To My Youngest on Your First Birthday: You’ll Always Be My Little One

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Dear Finn,

Wow, today marks your first year! It feels like just yesterday when we were overjoyed to welcome you into our lives. You’ve filled our days with laughter and happiness beyond our wildest dreams. Right from the start, you blended seamlessly into our quirky family. Although this past year has whizzed by, I’ve made it a point to savor each moment.

When friends told me to “cherish every moment” with your siblings, I often rolled my eyes. In the chaos of tantrums and sleepless nights, it felt like an impossible challenge. How could time fly when the days dragged on? Yet, here I am, seven years into this parenting gig, and it’s astonishing how quickly it all goes.

On the night you arrived, looking at your precious little face, I finally understood what everyone meant. I realized those small, sweet moments would change before I knew it. I knew those sleepless nights would fade, but so would the bliss of holding a tiny newborn against my chest. So, I promised myself to truly cherish those fleeting baby moments.

However, no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t halt the march of time. And that realization hit me hard. You’re my last little one, and I wish time would slow down! Each milestone you reach is exciting, but it also means bidding farewell to a chapter in your life—and ours as well.

In the lead-up to your birthday, I won’t lie; it hasn’t been all balloons and cake. Planning this celebration with your siblings has been wonderful, but I’ve also had many nights filled with bittersweet thoughts. As I fold your tiny clothes, I find myself telling your dad, “I can’t believe next month we won’t have any babies anymore.” It feels selfish to be sad when we should be celebrating, but it’s hard to let go of this stage in our lives.

Then, it dawned on me: You will always be my baby—just like your siblings. Parenting doesn’t end after the first year. I might say goodbye to certain things I’ve loved, but I’ll be your parent for life. You’ll need me in new ways as you grow, but no matter how tall you get, you’ll always be my little one. Your dad often jokes about how we still do so much for your siblings, and it’s true! There have been countless nights where they’ve needed me just as much, if not more. We often joke, “Finn is definitely the easiest.”

Today, we celebrate you, my sweet Finn. You’re learning and growing every day, and your joy is infectious. Seeing you try to make your siblings laugh brightens our lives. You love snuggling and giving hugs, and your eyes sparkle when you see us—it’s a sight that lights up our home.

Happy birthday, my dear boy! Just know this:

• You may not always reach up to hold my hand by grasping my finger, and those adorable dimples on your hands will fade, but you’ll forever be my baby.
• You won’t always sit at my feet while I whip up dinner, gazing up at me with those big eyes, but you’ll always be my baby.
• You might not need me every day like you do now, but I’ll always be here when you do, because you will always be my baby.
• I’ll miss that sweet smell of your hair after bath time when you curl up on my lap for a story, yet I’ll be in awe when I see you read on your own for the first time.
• I’ll miss the adorable way you zoom around the house, pushing off with one leg, but I’ll cheer you on when you take your first steps, run, and eventually drive.
• I’ll miss carrying you around and waving at our reflections in mirrors, but even if we walk different paths, I’ll always have your back.

Though you’re no longer that tiny 7-pound bundle that came into our lives last January, and despite my attempts to freeze time over the past year, we’re about to embark on the exciting journey of raising four kids. Your needs will evolve, but you will always be my baby.

With all my love,
Mom

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Summary

On his first birthday, a mother reflects on the bittersweet emotions of her youngest child growing up. She cherishes the moments spent with him and acknowledges the challenges of letting go of babyhood. Despite the passage of time, she reassures him that he will always be her baby, regardless of how much he grows. This heartfelt letter captures the essence of parenting, love, and the beauty of every stage of life.