A Letter to Natalie

Dear sweet Natalie,

At this very moment, 365 days ago, I was laboring.  Hard.  Couldn't move, couldn't breathe, could barely keep my eyes open.  The waiting seemed endless.  Three failed epidurals, 9 1/2 centimeters dialated...then came the words c-section.  And I couldn't really think of anything except for the pain being over and finally holding you in my arms, baby girl.
Finally, at 9:21p.m., you arrived.

I vividly remember looking at you for the very first time.  Studying your features, comparing them to mine, or to your Daddy's.  Counting your long, slender fingers.  Kissing your wrinkly little feet.  Rubbing my hands over your soft fuzzy head.  Kissing the most perfect little rosebud mouth that I have ever seen.  You were absolutely perfect.  I will not ever forget your smell, the sound of your cry, and way you looked at me.  It was as if you were saying Oh, Mommy, there you are. 
Bringing you home and settling into life as a family of three was joyous and exhausting.  You were a good baby from the beginning, sleeping and nursing well.  I cherished each day with you, spent countless hours holding you, swaddling you, rocking you, snuggling you, kissing you, singing to you, and adoring you.

The next few months were filled with so many milestones.  Watching you hold up your head, roll over, smile, coo, sleep through the night, cut teeth, sit up, scoot, crawl, pull up, walk.  First holidays, first outings, first words, first days at daycare.  Watching you learn and grow has been the most incredible experience of my life.  I am filled with pride each time I see you do something new.  Now, when you make a discovery, your eyes light up and your squeal with delight.  Your joy is absolutely infectious!  Nothing in this world makes me smile the way you do.

This past year with you has been so fun, so sweet, so challenging, so busy, so exhausting, so beautiful, so perfect.  I cannot believe how quickly time has gone by.  Before my eyes, my little baby has grown and grown.  As we heads towards the toddler stage, I marvel at you little girl.

You are beautiful, smart, funny, talented, bossy, sassy, sweet, cuddly, happy, inquisitive, determined, impatient, loving, and simply one-of-a-kind.  Each day you make me laugh.  How lucky I am to have you!

My love for you is endless.  It is bigger than you'll ever know.  God gave me a special and precious gift on the day you were born.  I will be forever thankful for you, Natalie.

Happy Birthday!

Love & Kisses,
Mommy