We drove home on a cold and snowy morning in January, our new bundle wrapped up in her car seat, my heart bundled with worry. How do we take care of her? How will we do this? What now?
Those first days, weeks, months seemed endless. There were tears all around, hers mingled with mine. I wondered how the time would pass, how we’d navigate this hard and foreign road.
One year went by and all of a sudden it was as if we hit the fast forward button. And here we stand at two.
Two.
Only such a short time and yet I can’t remember a time that she wasn’t mine and I wasn’t hers.
And I see a beautiful and fun little girl emerging from the red-faced and tightly fisted bundle we brought home from the hospital. But how can I even describe her multi-dimensional personality on one-dimensional paper?
How do I describe the way she loves to dance and sing and includes her baby doll in her dance moves? How do I describe the “You silly, mama’s” and the “I wuv yooooo’s?” Can you see my secret smile when she asks for a hot dog, only so she can dip her fingers in the ketchup and smear it all over her face? Can you hear her stomping all over the house when she gets a new pair of shoes?
Can I tell how proud I am of her when I’ve had strangers tell me how polite and sweet she is? Can I say how happy I am that she enjoys her crafts at Mother’s Day Out and I’ve yet to throw any of them away?
And I can’t even describe how loving she is with her baby doll, or with us. How she asks for hugs and kisses and snuggles all day long. And then there’s her silly side. Oh, how she makes me laugh!
No, I can’t fit it all here. It barely fits in my heart which I’m afraid is going to explode from all I hold in there. But amazingly, my heart swells on a daily basis.
There’s still so much road to travel, so much more to teach her. What will I teach her? Sometimes I just don’t know. I take it one day, one prayer at a time. I read one book at a time, take one walk at time and somehow we stitch our days and our hearts together and we weave our sweet life tapestry.
And I’d like to say that I believe she teaches me so much more than I’ve taught her. She’s made me the mother and woman I am. She’s made me work harder at being a better person, a more patient mother. She makes me feel beautiful.
Happy Birthday to my dear little hope, my wonderful gift. Thank you, baby girl, for the best birthday that I could have as well.
A little bit of silly
And a little bit of sweet
Oh goodness, Rach – she looks so pretty and grown up! I love the pigtails so much. Can you believe our babies are two??
Katie E recently posted..2012 In Pictures
She does look so grown up! Where are our babies??
Aww, that plaid jacket she’s wearing in the bottom pic is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! Happy birthday, Donut, and happy birthday to you, too, Rach!
Jaime recently posted..Gratitude
Thank you Jaime! We had such a great day today.
Isn’t it amazing how one day they’re just bundles and then suddenly they’re PEOPLE? She is so lovely and sweet, and so lucky to have you for a mom.
story recently posted..Today is okay
Yes, it is amazing. I remember wondering who and what she’d be and now I see a person unfolding right before me.
Happy Birthday to that wonderful little pisser! There are so many more wonderful years to come. She’ll be your best friend.
Haha, thanks! Yes, I’m looking forward to doing fun mother/daughter things as she gets older–and eventually becoming a friend as well.
What a beautiful tribute mama. You are doing great.
Charity recently posted..No Special Word or Topic–Just Rambling
Thank you, Charity. You’re doing really great too.
Aw, what a beautiful letter to your joy.
Happy Birthday, little one!
Alison recently posted..Do. Or When The Easy Becomes Difficult
Thank you, Alison!
This is so beautiful!! Happy birthday to that beautiful girl, and happy birth day to you!
Jess recently posted..My Style-You Never Can Tell.
Thank you so much, Jess. It really was a great day today.
Happy, happy birth anniversary to you, mama! It is amazing how fast that second year goes. I’m afraid they only go faster from here on out.’
Susan recently posted..Lost For Words
I know, I have a feeling she’s going to be in kindergarten before I know it. And then high school, college…sigh.
Awww happy birthday to your sweet girl! This really is my favorite age…I just want to bottle it up and remember it forever. These precious times go by so fast!
I know, the things they do at this age are just so fun and funny! I love how she’s trying to pronounce words, how she just laughs at abandon. It’s neat to see the things that are new to her and relive them.
Happy birthday to your sweet Donut and happy birthing day to you. You are a fantastic mama. I have loved getting to know you better. Wishing you both a fun day full of silly and sweet moments.
Jenny recently posted..My One Word 2013
Thank you Jenny. I’m so glad to have “met” you too. You’ve been an encouragement to us.
So very beautiful.
Happy birthday to Donut! I hope she is having a very special day!
Tracie recently posted..One Word: Act
Thank you, Tracie. I think she really did have a good day. She took an extra long nap so I guess that means she had a fun morning!
Happy birthday, Donut!
Shell recently posted..My Reading List: Keepers and Stinkers of 2012
Thank you, Shell!
Aw, sweet.
Time flies too fast.
Happy Birthday to Donut and Happy Birthing Day to you
Carolyn Y recently posted..Another Opportunity to #PayItForward
Thank you so much, Carolyn. I have good memories of her birth and happy to be making many more on this day.
What a beautiful birthday tribute! I hope she had a wonderful birthday. And yes it goes so fast. Love love her smile in the tree picture
Emmy recently posted..Proud Mommy Moments: School Lessons
she’s so cute and adorable. Happy Birthday to you little cute girl. I wish you more birthdays to come. You made some tribute that won’t make her forget until she grow old.
Ashleen Moreen recently posted..Pivot Doors – An Artful Way to Mark an Entrance
I’m so late, but I just read this and it’s beautiful! You’re a very good mama Rach!
Meagan recently posted..Ultimate Weekend Recap
I’ve been on a long blogging break and here she is two already! Hope the both of you had a wonderful birthday. That joy in her just radiates through. Great job, mama!
Mama, Hear Me Roar recently posted..Sweet Man, green things and muddy little hands ‘n’ feet
Oh she is gorgeous! I remember her being so small and connecting because of our struggle.
we made it.
Look at her now! It only gets better doesn’t it?!
Leighann recently posted..Losing Empathy