Happy Birthday Addison Remi

I wrote a page of notes, filled with all the things I wanted to say. The thoughts were disorganized without any sort of order to what I was feeling or thinking. I often come up with all the right words in my head and the second I try to write it out, nothing happens. When it comes to you, there really never will be the perfect thing to say. Loving your child isn’t something I could ever describe or explain, as I’m sure many parents could relate.

But Happy Birthday anyway. Your first 365 days with us and us with you were so special. You were born in a weird time: the world is still adjusting to a new set of boundaries and rules that are always changing and can be hard to get used to. Protecting you is always a priority but we also want you to live fully. We want you to build relationships and find connections in the people around you. We don’t want to shelter you but we are trying our best to be responsible too. I can’t say we’ve figured it all out yet and we won’t ever be perfect at this- but I choose to believe you and all the kids your age will understand and appreciate love & life differently than the rest of us.

I wish I could summarize all that you are in a short paragraph. But in the last month alone you’ve certainly become your own person. Your personality shines in the most beautiful ways and your smile is unmatched. Take it from your mom, who has been reminded too many times to count that she doesn’t smile enough, you are the complete opposite. Your infectious grin has made waves everywhere we go and strangers are overjoyed to point it out and strike up a conversation to let us know. You’ll read things all the time about simple gestures that can make all the difference to a person. You’ll hear people say that a simple hello, wave, or kind act can turn someone’s day, week, or life around. Your smile has the potential to change the world one day and I want to do everything possible to make sure you are always this happy. I know you’re destined to be great and I believe God chose you to be a light for others.

Your sister’s biggest fan is you. You laugh at her constantly, babble when she’s on the phone or when you see her picture, and look for her when she isn’t here. You don’t realize how special that makes her feel and we love to witness your relationship grow every moment you get with one another. You only like to climb up the slide and down the ladder, hold onto the lime juice bottle as you browse the fridge, scream if we don’t feed you at an acceptable pace, sleep like a champ, say Dada as you stare directly at me ( almost as if you just love to twist the knife more ), only care about the tv when a sport is on, grab my face for the best kisses, prefer Dad in mornings and Mom at bedtime, refuse to wear socks and shoes, and have endured so much snotsucking that you don’t even flinch when a boogie wipe or suction bulb comes near you. You’ve become quite popular for chatting in church, Father Kevin is still one of the only people to call you Addy, and if Dad and I make it through another month of two without you dropping a jar of tomato sauce on your foot because you refuse to stay out of the lazy Susan then I’m treating us all to ice cream because that will be a miracle.

Basically I just want you to know you’re the best thing. You’ve changed my life, you’ve changed your dad’s life and we are so proud and honored to be there front and center to each and every one of your magical days.

Cheers to you Big Girl! I wish you enough <3

Love you Always

Mama