Little Pennypot-
Yes, I am 11 days late in writing you your 1st year birthday letter. Oops! You already know how busy mama and daddy's life is, but I promise you that all this moving around is the path that we're working on to get us into the perfect home and perfect job for daddy. We just have to be patient. Luckily you love exploring new places so this new home has been a total adventure for you.
It seems like just yesterday that we brought you home. You were so small! As your mama I accepted you wholly for who you were, but looking back now it is simply unbelievable how perfectly portioned you were.
Every time I look at this picture of you at a mere 48 hours old, I'm astounded by how different yet the same you look. Every time I look at this picture, I am reminded of the very sudden waves of different emotions I had during those first two days. Utter and complete love. Fear, as your weight was dropping and I was so afraid of losing you (your dad did a great job at diffusing those fears, reminding me how strong you and I are). Admiration. Your smell. Literally intoxicating. I should also mention that for the first probably 6 weeks of your life you were usually only dressed in a diaper and wrapped in a snugly "luly." I preferred the skin on skin contact and honestly..was just too tired to dress you.
Looking at you now, still a short little cutie pie but in a very independent toddler frame. It was only a short while ago where all you needed was to lay snuggled inside of me, and later n my arms. Although we don't spend as much time laying together, it's become more special because now you search out mama or daddy's embrace.
Sweet Penelope, I never knew love until I met you. Love was stirred in my heart in ways it never has before, I never understood the depths of commitment or selflessness until I had you to care for. You were, are, the perfect reason to remember why every day is so precious.
Some of my most cherished memories in the past year..
- watching your daddy pat you to sleep on his chest to the tune of "Sweet Child of Mine" in your first couple weeks.
- the first time we shared a laugh together.
- you crawling around calling for mama or dada.
- the way you play ball with Squirty.
- as a newborn, how your cheeks would droop so low (almost to your shoulders) when you were so ready for a nap. You never cried for your naps, you just got very quiet, still, contemplative and droopy.
- how you know exactly what the Boppy represents and how quickly you come clambering over to me, demolishing everything in your path to get to me as quickly as possible!
- the look of recognition when you see your grandparents, uncles and aunts, and cousins.
- how absolutely tickled pink you used to be when you saw this silly chicken keychain that played the Chicken Dance.
- the certain icy blue your eyes turn when you are just about to fall asleep.
- how you wake up happy and with a clean slate every day. It's something I aspire to do too.
What a cute picture, and that dress is adorable!
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