[I wrote this yesterday however I forgot to post it so it's a day late]
Dear Riglee,
Today you turned 1 year old. It is hard to believe that 1 year ago today I was holding this tiny baby in my arms and, in that moment, love took on new meaning. So much has happened in the past year and I have loved every single second of it. I love the good memories: you falling asleep while nursing and just sleeping on me, your first smiles, your first giggle, taking you to the pumpkin patch, our first Christmas as a family, napping together, you learning to sit on your own, watching you crawl, our first trip to the zoo, your first steps, and watching you just start to understand the world around you! I also love the tougher times: waking up every 2 hours to feed you, getting pooped on in the middle of the night during a diaper change, getting puked on - twice - and not knowing how to clean you up without cleaning myself up first, listening to you cry when I can't console you, watching you fall down, having a crabby baby and being the only one you want to hold you. Through all the amazing moments and all the tough moments, I have grown to love you more and more.
Being a parent is the toughest job I've ever had, but it truly has been the most rewarding. It is hard to express in words how much my heart has grown because you are in my life. I am so proud of all of your accomplishments and the milestones you have reached. Every day you find a new way to amaze me and every day my heart grows a little bit bigger with the love I have for you. I know your Dad feels the same way. You are the light of his life and the best part of his day. And between you and me, you already have him wrapped around your finger. Your Dad is a total softy when it comes to you and I don't think he'd have it any other way!
Riglee, you have grown up and changed so much this past year and I have loved every minute of it. You woke up very early this morning (around 4am) and I was more than happy to get up and feed you a bottle. I cherish the quiet moments we have early in the morning because I know that we don't have too many more of them. Today I took the time to sing Happy Birthday to you. Other days I take the time to tell you how much I love you or simply watch you and memorize everything about you just how you are. Secretly, my favorite time with you has always been the middle of the night feedings. The house is quiet, everything is dark and everyone is asleep. Everyone but me and you. When I pick you up from your bed you snuggle right into me like you know I am your safe place. And I am happy to be that safe place for you. The only difference is that now you are a little bigger than you were a year ago.
Riglee Rose, I am looking forward to what surprises you have in store for the next year. I know there will be a lot of learning (for you and for me), some tough days, lots of fun, and some really really amazing moments.
I love you with all of my heart,
Mom
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