch closely as you inch your way past the litter box, which thankfully, you have yet to consider digging in. My heart melts whenever you crawl up into my lap and hold out your arms for me to pick you up and when I'm standing in the kitchen and feel two tiny arms wrapped around my calf. Consequently, your crawling is also when I now realize fully that my privacy is out the window. I thought it was bad that Karamel had to be in the bathroom with me or else she was standing outside the door banging on it, but now I have you to contend with! Never mind what we are doing in there, you just *have* to see and make sure you're not missing out on anything. Snowball and Karamel are equally unprepared for your sudden mobility as they dart and jump out of your way as you try to lean in for a snuggle. Now that you have learned to stand, I'm sure in no time you'll be taking your first steps and then they will really have something to worry about. Give them time. They have come a long way since we first brought you home and are slowly but surely warming up to you.
Another one of the greatest joys of watching you grow this past year is the way your personality has really unfolded in the past month. You've become quite the social butterfly by making eye contact and interacting with the people we meet during our outings. You are clearly a girl who knows what she wants and what she doesn't, even if it's just through the methods of pointing and furiously shaking your head "no." Now all you have to do is learn how to nod your head "yes" and you'll be all set. You've taken a real interest in your books and tell us when you want them read to you. You have your games that you like to play, like crawling to the edge of our bed and looking behind your shoulder with a huge grin on your face as you wait for me to grab you around your waist to start tickling you. Another game that I admit I'm not so fond of is "Test Mommy and Daddy" by throwing food on the floor to see if we notice (don't think I don't see your slowly move that hand over to the edge of your tray) and if we will say "no." This is one of the hardest things that we have had to realize; that you are learning cause and effect and that we now have to really think about teaching you right from wrong and enforcing it with discipline. It always breaks my heart whenever you pout or cry when we are being stern with you. Please try to remember that we do it because we love you and not because we are trying to be mean.
Being a mom will no doubt be the most challenging thing I've ever done. I know now that it will also be the most rewarding. If it's one thing that I want to make sure I do right, it's raising you to be a stronger woman than I ever will be. I also promise to always to stop whatever I'm doing to read you a story (even if it's five times in a row), watch some cartoons or play with you and your toys. (Especially this! How often does a grown-up get to sit down and try out the cool new stuff you guys have nowadays?) Just try not to grow up too fast, ok?
Happy Birthday, sweetie!
Love, Mom
Today you are one year old and officially a toddler! These past few days I thought a lot about what it was like the last weeks being pregnant with you and recalled the first few weeks after you were born when I didn't know what we were about to embark on as parents. For a moment I was extremely heartbroken at how fast this year has gone by...it's practically a blur! I have tried my very hardest to cherish each moment with you and to not let the hard stuff (the fussy car rides, the sleepless nights) get to me. It has been a whirlwind of emotions "figuring" you out and trying to get the hang of this mommy thing. In just a matter of months I have seen you go from being this tiny little creature that just slept and ate a lot to a beautiful little girl who spends her days exploring the world around her. It's amazing to watch you as you learn and imitate everything that we do.
In the past couple of weeks, you have figured out how to crawl and your world suddenly became more than just the confines of the living room when you weren't being carried. It was just like everyone said it was going to be. You woke up one morning and just decided you were going to do it. Nothing is safe from your curiosity now as you move around the house constantly discovering all its tiny nooks and crannies. I find myself always thinking about that stray bobby pin or dime that you might find or watch closely as you inch your way past the litter box, which thankfully, you have yet to consider digging in. My heart melts whenever you crawl up into my lap and hold out your arms for me to pick you up and when I'm standing in the kitchen and feel two tiny arms wrapped around my calf. Consequently, your crawling is also when I now realize fully that my privacy is out the window. I thought it was bad that Karamel had to be in the bathroom with me or else she was standing outside the door banging on it, but now I have you to contend with! Never mind what we are doing in there, you just *have* to see and make sure you're not missing out on anything. Snowball and Karamel are equally unprepared for your sudden mobility as they dart and jump out of your way as you try to lean in for a snuggle. Now that you have learned to stand, I'm sure in no time you'll be taking your first steps and then they will really have something to worry about. Give them time. They have come a long way since we first brought you home and are slowly but surely warming up to you.
Another one of the greatest joys of watching you grow this past year is the way your personality has really unfolded in the past month. You've become quite the social butterfly by making eye contact and interacting with the people we meet during our outings. You are clearly a girl who knows what she wants and what she doesn't, even if it's just through the methods of pointing and furiously shaking your head "no." Now all you have to do is learn how to nod your head "yes" and you'll be all set. You've taken a real interest in your books and tell us when you want them read to you. You have your games that you like to play, like crawling to the edge of our bed and looking behind your shoulder with a huge grin on your face as you wait for me to grab you around your waist to start tickling you. Another game that I admit I'm not so fond of is "Test Mommy and Daddy" by throwing food on the floor to see if we notice (don't think I don't see your slowly move that hand over to the edge of your tray) and if we will say "no." This is one of the hardest things that we have had to realize; that you are learning cause and effect and that we now have to really think about teaching you right from wrong and enforcing it with discipline. It always breaks my heart whenever you pout or cry when we are being stern with you. Please try to remember that we do it because we love you and not because we are trying to be mean.
Being a mom will no doubt be the most challenging thing I've ever done. I know now that it will also be the most rewarding. If it's one thing that I want to make sure I do right, it's raising you to be a stronger woman than I ever will be. I also promise to always to stop whatever I'm doing to read you a story (even if it's five times in a row), watch some cartoons or play with you and your toys. (Especially this! How often does a grown-up get to sit down and try out the cool new stuff you guys have nowadays?) Just try not to grow up too fast, ok?
Happy Birthday, sweetie!
Love, Mom