Dear Wren-Lee
We did it – we survived your first year. I’m not going to
lie, it was pretty awesome. Watching you grow from a tiny newborn into a tiny
toddler has been a blessing and you have forever changed both my and your
father’s lives with your presence.
I have to thank you for teaching me that life is messy…literally.
In this past year, I have cleaned up more mess than the combined efforts of my
entire life thus far. The washing has been endless, cleaning you up is
relentless but I’ve loved you more with every one of your 42 bibs that I had to
hang up on the line. But no matter the mess, you just keep smiling and it’s
hard to not smile along with you.
Thank you for staying away from the two B’s: Bieber and
Barney. You have no idea how delighted I am that you aren’t hypnotised by that
purple dinosaur and not mesmerised by the vocal styling of the child star. Honestly,
Bieber is on some weird trip right now and, hopefully, you’ll miss that craze
altogether. The third B, boys, are a different story altogether and we’ll
address that issue in your next birthday letter 20 years from now.
You’ve broken hearts. That nose thing you do and your easy
sociable nature means that even the hardest person can’t resist your charm.
People long to see you and you are spoilt because they love you so dearly. Your
father suffers the most. I think his heart broke the minute you were born and
you are now the glue holding it together. Your dad will move heaven and earth for you
and, like me, he’s equally proud and sad to see you growing up so quickly. He
takes such great care of you and you continually reward him with kisses and poo
nappies in the morning. It’s awesome!
I hope that you don’t stop being such an affectionate child.
Your hugs and kisses make the most stressful day seem blissfully unimportant
and other people appreciate your cuddles more than you could imagine. I also
hope that your first word isn’t boobies but you seem to be heading that way – Daddy’s
child.
Stay strong kiddo. You’ve endured being born by C-section,
reflux, many injections (they were good for you!), being locked in a car (by
accident and you slept right through it), learning to crawl on a tiled floor,
teething and numerous bumps from playing under the coffee table. You did all
this and more with very little fear or tears - it’s admirable. You’re braver
than most grown-ups and this is a strength that will come in handy as you grow
older.
Finally, just be you. Daydream, hug your friends, go
swimming, make big splashes, try new foods, don’t watch TV if you don’t want
to, share your toys…do all this and everything else you like to do without
hesitation or reservation. Your father, family, friends and I will always be
there to guide you, protect you, encourage you and, most importantly, love you
just the way you are.
Happy first birthday my little monkey…and here’s to many,
many more happy birthdays to come!
Love you,
Mommy
