To Josie on her First Birthday

My dearest Josie,

If you ever take the time to read through my blog, what will in your time be a relic of communication, you will see that your dad and I were so excited to have you.  We were giddy as can be for your arrival one year ago.  Let me tell you, you blew that hype right out of the water.  You surpassed even our greatest expectations.

You are a very happy baby.  I feel as though you were born smiling and you haven’t stopped since.  Do your cheeks get sore?  You’re very good at going with the flow, even when I drag you all around town and you’re either confined to a carseat or a stroller.

You are a massive people person.  Sometimes when we are out walking the neighborhood, you can have a breakdown, crying away in your stroller.  But, without fail, when a person walks by, you immediately stop crying, smile and give them a little wave. As soon as the stranger has left your sight, you resume crying, ever faithful to your cause of being heard.

Quiet, you are not.  You recently discovered the absolute highest shrill your voice can go to and you really like to exercise those vocal chords.  You’re pretty convinced that screaming loudly is another way of happily cheering.  No, these are not screams of terror or frustration.  Rather, these are shrills of joy and happiness, even if we are in a restaurant.  You want everyone to know just how happy you are.

Your eyes light up as soon as your dad comes home from work.  You two have a very special relationship.  And, a little secret, you’ve already got him wrapped around your finger.  So go ahead and try to go rampant with those credit cards you love pulling out of my wallet.  Kidding – don’t you dare, little missy.

Those eyes of yours that light up the world are stunning.  Big brown beautiful eyes with perfect round cheeks and adorable baby curls sprouting out of your growing hair.  But it’s your sweet personality that really brings all that beauty forth.

We are so truly blessed.  You’ve brought us more joy than we knew and our love has doubled over.  You’ve made the world and life more profound and precious.  We’ll continue to thank our lucky stars that you are ours all the days of our lives.

Happy first birthday, my love!!