Dear Oliver,
Today marks your 1st birthday! It feels like only yesterday that we embraced you into our family. You have filled our days with joy beyond what we could have ever envisioned. From the very start, you’ve brought smiles and laughter into our lives, blending seamlessly with our lively family. The past year has flown by, and I’ve truly cherished every moment spent with you.
When others advised me to “savor every moment” with your siblings, I found it frustrating. It felt impossible amidst the chaos of tantrums and sleepless nights. I often wondered how time could possibly “fly by.” Yet, here I stand, seven years into parenthood, realizing just how swiftly it has all passed.
Looking into your tiny face on the night you were born, the wisdom of those words became clear to me. I recognized that the little quirks and traits you have would change before I even had the chance to appreciate them. The sleepless nights will come to an end, but so will those precious moments of cradling a tiny newborn against my chest. I promised myself to savor every fleeting second.
Despite this commitment to enjoy our time together, I cannot slow down the passage of time. The thought of it has become overwhelming and even a bit heart-wrenching. You are my last baby, and I wish I could pause time. Each milestone you reach is met with excitement, but it also signifies the end of a phase in your life — and mine.
In the lead-up to your birthday, I have experienced a mix of emotions. While planning your celebration has been a joyous endeavor, I’ve also had my share of melancholy nights. I find myself folding your tiny clothes and saying to your dad, “I can’t believe soon we won’t have any more babies.” It feels so selfish to feel this way during such a happy time, yet I struggle to accept that our youngest is turning 1 and that we are moving on from the baby stage.
But then a realization dawned on me: You will always be my baby, just like your siblings. Parenthood doesn’t end when you turn one. I will bid farewell to many cherished moments, but I will continue to be your parent for all the years to come. Your needs will evolve as you grow, but in my heart, you will always remain my little one. Your dad often jokes about how much we still do for your siblings, who are also still very much our babies. Many nights over the past year, they have needed me just as much, if not more, than you have. We often say, “Oliver is definitely the easiest!” I know I will miss holding you close, but regardless of how big you get, you will always hold that special place as my baby.
Today, we celebrate with joy, Oliver, as you turn one year old. You are blossoming, learning, and spreading your infectious joy all around. You have become the family’s little comedian, with nothing bringing you more delight than making your siblings giggle. Your love for hugs and the way your eyes light up when you see us is a constant reminder of the happiness you bring into our lives.
Happy birthday, dear boy. Always remember:
- You may not always grasp my hand with your tiny fingers, and the dimples on your hands will fade, but you will forever be my baby.
- You won’t always sit at my feet while I cook and gaze up at me with those big eyes, but you will always be my baby.
- You might not need me as much as you do now, but I will always be here, because you will always be my baby.
- I will miss the sweet scent of your hair after bath time when you curl up in my lap for storytime. Yet, I will be in awe when I hear you reading a book on your own for the first time.
- I’ll miss the silly way you crawl around, propelling yourself with one leg, but I will be your biggest cheerleader when you take those first steps, learn to run, and eventually drive on your own.
- I will fondly remember how you let me carry you around the house and wave at our reflections, but though we may not always walk side by side, I will always have your back.
You are no longer that 7-pound, 15-ounce bundle who arrived last January, and despite my efforts to freeze time over this past year, we are now ready to embark on new adventures in raising four amazing kids. Your needs will change, but you will always be my baby.
With all my love,
Mom