Dear Sophie | 1 Year

Dear Sophie,

A year ago today after the longest weekend of my life, you were placed onto my chest and your dad and I looked at you and then each other with tears in our eyes. It was early on a Tuesday morning, and after a few hours of recovery I held you in my arms as they wheeled us from Labor & Delivery to Maternity. Your dad got under the blankets on the cot next to me and fell asleep as the nurses swaddled you and placed you at the foot of my bed and I couldn’t believe it was my family, together for the first time, settling in for a well-deserved nap. I haven’t gone to bed since Saturday, I thought to myself before finally falling asleep.

At the risk of sounding super cliche, I really can’t believe we’re here. 365 days went by in a flash. When you were a newborn there were so many late nights and early mornings and rock-hard boobs and 4PM meltdowns that seemed as though they may never end, and now here we are with a toddler in what seemed like a blink of an eye.

But there were also morning snuggles and the joy of holding you as  you fell asleep and then later slowly woke up those first weeks of our time together—the squeaky little newborn sounds you made and your first real smile.

I could go on and on but I won’t because of all the things you’ve taught me these past twelve months, it’s to be more present and to hold tight to every single moment.

Happy birthday, my dear. We love you so very much.

Yours forever,

Mama