Dear Delaney

My little love, you're one!

12 months ago my life completely changed when your perfectly round little head was first placed on my chest.  Even today, there's still no feeling I treasure more. Your tiny heartbeat against mine, that soft, slow breathing, and the baby soft touch of your skin.  It doesn't happen as often as it did in those first few weeks of your life, but when it does I soak in every second.  Knowing that I have a part in who you are is the greatest joy I will ever know.

If I'm being honest, I was struggling with you turning one.  Even during the hardest days of early motherhood (and my goodness they are hard) I still really loved the infancy months.  I have an obsession with babies...always have...and I'm sure I always will.  So I couldn't help but get sentimental that you would never be a tiny baby again.

But thankfully these days I pretty much have an obsession with one-year olds. Specifically you. ;) 

check out those CHOMPERS (you are so proud)

Especially when the month leading up to your first birthday was as fun as this past one.  You are a busy, vibrant, intelligent, focused, determined, curious, silly and loving little girl.  At times you can be very shy and will cling to us, but those moments can easily be followed by bursts of independence and fearlessness. 

You also seem to be fascinated by music, it's a quick tool that not only soothes but also entertains you. You're becoming quite the copy cat, and it's so fun to watch you learn.  Just recently your Mimi taught you Patty Cake and SO BIG, and Aunt Ren taught you to High 5 and make the fishy face.  It's unbelievable for me to see what a little sponge you are at this age. You also have a bit of tomboy in you, throwing balls, playing outside in the grass and dirt, pushing anything with wheels, and chasing Beau throughout the house.  You can be stubborn when we tell you NO (Ex. splashing in Beau's water or stealing his food), and you are learning to push the envelope when it comes to what you can and cannot play with (hello round 2 of baby proofing, and replacement phone #1 due to Delaney drool in the keyboard).

Yes, you're a little girl on the go.  And thankfully our amazing crisp fall weather was perfect for bundled up trips to the park and the zoo

And speaking of the zoo, this may be your favorite place on earth.  Animals continue top the list in your world - YOU ARE obsessed.  Lambeau is still numero UNO,  but elephants, monkeys, chickens and pigs are also a big hit. You're favorite books involve animals, and you're becoming a pro at the noises that go along with each.  

 lady bug lady bug fly away home

And as I mentioned in your last monthly letter, your first Halloween lived up to all expectations.  You seemed to like being dressed up as a baby chick, both your Daddy and I had a hard time keeping up with you and those wobbly flippers.  

You were completely fascinated by the big kids trick-or-treating.  Thankfully, if things got too scary your Daddy and your stuffed animal Beau were close by. 

Yep, all of these special times helped drive away my birthday blues.  And how could I be sad when your birthday started like this?  You woke up giddy, thrilled by the balloons and decorations the birthday fairy left on your door while you were sleeping. ;)

 And even with sleep still in my eyes, I knew it was going to be a good day.

A very good day.

We were lucky enough to have your Mimi, Bapa, and Aunt Ren here with us to celebrate all day long.  Another trip to the zoo, spaghetti dinner on your new "special plate", lots of fun presents and your new FAVORITE...cake.

Yep, I think it's safe to say...

you really...

really...

REALLY...

loved that cake. ;)

Yes, it was a very good day indeed.  And when I rocked you to sleep that night I couldn't help but think back to the first night I held you in my arms in that hospital bed.  Having you, being your mom, watching you grow is literally proof that I've done right in this world.  All the big decisions, little decisions and moments in between somehow led me to your Daddy.  And finding him, loving him and marrying him led me to you.   Perfect little YOU Delaney Ann.

"On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, life will never be the same.  Because there had never been anyone like you...ever in the world.

On the Night You Were Born
-Nancy Tillman 

Someday, when you read these letters I know you may laugh at your sappy mama.  But just know, you've changed me.  You've made me better, stronger, more aware, more thankful, more blessed than I could ever imagine.  I can't wait to see where life takes us...and I promise I'll keep writing.  It may not be as often, and I may not be able to wrestle you in that chair any longer, but I will keep writing.  Because to remember all of this allows me to go back to the days when you were my tiny baby, my squirmy 6-month old, my toddling 1-year old.   

I love you to the moon and back one million times over Delaney. Thank you for this year you gave me. 

All my heart,
your mama.