We waited and waited for you to come along. It took many tries, and at times was very trying, but when we realized that it was you that we got, it was all worth it.
You came on a very snowy day in the early evening of January 5th. You were so excited to get here that you came in a rush before Grandma and Grandpa could return from the cafeteria, before any doctor was available to deliver you, and before Mommy could get the epidural she planned on.
Your big sister came to meet you at the hospital and gave you a pink teddy bear named "Pa-Bear-iet". Get it? That bear is the one in your room up on the shelf.
The first few weeks were tough, of course, because you were just a new little baby and you had many needs. At times, things got really tough especially in the breastfeeding department. So many times I wanted to give up and thought I just couldn't do it. You didn't let me quit and I am very thankful for that and proud of us both. Now, when do you think you'll be wanting to give that up? Soon? Real soon?
As the days, weeks, and months continued your giant personality started to shine. You started smiling, and then giggling, and then making raspberries.
You got teeth! At 4 months you had 4 teeth and now you have 8. You have a great, toothy, jack-o-lantern smile.
You love babies. I mean you are crazy for babies. "Baby" was your first word. You have many little dollies that are just the right size for you and you love to hug them and say "awwwww".
You have a few nicknames. We mostly call you Harriet but you are also known as Hattie, Bugsy, Little Devil, El Diablo, and Ficus (this is due to the affinity you have for the leaves and dirt belonging to the plant of the same name in our house)
You are ticklish under your arm pits and you giggle like, well, like a little girl whenever you get tickled.
You are very easygoing and a great sleeper. For this, I have forgiven the no-epidural situation.
You are a big girl. You are tall and everyone looks at you and says you will be a basketball player. That will be fine if it gets you some kind of scholarship someday but, sweetie, judging from your parents' athletic ability I think you should plan on hitting the books pretty hard.
You love food. You love to eat most anything and there seems to be no end to your appetite. I say most
anything because even though you regularly dine on paper, stickers, lint, and strings you will spit out an egg, cooked by any method, the second it touches your tongue.
You are in love with your dad. You light up and say "da-da" when you see him, hear him, or are reminded of him in any way. This love is completely mutual.
You are just about to start walking and you are standing up by yourself more and more each day.
You love it when I lip sync and dance to Hanson's "MMMBop" in the kitchen for you. You don't seem to judge me for listening to Hanson's "MMMBop"
You only have eyes for your big sister. She makes you belly laugh, holds your hand in the car, and is teaching you sign language. It doesn't matter what she is doing, you just want to watch her.
You have had one birthday party so far with Grandma and Grandpa and another is on the way this weekend. Today, Eloise and I just celebrated with you by taking you to Nordstrom for lunch and buying you your first pair of shoes.
Mostly though, today I just stared at you in disbelief. I was trying to picture that tiny new born baby you were, marveling at the little toddler you have become and wondering where all the time went.
I love you, Harriet.
What a beautiful way to mark the first year!
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