Happy 1st Birthday

Dearest Molly,

It was a big weekend for you: not only did you have all 4 grandparents cooing over you, but you turned ONE YEAR OLD!! Yes, that’s right. One year ago this past weekend, you made the difficult journey out of my body and into this world. It was amazing. You are amazing.

Even after one year (or especially after one year?) we’re both having difficulty with that transition into separateness. Me, with letting go of you and trusting that you will be okay. You, with letting me out of your reach. Ever. Fortunately, you feel similarly about Zach, but recently you’ve just had issues with anyone behaving as if they are going to walk away from you. Sometimes, when Zach and I are both there, you can’t decide who to cling to harder. My poor dear, we have absolutely no intention of leaving you permanently. I may leave for a few hours, but I promise that I do rush home to see you as soon as possible!

My parents flew out for the weekend to be with you and we all drove down to visit with Zach’s parents for your birthday. We enjoyed a break in the rainy weather, a nice walk with the red wagon, and some yum-i-licious carrot cake, courtesy of Charlie (aka Pa).

At one year of age you are doing ridiculously well. You’re still studying the standing/walking thing, but we’re all convinced that any day now you’ll just start doing it. Actually, technically you can stand and walk now, but you’re not admitting to it yet. We’ve seen you do it, but as soon as anyone notices you sit right down. It seems like that’s your style: study until you can do it well.

I think you’re also doing that with the talking – I hear you whispering sweet nothings to your daddy (da-da, da-da, da-da) or to Sadie the cat (cah, cah, cah… a-die, a-die). Zach has also been taking you to a sign language play group (when you don’t fall asleep in the car). You seem to enjoy mimicking the hand gestures, and you’ve even gotten a couple of signs down (such as “hat” – your buddy Nate’s favorite – and something that might be “water” or “food”).

All in all, it’s been an amazing year. A wild ride. The beginning of what promises to continue to be an incredible journey. I’m absolutely looking forward to watching you grow and learn about yourself and the world around you. Keep studying, we’ll be here to applaud all your first steps.