Sweet girl,

I can’t believe another month has come and gone already… Before I know it I’m going to blink and it’ll be your first birthday! We have moved on from a few stages this month, and I was so torn about it, but you’ve also picked up some fun little things too.

You are “talking” so much these days and I am just so curious what’s going on in that little head of yours. There are times where I swear I can see your mind working as you explore and learn new things. It is truly amazing how quickly you pick up new things. You have started clapping when we say “yay” and your Pops taught you to throw your hands up above your head when we say “ooooooooooooooo yaay!” Not 100% sure where that little gem came from, but it makes me smile every time.

You’re pushing boundaries all the time, but you’re still cautious too. You’ve gotten pretty good at walking while holding our hands, and you’ve taken a few steps in a row, but then you just fall into my lap. You could probably walk, but you aren’t too sure of yourself just yet. As much as I want you to know you can do it, I have to admit I’m so happy that I am your safe place. I’m the place you can take a step and fall into with abandon – knowing I’ll be there to catch you. I hope you know I’ll always be there for you that way. I may not always be able to catch you on your way down (and I may not always want to), but I will always be there to pick you back up and figure out the lesson learned.

While this month has been full of new things, I think the stages left behind are what stick out to me the most…

I think that only the heart of a mother can truly break and swell in the exact same moment. So it is to put to rest one stage and enter another… Equal parts pride, elation and mourning. But while I’m sad that another stage has been left behind, I am so full of excitement and enjoyment of the current stages and those to come. Thank you for teaching me to truly embrace things as well as teaching me how to let them go with a smile.