I like to write little stories, little books and lots of letters. Writing compliments the stories I tell with my camera and I cannot imagine a day where I didn’t write or photograph something. I have vowed to write letters to my girls each year on their birthday. I want to tell them a bit about who they are, what they’ve done that year and how very much I love them. So, here’s a post without pictures, only words written for my sweet Juliet on the eve of her first birthday.
Dear Juliet,
This time last year I was kissing Amelia good night for the last time as an only child. This time last year I was eating a giant burrito from Freebirds because I knew it would be a very long time before I’d eat again. This time last year I was mama to one gorgeous little girl and waiting in anxious anticipation for what the next day would bring. This time last year my world was about to change, I just didn’t know how much.
I cannot believe that you’re already a year old. It sounds so cliche to say ”oh they grow so fast, it seems like only yesterday we were bringing Juliet home from the hospital.” Well, it’s true. When you’re a mom you will understand what I mean when I say that the days can sometimes drag (thank.you.very.much teething/tantrums/not enough sleep), but the weeks, months and years simply fly by when you have children. You do indeed grow and change too quickly.
There’s a newfound amazement that I have as a mom now that you’re here. At this time last year the awesome reality of having two children was just sinking in. Now I look back upon those moments and think, “wow, Kelley, you had no idea how awesome this would really be.” You and your sister have each other and that bond is something I have always longed for. I grew up with two brothers and was able to see that dynamic, but I never fully saw the bond and love that was possible between sisters. You and your sister already snuggle, wrestle, argue and fight with each other over the same things. I already have a glimpse of what your teenage years will be like, you’ll hang out in bed painting each others’ toes, you’ll throw things at each other and you’ll fight over the same clothes, boys, friends and more. I can’t say I’m ready for those things, but I hope that I will be when we get there. I am thankful beyond words for the opportunity to be your mom and watch you and your sister grow up.
You’re on the verge of walking and your world is getting bigger and bigger each day. I will hold your little hands as you walk and support you each time you tumble. And when you pull yourself back up I will grab you by the hands and run with you through this big beautiful world.
You’re a mover and shaker, a climber, a squeeler and a squaker, a big time talker, a flirt, a lover, a super awesome snuggler and you show me each and every day that you love me like no other. I always tell people that you were born smiling, it’s true, you smiled almost instantly and you’ve never stopped. I love it that you’re all smiles the moment you see my face and I love it that you cry when you see me walk away. I know it’s because you love me so much that it makes you sad to see me go and one day you will understand that I love you more than you could possibly ever love me. I love you so much that it takes my breath away.
My wish for you now and always is that you’re kind, loving, compassionate, giving, devoted and above all happy. Long before you came into my world I wished upon every star I saw and my wish was always:
Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might
Have this wish I wish tonight.
I always wished for the same thing, for love and everlasting happiness. I know that my wishes have come true and I cannot imagine a world without you.
Happy First Birthday my sweet Juliet.
Love,
Mommy
If you want to see some of her 1 year pictures click HERE.
