Letters To My Daughters: Karina’s First Birthday

Dearest Karina,

I can’t believe it has been an entire year since you were born. Seems like just yesterday I was suffering through one of the hottest summers ever, eating frozen grapes constantly, walking with swollen ankles and praying I’d meet you soon. I thought for sure I’d go over my due date, but to my delight, you decided to make your appearance six days shy of it.

It was a tough labor, but together, we did it. The moment they put you on me was up there with the greatest moments of my life. You immediately latched and I fell in love {well, after my body recovered from shock}. I laughed when they told me you were 9 lbs, 2 oz. Just one ounce bigger than your big sister and born two full weeks before she was. You haven’t stopped growing and are catching up with her quick.

Photo by Lara Douglas Photography

I think that slightly early arrival set the stage to the little lady you’d become. You do things on your terms — from refusing to ever drink from a bottle to doing whatever it takes {screaming, crying, charming} to get exactly what you want. You and me? We’re a lot alike. Just like me, your happy temper can go from 0 to 60 in about a millisecond. I don’t blame you — we just know what we like, right baby girl? I can dig a little feistiness, but please don’t make me regret saying that when you are a teenager.

Despite your persistence, you have blossomed into such a cutie patootie, and are quick to make smile or laugh. My heart swells each morning when I get you up — you are always smiley and happy. You love watching our ceiling fans, dance anytime you hear music, wave your little chubby baby hand around and say “hi” and always insist on feeding yourself. In fact, your appetite is amazing…I’m pretty sure you can eat as much as me! You were quick to reject baby food, and I love how open you already are about trying new foods — from tilapia to tofu. I hope that continues because mama would love a partner for experiencing all types of global cuisine.

You can play independently pretty well, but prefer being in the same room as your big sis. She makes you smile the most, and we get such joy watching you come at her with a big open-mouthed kiss, or “talking” at her, always saying your favorite words: “WOW!” and “What zat?” When you’re not admiring your sis, you are trying to climb up my leg. You are absolutely a mama’s girl. I jokingly call you my “stage 5 clinger.” Don’t tell anyone, but I secretly love it since your sister is such a daddy’s girl, but I do hope you find your independence in the years ahead.

Photo by Portrait Innovations

You seem to be taking after your sister in the milestone department. Here we are at one year old and still no teeth. But you are crawling and attempting to take steps. This isn’t my first rodeo as a parent…so I’m not pushing you to do anything — I know you will achieve it all in your own time. In the meantime, I will take up whomever is willing to hold your hands and walk you around because, baby girl, my back is starting to hurt 😉

Our mornings together are something I will always hold close in my heart. You peacefully nurse, looking up at me with your amazing blue eyes and will pull away ever so often just to give me a big grin, or squeeze my index finger with your little fingers. It makes me melt every day, and I can’t imagine life without you in our family. I can’t even write this post without getting choked up. You seriously have filled my heart in a spot I didn’t even know existed until you came along.

Baby girl, I just love you. I tell you that about 50 times a day when I cover you with kisses, and I have no intentions of ever stopping. You’re our Hammy Mcgee, our Hameroni, our Kars and our Kar-borator. You make us all smile. Thank you for bringing our family such immense joy.

Photo by Lara Douglas Photography

Cheers to your first year, sweetie. I hope the year ahead fills you with courage, curiosity, and plenty of moments that make you belly giggle.

Kisses,

Mama