Today I’m continuing baby C’s first birthday series by sharing a note I wrote to him for the occasion. I poured all of my first-time mom emotions onto paper the night before he officially turned 1, after the last time I laid my baby boy down to sleep when his age could still only be counted in months. To reflect back on your first year of motherhood is surreal—all of the moments from Day 1 to Day 365 suddenly seem fleeting, and you can’t help but long for the days of basking in the awe and wonderment of your newborn baby. But you quickly remember that you have amazing adventures ahead and many, many more firsts to experience with your little one, and that brief sadness turns into excitement once again. Motherhood is nothing short of a beautiful journey.
my sweet c at 3 weeks old, holding my finger and looking up at me ♥ (Simply That Photography)
My darling,
Nothing can come close to matching the intensity of emotions I felt the moment I saw you for the first time and held you. You were breathtakingly beautiful and still are. In that moment, you showed me exactly what I am living for. You filled my heart and revived my soul. You gave me the privilege of being a mom. One year ago your life was just beginning, and in a different kind of way, mine was too.
It’s your birthday. Your first one! A year has flown by and it’s a bittersweet feeling—I’m a little sad that you’ve grown so much from the fragile baby I brought into this world, but at the same time I’m so happy to watch you grow and discover every part of it.
From the long nights I rocked you in my arms and nursed you to sleep, to the first time you looked at me and smiled, to your first laugh that was the most joyous sound I’ve ever heard, to every milestone you’ve reached. The sweet music to my ears when you babble on and on about Mama Mama Mama. Being your mother takes my breath away. You are my saving grace—the best part of me, the best decision I ever made, the best thing I ever did.
I know one day you’ll be grown, but to me, you’ll always be my baby boy. Your first year of life has been the best year of mine. I love the way you adoringly look up at me and touch my cheek. I love your wide-open-mouth kisses that you plant on my lips over and over again. I love that the sound of my voice when I sing to you soothes you. I love to touch your soft baby skin and brush your hair with my fingers while you sleep. I love to whisper I love you when you’re nestled in my arms. And I do; I love you more than I could ever put into words. I hope you feel it.
Happy birthday, my precious baby. I love you to the ends of the Earth. More than all the stars in the sky, more than yesterday and less than tomorrow, more than you will ever know.
Love,
Your Mama
Awwww…that’s a very sweet letter. ❤️
Thank you :)
What a beautiful letter, so full of love <3
Thanks so much :)
Let me just wipe the tears out of my eyes really quick … haha! So sweet. So true.
Haha! Thank you, Nikki :)
Such a beautiful letter. I miss the tiny little form of my daughter too. Wish I could somehow go back to that time when she was so fragile and small and witness all of her 1st times like first smile, first crawl etc. I found your post through Monday Manic Bloghop and I am glad I did :)
That is so sweet of you to say, Jaya. Thank you. I’m just trying to soak it all in while my son is still little. I know I’ll also miss all of those things you mentioned when he’s grown. So glad you stopped by :)
Oh my…who’s chopping onions in here? Nobody? That’s just me crying. This was very sweet. I felt the same way when my babies each turned one. Great way to commemorate the special occasion. #MommyMeetupMondays
Aww, thank you, Danielle. I’m glad I’m not the only one crying over here! ;)
Beautiful. And what a smart idea :)
Thanks so much, Tasmin!
Such a beautiful letter! Motherhood is so full of wonder, especially in that first year! Thank you for sharing with us at #MommyMeetupMondays!
Motherhood certainly is, Brandyn. I’m looking forward to everything that year two will bring. Thank you!
Aw, the scary, bitey, slobbery open-mouthed kisses are the best, aren’t they.
They are :) :) :)
So very sweet! I wish I would have written my thoughts down for my boys when they were babies.
Thanks so much, Jennifer!
I keep telling myself I’ll do this and I’m so bad at following through. My son’s 2 now and I’m pregnant with my second but you’ve inspired me to start writing them notes starting now. Very beautiful letter your son will love it when he’s older.
I hope he does :) Thank you, Luanita. So exciting to be pregnant with baby #2—best wishes!
Oh, this is so beautiful! Happy birthday to your little guy… so many more wonderful moments are in front of you! Thanks for linking up at the Manic Mondays blog hop!
Thank you! I’m looking forward to them all!
Wow what a beautiful post for your stunning little baby. You made me teary and broody at the same time. He will love this looking back one day. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
Thanks, dear! xo
How special this is!
Thank you so much, Anne!
Such a beautiful idea. My kids are no longer babies, but this makes me want to write them each a letter right now so they can read it later and know just how much I love them, but also so I can look back on it and remember this point in time.
I think that’s a great idea. They will love and appreciate it so much one day when they’re older. Letter writing is such a breath of fresh air in our digital age :)