Dearest Sophie,
How can it be that at this moment one year ago today, you were delivered into my arms? After months of prayer and petition, you were finally mine. I woke up at 3:30 in the morning and got ready for the early morning drive. I did a little housework, fixed my hair and did my makeup, took one last look at your sweet little nursery and headed out the door. Your daddy drove us the forty-five minutes into town. The hospital was dark and quiet at 5 o’clock in the morning and we had our pick of parking spaces. I found twenty dollars in the pocket of my maternity coat as we walked across the crosswalk. A good omen, perhaps. I got butterflies as we checked into labor and delivery and found myself undressing and fastening a hospital gown again. This time there was no uncertainty, no long night without food, no painful contractions, no waiting. After a few hours of preparations and paperwork, I said goodbye to your sister on the phone and was wheeled into the operating room for delivery. I asked Dr. Gregory if there would be stitches or staples, I prayed with your daddy, I was shaking and cold from the epidural. At this moment one year ago today, you came out of my body purple and wrinkled and quiet as a mouse. You haven’t been quiet since.
Today you are a spunky little toddler with big blue eyes and the most infectious grin I’ve ever seen. You yell at me in the mornings until I come to your room. You light up when I crack the door – it’s almost like you are so surprised I came back and can’t believe you get to see me again. Believe me when I tell you that it is the single most fulfilling moment of my day. You reach for me and stretch your arms up high until I sweep you up in my arms. You lay your head on my shoulder and give me a love pat on my back before we get dressed. You are such a mommy’s girl and I love it.
You finally have more than 2 teeth in your mouth and it makes you look so big. There are three on top now and one more on the way. You’ve started grinding them together and it makes my skin crawl; why is that so fun for you? We’ve started brushing your teeth at night before bed and first thing in the morning. You love it and already do such a good job on your own. It is so sweet because when you’re done you lean over to put your toothbrush back on the shelf. You are so independent already.
You get better and better at walking everyday. We say you look like my dad’s mother because your upper body wants to move so fast, but your legs can’t quite keep up! Sometimes you stumble because your head is so far ahead of your feet. You are getting faster and can almost run when you really try. You are starting to carry things in your hands when you walk and are even able to drink out of your cup while moving now. What a multi-tasker you are.
We have started giving you whole milk instead of formula for the last few weeks and I’m so happy to report that you love it. You are drinking a little less, but I’m chalking that up to the increased appetite and trying not to worry about numbers so much. We’re still working on the sippy cup, but you get better at it everyday. Your favorite things to eat right now are spaghetti, ravioli and hotdogs and you love to sip out of a straw. We have to be careful, just yesterday you almost got a big swig of Ella’s sweet tea since it was left low enough for you to reach!
You have the sweetest little spirit and are the happiest baby I know. You almost never have a frown on your face and find everything funny. You have started giving a voice to your feelings, though, which never fails to get a laugh. I wouldn’t say you are a “fit pitcher” just yet, but you certainly let it be known when you are unhappy in your surroundings. Earlier in the week you told me “no, no, no” when I tried ending bath time a little too soon for your liking and you let everyone know when Ella is loving on you a little too much.
There are so many little things that I love about you… You love to sit outside on the front porch swing and fly as high as we can. You love velcro and will unfasten and refasten Ella’s shoes a hundred times if we’ll let you. You know that the doorstop between your rooms keeps you out and you don’t like it one bit. You think every chair will rock and try to make it so. You know that the decorations in the dining room are for you and will point when we ask “Where is Sophie’s party?” You point at everything. You love to put magnets on the dryer door when it’s tumbling. You look for your daddy as soon as we come out of your room… every single time. You give great, slobbery kisses, right on the lips. Sometimes, you’ll play with your own hair and grin so big like you cannot believe that stuff is up there
I could list a hundred reasons why you are my best girl, but then I’d just have a hundred more and a hundred more after that. You are an incredible blessing and I will never fail to thank God every time I see your face. You were the answer to a thousand prayers and will be cherished every moment of your life. I cannot wait to see you this morning… to hold you and snuggle you on your very first birthday. I anticipate that moment almost as much as I did twelve short months ago.
I love you more than the moon.
Mom
