One year ago today, I was inside a hospital room, my eyes closed tight to the pain that came in unrelenting waves; searing, burning pain. Wave after wave after wave, crashing and taking me down until it seemed too much. Until finally. Finally, the sweet relief of being emptied and filled to overflowing all at once as my son was born and laid on my chest.
A tiny bundle of love. A perfect fit in my arms.
The rolling, the sitting, the standing, the walking, the running, the climbing. They all have joined us now. The babbling and the noises; the jumble of words that is making its way out. The hands that love to find the buttons; to clap; to wave. The ears that love the music and body that can’t help but dance to his favorite; Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The smiles; his eyes that light from within and spill out joy. The kisses; a wet sloppy letter O that presses against my cheek. The hugs; arms that now wrap a neck and squeeze, the giving back of what he has been given. The games of chase and hide. The learning; the being told no; the will that is emerging. The nose that crinkles; in wonder, delight, surprise, mischief; pureness of emotions. The laugh that erupts and bubbles out; contagious.
All this, and too much more for my heart to tell you; 365 days have filled.
This day of your birth, I say to you, Happy Birthday my sweet boy. This year of discovering life with you has been immense and yet so quick. I never knew all that my heart could hold until I held you in my arms. My arms will never be too small, or you too big; sweet baby, who today, you are one!
Hannah, I love the way you put things into writing. Thank you for sharing your heart. You have a gift of communicating in a very sweet way. Happy Birthday, ONE year old!