Dear Lily,
Today at 1:55 a.m., you were exactly one year old. Precisely five minutes later, all the clocks leaped forward an hour. And then you woke up with a brand new tooth. It seems the whole year has gone that way, time disappearing in huge chunks as you hurtle past each milestone.
This year has gone by in a blur, as I knew it would. Your daddy, big sister and I are so happy you're part of our family--it's been a true joy getting to know you. It's also delightful to see you and your sister develop a bond. Recently, Maggie was home sick from school. You were at daycare, but Maggie kept forgetting and asking, "Mom, can you go wake Lily up now?" Maggie misses you when you're apart, and your face glows when she enters the room.
You had a rough start, but quickly rallied and have been a robust little thing ever since. You have only two teeth (three as of today!), but make short work of any food we put in front of you. You have a smile for everyone and you're quick to warm up to strangers. You love to give hugs and make kissy noises.
You have a few words: uh-oh, cat, duck and/or quack (not sure which!), and sometimes mama and dada. While your sister at this age had a quiet but persistent "Eh? Eh? Eh?" for everything else, you rely on an emphatic, ear-splitting "EHHHHHHHH!"
You've recently started getting from place to place by scooting on your bottom. It's unconventional, but effective, and I love to hear the smack!shhh...smack!shhh...smack!shhh of you dragging yourself across a room. You are starting to pull up on one knee, and I know once you find your feet, we are in big trouble! You love music, and any tune starts you bouncing and rocking, clapping and smiling. I can't wait to see what happens when you get your legs under you.
Left: Mel and Lily (two days old), March 10, 2008. Right: Maggie, Mel and Lily (one year old), March 8, 2009
I've often heard women pregnant with a second child worrying that it will be hard to love a second as much as the first. I never for a moment had that worry: from the moment I knew you were coming, my heart grew as you grew, and I have no doubt that it will continue to grow with you forever.
Love,
Mama
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