One.

“On the night you were born

the moon smiled with such wonder

that the star peeked in to see you

and the night wind whispered,

“Life will never be the same.”

Because there had never been anyone like you…

ever in the world.”

-Nancy Tillman

Miss Maddie Moo,

For once, I am at a loss for words.  It’s been amazing to think back upon this last year, to consider where I was on these days leading up to your birth one year ago.  The memories are as clear as though I were living through them again, back in the hospital, back in labor, back to waiting to see you finally after 42 long weeks.  Last night as we prepared to set off your lantern into the setting sun, I recalled where I was, on the table being prepped for a C-section, given one last chance to push, and finally bringing you into the world.  What a trip.

You’ve grown into a wonderful little person, full of vitality.  You bring so much happiness into the lives you touch through smiles, laughter, and play.  You have changed me in ways great and small, shown me the pleasure in the simple things, the beauty in the smallest detail, and the peace located within the simple quiet moments in the in-between.  You woke me up from the sleep walking state I comfortably dwelt in and opened my eyes to the same wonder you see in everything. I, too, was born that day one year ago.

With your larger-than-life personality you’ve enriched your daddy and I’s days with funny expressions and warm cuddles.    We cannot imagine our lives without you, and we spend each and every day returning the love you give us to you.   We know you won’t remember your first birthday in memory, but we hope we can show you some of the magic of the day through pictures and stories. We celebrated you, my love… your life, your laughter, your personality… but also the changes you’ve brought to us: the birth of a mother, a father, and a family.

Love,

Mom and dad.

The Party:

Simply put:  Moo’s “pretty in pink” party couldn’t have been more perfect.

Her pictures hung on the wall, a testament to how much she has grown and changed over the last year.

Auntie Esther made her a gorgeous cake in the shape of a “1,” and on it the same candle holder that was on my own first birthday cake.

And on the day Moo became older, a few pink wands made everyone else young again.

We toasted our daughter and all the wonderful changes she’s brought to our lives.

Everyone wrote well wishes to Moo on a paper lantern, which we took up into the countryside later that evening, to light and watch as it rose into the sky at 9:39pm … the moment when this special girl was born one year ago.  And, whilst the launch didn’t go according to plan, we still have the lantern as a keepsake and a funny story to share with her when she is older.  Instead, we enjoyed the beautiful sun setting over the South Downs, and it was the perfect end to a perfect day.

You are loved.

More photos:

Moo’s birthday photoshoot:

These were taken a week before she turned one.  The plan is to do the same(ish) shoot each year, with Moo holding as many balloons as she is years old.

Moo, month by month:

These are the photos in the banner I made.

(This entry was originally posted on July 26th, 2011, and backdated to the 24th to reflect her birthday).

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