Dear Quinn,

If you can believe it, an entire year has passed by. A year since your dad and I made our way into Good Sam hospital in the dark night, me begging him to drive slow over the bumps because oh my gosh, you wanted out and you meant business!  So out you came and over the past twelve months you have transformed my heart into something I never knew it could become. I never knew how much I could love until I met you. It’s a bit cliche but I suppose that’s alright — because it really is true. One day when/if you have a child of your own, you’ll understand what I mean.

The first 8 weeks you were home was an adjustment to for all of us, me especially. I was probably overly concerned about doing things just right, and just so… I fretted and stressed over the same things that your dad would scoff at. However, weeks passed and we all settled in and before you knew it, the three of us were quite a team. While you and I spend most of our waking hours with each other, your Dad has his things he does with you, his bath nights with you and of course you two have your play time every evening.  And while the love you’ve got for your daddy clearly runs deep it’s safe to say that over this first year you have been a “mama’s girl” through and through. The need to have me in your presence is strong. Especially when you’re tired, sick or teething. You’re not one to sit in a room alone and play solo for any length of time. You’d much prefer that I sit with you, while you play, occasionally coming over to sit on my lap as you continue to play with your toys. You seem to be most content when Daddy and I are in the living room/playroom and you can ricochet back and forth between us.

I won’t lie, there are times when your “clinginess” feels like it’s going to wear me out. Sometimes I’ll try to tiptoe away from you while you’re playing, hoping you’re too preoccupied with your toy to notice I’ve taken 5 steps away from you, however, your little mommy-radar honing device sounds an alert and up you go in search of me. And while this all might get a wee bit exhausting at times, it also feels good. I love that I am your source of calm. I love that we have such a strong connection. So I’ve resigned to the idea that for a while longer, I will have a bathroom companion, who insists on unraveling the toilet paper and handing it to me. I know that this “clinginess” will one day fade. One day you’ll resist being held and your independence will thrive and you’ll beg me to leave you be.

I have many memories over the past 12 months where you’ve caught us off guard with some new thing you’ve learned. We look at each other and think, it’s too soon for her to be doing this. You rolled over at 3 months, not earth shattering, but it was the first big milestone and we were so excited. You also began teething at 3 months and cut your first tooth not long after that – which, BOO not as exciting because you’ve had some miserable moments thanks to those little chompers. You’re currently cutting molars on the bottom and they’re sort of kicking your butt, however you’ll soon be able to actually chew your food, verses “gum” your food which will be nice.

What else? Well, you’re wildly curious and extremely persistent. You want it all and it’s a constant game between you and I, on what non-baby item you can or cannot have. You have fallen in love with my iPhone and I would not be surprised if you end up with one for your 2nd birthday (joking, joking). You crawled at 8 months and walked at 11 months. And now, a month into walking, you’re sort of doing this speed-walking-zombie thing where your body is pitched forward, arms reached out, your knees lifting high, screeching “ooooooohhhh” as you walk. It’s quite hilarious but also slightly terrifying because it looks like you’re going to eat it at any given moment.

You have successfully learned a few signs: airplane, baby & more. You absolutely love airplanes — thanks to our house being in PDX’s flight path. Every morning we listen to plane after plane zoom overhead. You wave your little hand and say “mmmmmmmm” to mimic the sound of the plane above. You say a few words that are mostly only detectable by your dad and myself, however four things you say very well are: mama, ki-kaat (kitty cat), when asked, what does a lamb say: you reply with “bababa”, and what does a cow say? you reply with “mmmmmmmmm”. Your dad and I along with your grandparents are so impressed with this and we ask you to repeat them often, preferably on video.

Quinn, you have brightened our world more than I can describe. You can melt the stress of a day away with one of your smiles, waves, or even better – one of your kisses. Your dad and I are so proud to have you a part of our family. I can only imagine what the next year will bring for all of us. Happy Birthday sweet pea. I love you.