From the
moment we knew you were just a seed in my tummy, we were instantly smitten. Our
first sonogram showed that you were dancing like the busybody baby you are.
Also, you were spread eagle like the limber gymnast we think you might one day be.
From the constant in-womb movement to the moment I first set my eyes on you,
you were a dream.
I thought
the love I had for your Daddy was the best that a girl could ask for. Then, I
became a mother. Daddy and I had no idea just how powerful unconditional love
could be. When we became a family of three, we couldn’t remember life without
you… it was like you were always a part of us. As we navigated the newness of
parenthood, you taught us new lessons everyday in patience, love, understanding,
and humility.
The moment
we laid our eyes on you, we knew you were something special. When the doctors
laid you on my chest, you so alertly looked at me, ready for all that was to
come. Even in the NICU, you showed us just how strong you were, withstanding
the constant testing to ensure you were as healthy as we’d hope you’d be.
Eleanor, you
are our sweet, independent, strong-willed, energetic, spunky, giggly, active, outdoorsy, and overly social baby girl. Every day with you has been a joy and your mere
presence makes me realize just how precious life is. No matter how challenging
or stressful my day is, I take one look at you and everything else melts away. I love you
more than I ever thought imaginable.
You are a carbon copy of me on the outside
but you undoubtedly inherited your Daddy’s social demeanor, humor, and FOMO
(Fear Of Missing Out Syndrome). You love music, dogs, the outdoors, any chaotic
scene, paper, bathtime, swimming, books, and dancing.
Eleanor, we are incredibly proud to call you our daughter, and we know are destined for
nothing less than extraordinary. No matter what you become, Daddy and I will be
your biggest cheerleaders, confidants, and support system. We love you more than you’ll ever
know, and we can’t wait to see what life has in store for you.
Thank you
for teaching us just how precious life is - we have undoubtedly become better
people because of you. In the past year, motherhood taught me that…
: Friends
become family and are invaluable when you don’t have family that lives in
Austin.
: Balancing
a career and motherhood is more challenging than I ever thought possible.
: Naps and
schedules make the world go round.
: Gratitude
is powerful and I do my best to write down 3 things I’m grateful for every
single day.
: There are
a million different ways to approach motherhood, and to each their own.
: Parenthood
is unbelievably emotional. As long as I can remind myself every day of just how
lucky I am, all is good.
: As Eric
Clancey so eloquently put it, don’t get too comfortable with a phase because it
doesn’t last long. So true. Just as soon as we got used to your demeanor and
schedule, you changed. Flexibility is key!
: Working
out is now a treat. What I once took for granted, I now I have so little time
for. I hope that you love physical activity as much as Daddy and I do. There’s nothing better to cure a bad day,
aggression, or complacency.
: You’re so
serene when you sleep. I walk into your room every night before going to bed
and feel your head. I know, I know, crazy mother. But I just can’t get enough
of you and worry constantly that you’re too hot/cold.
: Size
doesn’t matter. Growing up in the single digit percentiles, I never understood
I was small until later in life. Think big and don’t compare yourself to your
peers. Brilliancy, thoughtfulness, and ambition don’t discriminate size. While
Daddy and I stand at 5”7 and 5”1, we don’t limit ourselves in any aspect of our
lives.
: Our lives
before you seemed so significant – complete independence, living life in the
Big City, chasing dreams, a full social life, climbing the corporate ladder
only to realize it sucks, starting over in a new city… little did we realize
how you would put our lives into such perspective.
: Even
though you don’t like to snuggle, sneaking cuddly moments with you are the
best, even if you are sick. Honestly, there’s nothing better.
: Your smile
is contagious. Family, friends, or strangers – you are a beacon of laughter.
Motherhood
is the most gratifying role. I can’t
imagine life without you – you are the reason I was put on this Earth. Thank
you for your love, smiles, and belief in me. Eleanor, you are the love of our
lives, and we’re thankful every day for you and your love. You have taught
Daddy and me more than we ever thought possible, and we look forward to being by your side as you journey through your
beautiful life.
I love you… Happy 1st Birthday, Sweet Eleanor!
Mommy
