happy birthday, child of my heart.
this time, one year ago, you made your presence known and sent me to sit in the tub and hum my way through waves of contractions.
in a few short hours, you pushed your way through, popping the ocean that held you, shoving your way down a narrow canal, snuggling in my pelvis, and finally popping out like a cork.
in less than a second, you screamed in fury. never have i laughed so delightedly at yells of anger. yes, anger, you were truly pissed. and not only did you scream at us, but just to make sure we really understood, you pooped on me and then attempted to scoot your little self right off my deflated belly.
you and i slept together that night. side by side for the first time. well, you slept, and i held you. too full of awe to close my eyes.
over the next twelve months, you shed your lizard skin, grew a funny half-outey belly button, raised your head, and focused your eyes. your eye lashes reach to the moon. your tiny hands are not so tiny any more. your long long feet have long long toes that help you stay upright.
you are neither an over-grown fetus nor an infant. you are a little girl. a beautiful, independent, intelligent, inspiring, adventurous, cautious, thrill-seeking, laughing, dancing, singing, kissing, babbling child.
happy birthday, child of my heart.
here’s to many more years of wonder.
This was very beautiful. My daughter will be 12 months at the beginning in December. I don’t know if I’m looking forward to it or dreading it. But, I do have a couple more months to decide. Thank you for this post.
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