Time is filled with points that make you realize how quickly it is passing. Just this past weekend, the youngest of my nephews graduated from school. One of my other nephews graduates in May. They’re both taller than I, big guys that have the world in front of them and I’m so incredibly proud. They have big dreams and visions for their futures, and I know they have the persistence (and stubbornness – they come by it genetically) to achieve it all.
This week is Little Miss’s first birthday. I can’t believe the last year passed so quickly. It seems like it was just a few months ago that we were going to see the Avengers: Infinity War premiere with the hopes that I would be going into labor shortly after that. It doesn’t pass my humor that my husband and I are going to the next Avengers movie premiere this week.
Time always passes quicker than we plan. Years go by at the blink of an eye. But this past year seems to have gone by faster than most. Was it because we celebrated holidays more? Was it because we traveled for longer periods of time? Was it because I planned more of our weeks? Is it because I’m getting older so time just seems to slip by without me noticing?
It could be all of these things…
Or none of these things…
Or a combination of all of these things.
Whatever it is that caused this past year to feel like it went to fast, it happened. This past year is over. My Little Miss is a year old. She’s a toddler, exploring, getting into trouble, and learning more and more about her world.
So as her first birthday approaches, this is my letter to her, my second born, as well as to all the mamas. Life passes so quickly and we blink and they’re older.
My Sweet Little Miss,
I swear it was just yesterday that your daddy and I were sitting in the movie theater, thinking that maybe lightning would strike twice and another movie premiere would bring our babies. It was only a few hours later that that wish came true.
This year has passed so quickly, and there are times where I feel like I’ve missed things with you. I turned around and suddenly you were heavier to hold, suddenly you were longer than the carseat, suddenly you had so much hair.
Being a second baby was not always the easiest thing. You had to cry a little longer than your brother before I could pick you up sometimes. I know waiting is difficult, especially as a baby who just wants to be loved. I tried my hardest to get to you as quickly as I could.
You had toys that were passed down. Your brother got so many toys and they were in such wonderful condition, we knew you’d love them, too. You and Little Mister play with them together so nicely, I love watching you share.
But you are incredibly loved. The moments when you and brother are hugging, when you and brother are sharing toys, and when you are reading books together warms my heart.
For months before we knew you were coming I worried how I’d love you as much as your brother. I fretted over how I’d share my heart.
I worried for nothing.
You’ve taught me patience when I had little.
You’ve taught me how to multitask even better than I thought I could.
You’ve taught me to stop and enjoy even the little moments.
You’ve shown me love as you and your brother hold hands when you sleep.
You’ve shown me how headstrong and stubborn you are, just like me. I can’t say that I hate that about you… at least not all the time.
You’ve taught me how to persevere when I fall.
Being a first time mom to your brother was one experience. He taught me so many things about life. I hate to say that I thought I had it down. I thought I understood about being a mom.
I was wrong. You have taught me so much more. And I know you will both continue to teach me so much more as the years pass by.
This first year has passed. I’m sure I missed things that I wish I hadn’t. But there is so much more to come. There is so much more to experience. There is so much more for us both to learn.
So when the times are tough, when I’m about to lose all my wits, when you and your brother are driving me up a wall, I want to remember you when you were this small, when your little hand fit in mine, and when all you wanted was to snuggle up and nurse.
I once heard a saying – the days are long but the years are short. Whether it’s a good day or a rough day, I’m glad the days are with you. I’m glad I worried over nothing.
I’m glad I spent this last year loving you.
Love, Always and Forever,
Your mama.