Friday, November 11, 2011
12:48 pm
Dearest Eleanor,
You were born at 12:58 pm on Thursday, November 11, 2010, one year ago at almost this moment.
Just now I rocked you to sleep, and instead of quickly transferring you to your crib I continued to rock with you so that I could feel the weight of your sleepy head on my shoulder. It reminded me so much of our early days together, when you would fall asleep in my arms after nursing. I would scootch down on the couch and we would nap together, my sweet little baby and me. Often Major joined us, making our little nest even warmer, while winter made frost on the windows. I knew that those cuddles would eventually be replaced by real hugs and laughter, with you pointing to your mobile's movie playing on the ceiling of your bedroom. And yet, here we are, and it is so hard to believe how lucky Daddy and I are to have such a beautiful little girl as you.
It is now 12:58. Happy birthday, Sweetheart.
The ways that you have added joy to our lives are immeasurable. I love you more than I ever thought it would be possible to love, and even with that I continue to love you more and more each day.
I hope you always understand how very special you are, not just to Daddy and me but to your whole family. I want to take each day with you and treasure it, and at the same time I cannot wait to see who you become- as a 3 year old, as an 8 year old, a 13 year old, an adult. I can't wait to witness you explore your interests, and to find a hobby or activity or career that enlightens your life. And I know we may not always get along, but I pray that we can always get back on track. It is impossible to think that one day we may disagree, but I think it is inevitable :-)
You had a very nice 12th month. We met Aunt Piper and Aunt Stacie at an apple orchard and got some fun pictures of you with pumpkins. We went to Aunt Beth and Uncle Avery's and celebrated Cameron's 6th birthday with them, Grandma, and Lila. You participated in the Halloween parade at daycare, and impressed everyone by walking the perimeter of the building in your duck costume, while holding my hands. We had a great time at the Roscoe Village Halloween party, and you got lots of candy Halloween night when we went trick or treating.
You are now an independent walker, which is so exciting for your daddy and me to see. We got you a wooden puzzle which you opened this morning and really enjoy. You kept banging the pieces LOUDLY on our coffee table, and even tried fitting the pieces back into their slots. You now say "ma ma" and "da da" with meaning. When Daddy comes home from work you shout "Da da!" and move to the door as quickly as you can.
You have become a very sweet and content little girl. You play on your own very well and love books. You hold out Cheerios to us with a little smile that says, "Here you go!" You are patient when I take you grocery shopping. You continue to love Major to bits, and he has been very sweet and gentle with you while you learn to be gentle and soft with him. You like to bang his kennel door open and shut even while he naps inside.
Grandma and Grandpa Walker are on their way here from their cottage, and tomorrow Aunt Beth, Uncle Avery, Cameron, Lila, Grandma Rhodes, Aunt Piper, and Aunt Stacie will come over to celebrate your birthday. Daddy and I made you a little cake to dive into. We have decorated the house for your first birthday, and last weekend I put together a special photo garland for you. I chose one picture from each month of the past year, and strung together all the pictures with ribbon. We hung it in our living room, and you can stand in front and see how much you changed. It is lovely.
With that, my darling, I think I will end here. It has been such a joy to write you each of these months. You are amazing, and Daddy and I love you so very much.
Thank you, Eleanor, for making this the best year of my life.
My love always,
Mom
xo
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