Happy 1st Birthday Lucy!

Dear Lucy,

A year ago today you joined our family and made us complete. I smile now as I recall how your birth snuck up on us. Strong and silent, just like you. A week over due - you'd think we'd have been prepared. But nothing could have prepared us for you, ladybug.

In the days leading up to your birth, I couldn't wait for you to come. I wasn't working and had been preparing for your arrival slowly and methodically for the full nine months. We expected you to come early like your brother, but you weren't ready. Your due date came and went and we longed to meet you. Little did we know that you were already showing us how strong and determined you were and that you would join us only when the time was right.

On Sunday, February 15, 2009, you completed our family and touched me in a way that no one else has. You, my precious daughter, are part of me. You are my heart and soul. I knew it the minute you were born. I remember being overwhelmed with love for you that first night, and I know you felt the same. You knew me already. Those first nights were so special - just the two of us.

You have always been alert and content. I remember looking down at you in the hospital crib thinking you were asleep only to see your big eyes looking back at me. And I was drawn to you. Physically and emotionally. I couldn't even leave you in that little crib. I needed you with me. I craved you. Your touch. Your smell. You. And that has never gone away.

Before you were born, I often wondered how I would love my second child as much as my first. How foolish I was. While Nate made me a mother, you my sweet girl, gave me a gift just as special. You gave me a bond like no other - one between mother and daughter. You have changed me, sweet Lucy, in ways that are difficult to put into words.

We're celebrating you today - and all that you have become over this past year. It's hard to imagine that just one short year ago you joined us - and we became a family: Mommy, Daddy, Nate and Lucy. How fitting that your first birthday is on Family Day.

Has this past year been what we expected?

Like with your brother, the bond with you was immediate for both your Daddy and I. From the moment you were born (10:32 pm) your Daddy and I couldn't take our eyes off you, couldn't put you down, wouldn't leave you with anyone - not even for a second. We couldn't figure out if you looked like your brother or not. We thought so at first but then quickly realized that you had a look all you own and the personality to go with it.

Who would have known how different our first weeks with you would be than the early days with Nate. You were so patient as our little family adjusted to its newest member. You were calm and quiet and alert and often just watched as the three of us worked out becoming four. You were such a good eater, right the start. You knew how to nurse instinctively and love that special time with Mommy. I loved it too. Like with your brother, each time I nursed you I tried to make a memory - as I knew those special times would soon be gone. And now they are.

You were such a happy baby, smiling at everyone early on. When those beautiful smiles became consistent we knew they were real. It was such a pleasant surprise for us to have a smiling baby just weeks old.... so different from your brother, Mr. Serious. Your laugh has made our hearts smile, and your Daddy and I often comment that it melts our insides when you giggle.

It has continued to amaze me how much your Daddy and I love being with you and your brother. We really do. Just last night Daddy and I joked about being on a vacation together and we both realized within a second that we couldn't leave you guys. That we don't want to . That this little family of four is all either of us need.

You are my little snuggle bug, definitely Mommy's girl and I love it. I love having you in my arms, and when you rest your soft little head on my shoulder. I love reading and singing with you, all snuggled up together. I love your shriek of laughter when you're delighted. I love your adorable face. I love how you chatter and sing away as you play with your toys and how you sway side to side when you hear music. I love the joy you find in little things and I love, love , love the excitement on your face when you catch sight of me. You make me feel like the most important person in the world.

I'm proud that the child I helped to create is this interesting, funny, sweet little person who I can't wait to get to know better. I want you to know what a joy, what an honour, it is to be your mother and that sometimes when I hear your little voice from your crib, I want to jump out of bed and kiss you all over your face. And sometimes I do. I want you to know that whatever happiness I have a hand in bringing to you, it is only a fraction of what you have given me already. My biggest hopes are that you will always believe anything is possible and that wherever you go and whoever you become in this great wild world, you will always know how much you are loved.

I am a bit teary at saying goodbye to my "baby Lucy" but am also looking forward to all of the wonderful times that lie ahead for our family. And part of me doesn't have to say goodbye to that baby, because you will always be our little girl. Happy first birthday, my sweet angel. Thank you for everything you have given to us over this past year and for teaching your Daddy and I to strive each day to be parents you will be proud of and to be thankful for this very special family we have been blessed with.

Love Mommy