Dear Leo,
Today, you turn 1 year old! It feels like just yesterday when we welcomed you into our lives. You have filled our days with more laughter and happiness than we ever thought possible. From the very beginning, you’ve fit seamlessly into our lively family. Although this past year has raced by, I’ve made it a point to cherish every moment with you.
When people advised me to “savor every moment” with your siblings, I often found it overwhelming. Amidst the chaos of tantrums and sleepless nights, it was hard to comprehend how quickly time would pass. Seven years into parenting, and it’s astounding how fast it has all gone.
As I gazed at your tiny face on the night you were born, I finally understood the wisdom behind those words. I recognized that the little quirks of your infancy would evolve before I knew it. The sleepless nights would eventually fade, but so would the feeling of holding a snug newborn against my chest. I promised myself to truly embrace those fleeting baby moments.
Still, no matter how much I savor each second, time cannot be slowed. This realization has brought me both joy and sadness. You are my last little one, and I wish time could just take a break. Celebrating your milestones is exciting, but each one also signifies the end of a phase in your life—and mine.
In the lead-up to your birthday, I’ve been filled with mixed emotions. While the excitement of planning your celebration with your siblings has been wonderful, I’ve had moments of sadness too. When folding your tiny clothes, I’ve shared with your dad, “I can’t believe we won’t have any more babies after this.” It felt selfish to be sad during such a joyful occasion, but I wasn’t ready to let go of this chapter of my life. With you turning one, it means we are moving away from the days of newborns and counting ages by months.
But then it struck me: you will always be my baby, just like your siblings. Parenthood doesn’t end at one year old. I may bid farewell to many cherished experiences after your first birthday, but my role as your parent will continue for a lifetime.
As you grow, you will need me in different ways, but you will always hold a special place in my heart. Your dad often jokes about how much we do for your siblings, who will always be our little ones too. There have been countless nights where they needed me more than you did. We frequently say, “Leo is definitely our easiest.” While I will miss holding you close, I know that no matter how tall you grow, you will always be my baby. As the youngest of four, I anticipate hearing plenty of “Oh, Mom!” as I remind you that you’re the baby of the family.
Today, we celebrate you, Leo, and all the joy you bring. You are growing and learning each day. Your laughter is infectious, and you love making your siblings giggle. You crave affection and shower us with hugs. Your eyes light up when you see us, and your smile brightens our lives.
Happy birthday, my sweet boy. Always remember:
- You won’t always grasp my hand by just holding onto my finger, and those little dimples on your palms will fade, but you will always be my baby.
- You won’t always sit at my feet while I cook, gazing up at me with those big eyes, but you will 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 forever be my baby.
- I will miss the way your tiny head smells after bath time when we cuddle for storytime, but I will be in awe when I see you read a book independently for the first time.
- I will cherish how you crawled so quickly using one leg, but I’ll be your biggest cheerleader when you take your first steps, run, and eventually drive.
- I will miss carrying you around the house and waving at our reflections in the mirror, but even when we walk our own paths, I will always have your back.
- You’ll never again be that 7-pound, 15-ounce bundle of joy who arrived last January. Despite my best efforts to freeze time over the past year, it’s time to embrace the next great adventure of raising four wonderful kids. Your needs will evolve, but you will always remain my baby.
With all my love,
Mom