Paityn is 1

Dear Paityn,

A year has passed since your sweet arrival into this world.  You are learning and growing just like you should and we love having you here.

When I sat in the hospital on bed rest all those many months ago I would wonder what you would be like on your first birthday.  I would think to myself that all of the hospital time would seem so trivial compared to the wonder that is having a daughter and I was right.  You were worth it all.

You still have white blonde hair, very little of it, and your blue eyes sometimes vary between that and hazel.  I can’t quite tell what they will turn out to be, but I sort of think they will be like your brother’s gorgeous hazels.  You have a sweet disposition most of the time but like all babies, can exemplify a temper on occasion   You are the baby that wants to be held and paid attention too and you make it known when that need isn’t being met to your standard.

You think your brother is hilarious.  He balances back and forth between loving you and being gentle and kind to you – to being jealous and annoyed and sometimes mean.  He has bit you for no apparent reason from time to time.  Then on other occasions when he accidentally hurts you by not paying attention, he cries and feels guilty.  I suppose that is life with a two-year old.

You seem to have no interest walking at the moment.  I’m not sure when that will change and you will understand the independence it will bring.  So far, you’re just content crawling and that’s fine.  You have, however, learned to fake laugh.  It’s really funny and I’m not sure why you do it but its such a cute little chuckle.

You are my sweet girl, Paityn.  I have big dreams for you, but mostly, I want you to live a happy life.  I want you to be whatever it is that makes you smile every day.  I will always be here encouraging you to seek the things that help you reach that goal.  You deserve a life of joy.

I love you,

Mama