Oh My! Baby's Turning One!

Our sweet Morgan turned one today! I can hardly believe it. I spent the day choking back many tears, and filled with much emotion. I am amazed how quickly one year has flown by. I will never forget the feeling when I got to hold her for the first time. A feeling of being complete, of pure joy. And it's just grown every day since then.

Dearest Morgan,
I remember the moment I knew you were coming. I was so happy, so excited, and scared, not sure what to expect of this journey, but knowing my life was going to change forever. Seeing your perfect face, tiny nose, lips, and chin, I couldn't believe how much I loved you, and was amazed how God paid perfect attention to every detail.
I spent hours reading books, understanding the science of your development, how you morphed from tiny embryo to a willful one year old. Still, it amazes me, stumps me, humbles me. Every night I watch you sleep, counting breaths, marveling at your long lashes, and the rise and fall of your chest. You have always been ahead of the game, eyes open and searching even those first few days of life. Later, you would lift your head and arms trying for hours to push yourself up, wobbling, concentrated, determined. How strange it seems those months ago you could barely grasp a rattle and now you march triumphantly around the house, banging a pot lid on the floor, carrying your baby. At 5 months you decided to crawl, rocking carefully, then springing forward. Soon came pulling up, then standing, then at 9 months you took your first shaky steps. The rest is history, you run circles around us, climbing and rolling, squatting and reaching, always learning.
You have taught me so many things this year, the delicious cuisine of soggy puffs, the joys of saying the same words over and over just to get a laugh. You have taught me that the simplest things are the most fun, and that a piece of paper can provide hours of entertainment.
You have taught me patience, love, and terrible fear. Crouching over you with the nose bulb as you struggled with your colds, reaching you seconds too late after a nasty tumble, and whacking your back every time you cough while eating. Every day brings me to my knees in thanks for your existence, for your love, and for your health.
And so, my dearest daughter, on the anniversary of the greatest day of my life, I salute you. May this next year bring you many discoveries, may you feel loved and cherished by your family. May you keep that wonder, and may you continue to find the joy in the small things.
I will always be here for you, when you want to play peekaboo, or snuggle, or when you want to be a monster and chase me. When you wake up at 4 am crying because your teeth hurt, I will always hold you and keep you close. I will try to let you go, to let you discover, I know you need that. As I watch you explore your world, always know, I AM YOUR BIGGEST FAN.
I love you always and forever,
Mommy


PS: Birthday party pics to be posted tomorrow:)

Just born: April 4, 2008



One Month Old



Two Months Old



Three Months Old



Four Months Old



Five Months Old



Six Months Old



Seven Months Old



Eight Months Old



Nine Months Old



Ten Months Old



Eleven Months Old



One Year Old