A Letter for Lily On Her First Birthday

Written By: Rebecca Bittner

One year ago today you made me a mommy; someone I never imagined myself to be. Today my heart explodes with more emotions than I ever knew I had. It is really hard to believe that one year ago I felt true love. The kind people crave, the kind people dream of, the kind only some are lucky enough to have. Your love is genuine and pure, forgiving and unconditional, sweet and sassy.

At times, I wished that I could freeze moments with you. Stay in that moment forever. Yet as the next moment comes, you bring me more happiness, more joy. This past year will be forever cherished. I will capture every moment I can and hold onto it forever in my heart. That’s where I can freeze time.

Together we grew. You learned new things each and every day which has been so amazing to watch you play and explore the world around you. I also learned new things, we navigate through everything together.

As you learned, I learned…

You opened your eyes and started to smile. I learned what it meant to fall in love with someone at first sight over and over again.

Lily, you learned to breastfeed at first latch. I learned everything about milk quality, supply, nutrition, and pumping. Exhausting at times, yet something that remained only between me and you. I didn’t have to share you. You would rub my face, play with my hair and sometimes even giggle while nursing. I loved each and every time I had you all to myself this past year.

Then you started to coo, babble, talk, laugh and sometimes giggle uncontrollably. It was in those moments that I learned my new favorite sounds in the entire world.

As you learned to lift your head and roll over, I learned to celebrate in silence so I didn’t wake you as you were dreaming.

You started to sleep through the night, and I learned to appreciate the little things like getting a shower and a good night’s sleep.

Then you learned to sit up on your own. Oh boy, that was a big one♡ because it was at that moment I learned that you were not going to be my baby forever.

Oh my goodness, you have a love for the water. All water. The ocean, the bath, the dog bowl, water bottles, all water! I learned that it’s ok to get messy and be soaking wet. Being the perfect mom isn’t about looking perfect. A perfect mom is a present mom.

You learned

You learned to eat real food. And while I learned how to prepare baby purees and baby-led weaning recipes, I really learned that you were going to do things in your own time and more importantly, your own way. I learned that with you, trust is important. I had to trust you and let you try things on your own. I learned that everything is a phase and my role is to support you in your process.

Loving on your furbabies makes you happy You aren’t exactly gentle but we know it’s all with love. “Cat” was one of your first words! I learned I have good furbabies. They take what you give, even though you can’t control your “gentle” hands at times.

You learned to play with your toys and entertain yourself.

I learned it was ok that you didn’t need me to entertain you. I also learned that I needed that playtime with you to make my day complete.

You learned to make friends on your own.

I learned that being a working mom was not so bad. I learned that daycare was helping you (and me) grow. I also learned that it takes a village to raise a baby. We have an amazing village.

We celebrated every “first” holiday this year

Halloween was fun; we dressed up as dinosaurs. Thanksgiving was crazy and you ate new foods. Christmas was amazing as I watched what it was like through your eyes; the joy, the excitement, and the wonder. My goodness, it filled my heart with so much happiness.

You learned to give kisses… right on my lips and I learned that something so small really could take up the most room in my heart.

You learned to crawl, pull up to stand, and crawl up the stairs. I learned, not to hold my breath in fear of your fall, but to support you in all the wonderful things you could do.

You and daddy became partners in crime.

He taught you to play “get him” and tickled you until you laughed uncontrollably. I learned that it was possible to love daddy even more than I thought I could. I never knew how much I loved daddy until I saw how much he loved you. Our first dates, exotic vacations, and impromptu trips don’t even compare to our late night diaper changes, feedings, and delirious mid-day lunches. We wouldn’t change it for anything!

This past year you have grown so much. This past year has been the best year of my life. You, Lily Bear, are my princess, my heart and my reason. Happy birthday, Munk. We love you more than I’ll ever be able to put into words. Today we celebrate you!

I love you ❤